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Move to new side of building

We are excited to announce that Phase 1 of construction will be completed in early March. We will start seeing patients on that side of the clinic the week of March 4th. Monday, March 4th will be a moving day. If you have a scheduled appointment on March 4th you will enter the clinic through our normal front doors. We will have reduced appointments on that day. We will be exclusively in Phase 1 from March through June while the remainder of the clinic undergoes a full renovation.

Here are some changes that will occur from March to June:

• We will be implementing curbside for all appointments and medication or food pick-up. Please call from the parking lot to check in and we will call when a room is ready for you to enter.

• You will enter through a new front entrance into a small makeshift reception area and a staff member will meet you to usher you into an exam room

• Our surgical appointments will be limited for those 3 months. We will still be able to do surgery but have a limited number of cages and recovery areas. Surgical drop-off and pick-up will also be curbside.

• If you purchase food from the clinic, please plan as we will be carrying a reduced volume of food due to lack of storage. You can also visit our online pharmacy and order your food from our online store https://springhillvet.vetsfirstchoice.com/.

Library

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Cats + Diagnosis

  • Serum Protein Electrophoresis

    Serum contains many proteins that perform diverse functions, which include providing cellular nutrition, defending against infections, playing a role in inflammation, and acting as hormones or enzymes. Protein electrophoresis is a specialized test that analyzes specific groups of proteins in the blood serum and measures how much of each group of protein is present. The results of the analysis help diagnose specific diseases, such as infection and some types of cancer.

  • Skin Biopsy in Cats

    A biopsy is one of the more common diagnostic procedures performed in cats. Biopsies provide valuable insight into the type of cells in an abnormal area of skin or a skin growth and whether the growth poses a more serious health threat to your pet. Either the entire mass or a small representative section of skin is removed and submitted to a veterinary pathologist, who will perform a histopathology analysis. The pathologist will attempt to determine the nature of the lesion, identify the type of cells and their relationship to each other, as well as any evidence of malignancy.

  • Testing and Monitoring in Addison’s Disease

    Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, results from decreased corticosteroid and mineralocorticoid production from the adrenal glands. This results in non-specific signs of illness that mimic many other diseases. This article outlines screening and diagnostic tests for Addison’s disease.

  • Testing for Abdominal Enlargement in Cats

    Abdominal enlargement in cats may occur due to a simple cause such as obesity, pregnancy, or intestinal parasites; however, it can also be a symptom of different illnesses including heart disease, organ enlargement, cancer, FIP, trauma, and rarely hyperadrenocorticism or hypothyroidism. Identifying the cause of abdominal enlargement can take several steps starting with history and physical exam, progressing to screening tests including bloodwork and urinalysis. The CBC is assessed for signs of anemia, low platelets, or signs of inflammation. A biochemistry profile may reveal liver or kidney dysfunction, hypo- or hyperproteinemia, hypoglycemia, or other abnormalities. Urinalysis is used to fully interpret the biochemistry and check for abnormal urinary sediment. Based on the findings of the screening tests, additional diagnostics may include imaging, EKG, tissue biopsy, or fluid analysis.

  • Testing for Cough

    Coughing can have many different causes, including infectious disease, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, anatomical abnormalities, or cancer. Important for the diagnosis is a thorough history, physical exam, and screening tests, outlined here. More advanced diagnostics are also summarized.

  • Testing for Decreased Appetite with Listlessness

    Listlessness and inappetence are vague signs that can occur in pets for many reasons, both physical and mental. Diagnosis starts with a thorough history and physical exam and may progress to screening tests, including a complete blood test, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis, as well as additional tests. This article outlines the typical tests for listlessness and inappetence.

  • Testing for Diarrhea

    Diarrhea can be a simple diagnosis or a complex one. A thorough history and physical exam may be enough to determine the cause; however, in less obvious cases, various tests may be needed. Pending the results, a treatment plan can be developed.

  • Testing for Fever of Unknown Origin

    Fever of unknown origin is a term used for persistent fever in pets. It has many possible causes, including infection, immune-mediated disease, and cancer. Initial steps in diagnosis are history and physical exam, followed by standard screening tests, including a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. Further testing may be indicated. This article outlines the typical tests.

  • Testing for Heartworm Disease in Cats

    Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite that typically affects dogs but can occasionally occur in cats. Heartworm is usually diagnosed with a simple blood test. Unlike in dogs, treatment options are limited in cats. Heartworm preventives are available for cats. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best prevention program for your cat.

  • Testing for Inappropriate Urination (Urinating in the House)

    Inappropriate urination happens in well-trained pets for many reasons, including inflammation, infection, estrogen deficiency, kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, Cushing's disease, neurological disease, or behavioral issues. A number of screening tests will be performed by your veterinarian to determine the root cause of the inappropriate urination. These tests are outlined in this article.