Current Rabies Promotion Free 1-Year Rabies Vaccine with your dog's wellness exam.

Dogs only. New clients welcome. Excludes vaccine clinic visits, sick appointments, and 3-year rabies needs.

New Online Portal IDEXX Vello is now live on our website.

Clients can review vaccine history, access pet records, and request appointments online from one secure portal.

March 11, 2026

Peering Inside: How Advanced Imaging and In-House Labs Give Us Fast Answers

person holding white and brown long fur cat

Peering Inside: How Advanced Imaging and In-House Labs Give Us Fast Answers

At Clifton Ave Animal Hospital, we understand that when your pet is unwell, waiting days for test results is simply not an option. Not knowing what is wrong with your companion can be incredibly stressful, and when it comes to their health, every minute counts.

You might hear our veterinarians recommend “running some bloodwork” or “taking a quick look with the ultrasound.” We believe in total transparency with our clients, so we want to pull back the curtain on our Advanced Diagnostics Suite—the state-of-the-art tools we use to get a clear, accurate picture of your pet’s internal health rapidly.

Understanding Our Diagnostic Tools

Just like in human medicine, a physical exam only tells us part of the story. To truly understand what is happening inside your pet, we rely on a combination of high-tech imaging and rapid laboratory testing.

Diagnostic Ultrasound

Non-invasive, real-time imaging of your pet’s internal organs. Unlike X-rays, which show us the size and shape of organs, ultrasound allows us to see inside them. It is an entirely pain-free way to evaluate the liver, kidneys, intestines, and heart. It is especially vital for detecting fluid, examining pregnancies, or finding hidden masses.

In-House Laboratory

Comprehensive blood and urine analysis in minutes, not days.
Our advanced in-house blood analyzers provide complete blood counts (CBC) and chemistry panels while you wait. This gives our medical team immediate insights into your pet’s organ function, hydration levels, and whether they are fighting an active infection or dealing with anemia.

Digital Radiography (X-Rays)

Instant, high-resolution imaging for bones and vital structures.
Digital X-rays allow us to capture detailed images in seconds. They are essential for evaluating broken bones, checking the lungs for signs of pneumonia or heart failure, and spotting ingested foreign objects (like that missing sock!).


Why Speed Matters

When a pet is critical or uncomfortable, we cannot afford to guess. By having these capabilities on-site, our doctors can move from diagnosis to treatment in the very same visit. While you are sitting in the exam room, our machines are actively processing blood samples, and our team is interpreting life-saving scans.

We promise to use these advanced tools to provide the most precise, “all-hands-on-deck” medical care for your pet, eliminating the anxious waiting game.

🩺 Diagnostic Checklist: When We May Need a Closer Look

If your pet exhibits any of the following symptoms, we will likely recommend advanced imaging or lab work to uncover the root cause:


Our Commitment to You

We value your peace of mind and your trust. Our goal is always to provide accurate, swift answers so we can get your pet on the road to recovery as quickly as possible, all while maintaining the highest standard of medical excellence.

Have concerns about your pet’s current symptoms?

Call us at Clifton Ave Animal Hospital immediately so we can help you determine if an exam and diagnostics are needed. Your pet’s health and happiness are—and always will be—our first priority.