Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

Our Diagnostic Services 

Using our veterinary diagnostic technologies and tools we are proud to provide all our patients with advanced diagnostic testing to produce accurate diagnoses and rapid creation of treatment plans. 

• Radiography (Digital X-rays)

  By using a radiograph (also known as a digital x-ray), we can examine your pet's internal systems to reveal information that may not be visible from the outside. 

  Radiography is painless, safe, and non-invasive. It only uses very small doses of radiation, and because of this, even pregnant females or very young animals can safely undergo radiography procedures. 

  At New Ulm Regional Veterinary Center, we use radiographs to evaluate your pet's bones and organs and to diagnose conditions like arthritis, broken bones, spinal cord diseases, and tumors.

  OFA certification radiographs for hip and elbow dysplasia screening is recommended especially for breeding animals over 2 years of age. We obtain these specific radiographs which are then submitted to OFA for certification. Please visit Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for further information on breed specific genetic (DNA) testing.

• Bloodwork

  At our vet lab in New Ulm, we are able to run a number of common and specialized blood tests to determine the health of your pet and to diagnose illness.

  Some of the most common veterinary blood tests we conduct include complete blood counts, blood serum profiles, white blood cell counts, and more. 

  By taking some of your pet's blood, we are able to provide you with a Genetic Health Analysis in order to discover what health risks your dog may have as well as their breed ancestry.

• Heartworm Test

  Our veterinarians use a blood test to check for heartworms. An antigen test detects specific heartworm proteins, called antigens, which are released by adult female heartworms into the dog's bloodstream.

  In most cases, antigen tests can accurately detect infections with one or more adult female heartworms.

• Tick Panel

  Annually, thousands of dogs and humans are infected with tick-borne diseases, and that rate is climbing. We test for the tick-borne diseases known as, Canine ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and Anaplasmosis.

• Urinalysis

  Urinalysis is a key diagnostic test that provides your vet with essential insights into the physical and chemical properties of your pet's urine.

  Urinalysis is primarily used to assess the health of your animal's kidneys and urinary tract system, but it can also be helpful in detecting issues in other organ systems and is important for diagnosing metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

  This is a valuable diagnostic test for both healthy and sick animals and should be included in any comprehensive evaluation of your pet's overall health. 

• Fecal Exams

  A fecal exam is the microscopic examination and antigen test of your pet's feces. The final goal of a fecal exam is to identify, assess and treat any gastrointestinal infections which may be compromising your pet's health and the health of your family. Fecal exams allow your veterinarian to determine whether or not your pet has intestinal parasites.

  Parasites can make pets uncomfortable, irritable, and lead to more serious conditions. Some can even be transmitted to humans.

  Since these parasites live in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract, they are often hidden from view. The only way to detect them is with a fecal exam.

  Annual fecal examines should be a vital part of every pet's routine wellness exam.  

• Digital Dental X-rays

  If your cat or dog is suffering periodontal disease, much of this damage occurs below the gum line where it can't be easily seen. Digital dental x-rays help our veterinarians assess your pet's oral health.

  Digital x-rays are safer for your pet. They allow our team of veterinary professionals to examine the roots, bones, and internal anatomy of your cat or dog's teeth.

  Using digital dental x-rays, the risk of radiation exposure for your pet is significantly lower than with traditional x-ray technologies. We will be able to see below the surface of your pet's gum line in order to evaluate each and every tooth. 

  This technology allows the vet to see results immediately.

• Therapeutic Lasers

  Therapeutic laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment for pets suffering from a wide range of conditions, from injuries sustained through trauma to inflammatory skin conditions.

  Using low-intensity lasers, therapy with this technology induces a state in your pet's cells called photobiomodulation, encouraging cell growth, healing rates, and circulation in the affected area.

• Surgical Lasers

  During surgery, we are able to use a highly focused laser beam to vaporize living tissue. This allows us to seal nerve endings, blood vessels, capillaries, and lymphatics. 

  Surgical lasers offer significant health benefits for patients undergoing procedures involving them. These tools help to reduce your pet's pain, bleeding, and swelling and they also encourage a quicker recovery from a given procedure.