DIAGNOSTICS & IMAGING

MODERN IMAGING AND LABORATORY SERVICES

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective veterinary care. At Gippsland Veterinary Group, we have invested in advanced diagnostic technology across our seven clinics, enabling us to detect, monitor and manage a wide range of health conditions in dogs, cats and other pets.

From blood testing and cytology to ultrasound, echocardiography and digital radiography, our facilities and expertise ensure you receive rapid, reliable answers - and your pet gets the right treatment without unnecessary delay.

WHAT OUR DIAGNOSTICS & IMAGING SERVICE INVOLVES

Our diagnostic services include:

In-house blood testing - biochemistry, haematology, clotting profiles, thyroid function, infectious disease testing (FIV, FeLV, heartworm)
Advanced imaging - digital X-ray, dental radiography, abdominal and thoracic ultrasound, echocardiography (heart scan), endoscopy

Cytology - examination of cell samples from lumps, skin, ears, urine and internal organs
Specialist collaboration - access to second opinions from pathologists and referral hospitals for complex cases

We combine these tools with our veterinary team’s experience to interpret results accurately and design targeted treatment plans for your pet.

SIGNS YOUR PET MIGHT NEED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING

Diagnostic testing may be recommended if your pet is:

Unwell with no obvious cause
Losing weight or showing reduced appetite
Drinking or urinating more than usual
Lame or reluctant to move
Breathing rapidly, coughing or showing reduced exercise tolerance
Developing lumps, bumps or skin changes
Showing signs of pain, weakness or lethargy

Even in healthy pets, routine screening can help detect hidden disease early.

IN-HOUSE LABORATORY TESTING

Having on-site laboratory equipment allows us to perform many tests within minutes:

Biochemistry and haematology - To assess liver and kidney function, various protein levels, red and white blood cell counts
Coagulation profiles - Vital for diagnosing conditions such as rat bait toxicity or snake envenomation
Lactate and electrolyte analysis - Helps assess disease severity and guide treatment in critical patients

Canine and feline pancreatic lipase - For diagnosing pancreatitis
T4 (thyroxine) - For detecting under- or over-active thyroid conditions
FIV, FeLV, and heartworm - Rapid infectious disease screening
Faecal flotation and Giardia testing- For intestinal parasite detection and quantification

Some of our other in-house tests include:

SDMA - Detecting early kidney disease before changes appear in routine tests
Progesterone - For reproductive management in breeding animals

Cardiac biomarker (Pro-BNP) - Assessing heart muscle strain in cardiac patients
C-reactive protein (CRP) - Highly sensitive marker for systemic inflammation in dogs

DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY

Available at most GVG clinics, digital radiography is used to assess:

Abdominal and thoracic organs
Fractures and orthopaedic injuries
Breeding soundness - hip and elbow scoring for registered breeders, with PennHIP accreditation available

DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY

Essential for diagnosing hidden dental disease, performed during dental procedures to assess tooth roots and jaw health.

ULTRASONOGRAPHY & ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Many of our vets are trained in thoracic and abdominal ultrasonography, with some having additional experience in echocardiography (heart scans).

Ultrasonography helps detect internal bleeding, organ abnormalities and pregnancy
Echocardiography is invaluable for diagnosing heart conditions and guiding treatment

ENDOSCOPY

Internal examination of the gastrointestinal tract (gut) is possible with this technology, allowing retrieval of foreign bodies from the stomach or oesophagus and the collection of biopsies in the work-up of gastrointestinal disease.

ADVANCED IMAGING ACCESS

While we do not have CT or MRI on-site, we work closely with referral centres to arrange advanced imaging when needed. We can also easily share x-ray, ultrasound and endoscope images with specialists for second opinions.

CYTOLOGY & MICROSCOPY

Cytology allows us to examine cells from the body to help diagnose infection, inflammation or cancer. We perform:

Fine needle aspirates of lumps or internal organs (sometimes ultrasound-guided)
Ear swabs to identify the cause of ear infections
Urinalysis for kidney and urinary tract health
Faecal testing for parasite detection

Our Imagyst® system also sends high-resolution cytology images to board-certified pathologists for rapid expert review.

POINT-OF-CARE TESTING

Being able to run tests immediately allows us to:

Start treatment without delay in urgent cases
Monitor progress during hospitalisation
Detect subtle changes early for more proactive care

This can be lifesaving in emergencies such as snake bites, toxin ingestion or internal bleeding.

WHY CHOOSE GVG FOR DIAGNOSTICS & IMAGING?

Comprehensive facilities
Full in-house laboratory testing and advanced imaging available locally

Experienced team
Skilled in interpreting complex results and tailoring treatment accordingly

Rapid results
On-site testing for faster diagnosis and intervention

Specialist links
Direct access to referral centres and pathologists for advanced cases

Convenience
Multiple locations so high-quality diagnostics are always close to home

FAQS

Why can’t my pet’s problem be diagnosed without tests?

Do you send any tests to external labs?

Are diagnostic tests painful for my pet?

Can I request specific tests for my pet?

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BOOK A DIAGNOSTIC CONSULTATION

If your pet is unwell, showing unexplained symptoms, or you’d like a health check for peace of mind, book a diagnostic consultation at your local Gippsland Veterinary Group clinic. Our team is here to find answers and get your pet on the road to recovery.

BOOK ONLINE