Advanced Diagnostics

At Safe Harbor, we use a variety of diagnostics, including digital X-rays, ultrasound, and an in-house laboratory, to better understand your pet’s condition. These tools allow us to create a more comprehensive evaluation so we can reach an accurate diagnosis.

In-house laboratory

Our advanced in-house laboratory allows us to perform detailed testing to quickly diagnose your pet’s condition and determine the best course of treatment. Our specially trained laboratory technicians perform diagnostic testing, while our veterinarians focus on interpreting the results and creating a treatment plan. Our in-house lab can be used whether your pet is hospitalized or seen as an outpatient. Tests we can perform on-site include:

Complete blood count (CBC)
Biochemistry profile
Fecal evaluation, to detect parasites, such as whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, giardia and coccidia
Heartworm testing
Cytology of skin scrapes, ear swabs, and mass aspirations
Viral disease screening (e.g., parvovirus, feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus)

Boarding Info

A female veterinarian in a blue uniform preps a syringe at a workstation with medical equipment in the background.

A veterinarian in a laboratory examines a circular lab device closely, holding it up to eye level. The background shows laboratory equipment.

Close-up of hands using veterinary laboratory equipment, including a small digital monitor and a glass container, to conduct scientific experiments.

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Reference Laboratory

We use Multiple laboratory partners tests we can’t run on-site. These are some of the nation’s premier veterinary diagnostics lab, and they provide rapid results for tests such as:

Tick disease screening
Bacterial cultures
Fungal cultures
Histopathology

PCR panels
Comprehensive thyroid testing
Fluid analysis

Tick disease screening
Bacterial cultures
Fungal cultures
Histopathology
PCR panels
Comprehensive thyroid testing
Fluid analysis

Your pet ages much faster than you, which means annual or bi-annual blood screening is important to catch age-related health issues before they become clinically apparent. We consider your pet’s age, lifestyle, and breed to tailor an appropriate testing regimen. Don’t hesitate to ask our veterinary professionals what screening tests are right for your pet during their next wellness visit.

Close-up of a veterinarian's hands adjusting the focus on a microscope in a laboratory setting, with blurred scientific samples visible in the background.

X-rays

Digital X-rays provide detailed images that are immediately available for examination by our trained veterinarians. X-rays allow our veterinary team to detect internal problems, such as bone fractures, bladder stones, heart abnormalities, and lung changes. In addition, certain masses and foreign bodies can also be appreciated. X-rays are also required for Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certification, to assess hip and elbow joint stability.

Digital X-rays are painless and non-invasive, and sedation is typically not required unless the pet is uncooperative or specific positioning is needed that may be uncomfortable. When necessary, we consult with board-certified radiologists through Oncura to provide an accurate diagnosis for your pet. Safe Harbor has the capability to produce full-body images, and we leverage the latest technology to produce detailed skull images, which are especially helpful during dental exams.

Penn-Hip X-rays

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a non-invasive, painless diagnostic procedure used in human and veterinary medicine. Lubricating gel is placed over the area to be examined, and a probe is gently moved over soft tissue structures. Sound waves produced by the unit bounce off tissues of varying composition, producing real time images that allow our veterinarians to assess the pet’s internal structures. Ultrasound is used for many situations, including:

Ultrasound-guided sample collection
Organ evaluation (e.g., liver, kidney, bladder)
Tumor or mass detection
Pregnancy diagnosis

A vet and an assistant examining an ultrasound image of a dog in a clinic, with the assistant holding the dog and the vet analyzing the scan.

Cardiac Evaluation

An echocardiogram, or heart ultrasound exam, can be used after detection of a murmur or rhythm disturbance, to stage cardiac disease, and to determine if a pet has a congenital heart defect.

Sedation is not usually required for an cardiac evaluation. A small area of your pet’s fur may be shaved to enhance contact between the probe and skin, but we will discuss this with you before the procedure. On the day of your pet’s ultrasound, you can choose to drop your pet off or wait while we take, process, and interpret their ultrasound images. When necessary, we consult with board-certified radiologists and cardiologists, and in some cases, we may refer your pet to a local specialty hospital for more detailed care.

Blood pressure
Thoracic radiographs
Cardiac ultrasound

Cardiac Evaluation

An echocardiogram, or heart ultrasound exam, can be used after detection of a murmur or rhythm disturbance, to stage cardiac disease, and to determine if a pet has a congenital heart defect.

Sedation is not usually required for an cardiac evaluation. A small area of your pet’s fur may be shaved to enhance contact between the probe and skin, but we will discuss this with you before the procedure. On the day of your pet’s ultrasound, you can choose to drop your pet off or wait while we take, process, and interpret their ultrasound images. When necessary, we consult with board-certified radiologists and cardiologists, and in some cases, we may refer your pet to a local specialty hospital for more detailed care.

Blood pressure
Thoracic radiographs
Cardiac ultrasound