Diagnostics

At The Cat Practice, we know cats are experts at hiding illness. That’s why we rely on advanced diagnostic tools to uncover what can’t always be seen or felt during a physical exam. From wellness checks to urgent health concerns, our in-house lab and imaging services let us quickly and accurately diagnose your cat — so we can get them back to feeling their best as soon as possible.

In-House Laboratory Testing

Our fully equipped lab lets us perform a wide range of diagnostic tests right here — meaning faster results and quicker treatment decisions. Whether it’s routine bloodwork before a dental cleaning or testing for a sick kitty, we can deliver results without the delay of sending samples elsewhere.

Common in-house tests include:

• Complete Blood Counts (CBCs) – Red/white blood cell counts, platelets, infection and anemia detection.

• Chemistry Panels – Organ function, including liver, kidney, and pancreas.

• Thyroid Testing – Especially in older cats with weight loss or hyperactivity.

• Urinalysis – Detects urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or diabetes.

• Fecal Exams – Identifies intestinal parasites and other GI issues.

• Cytology & Skin Scraping – Analyzes cells or skin for infections, allergies, or tumors.

For specialized tests, we partner with trusted external labs to ensure the most accurate results.

Digital X-Rays — Clear Images, Quick Diagnosis

We use digital radiography to get a detailed look inside your cat’s body without the wait. Digital X-rays produce sharper images, emit less radiation, and can be reviewed instantly.

We use digital X-rays to detect:

• Bone fractures or joint issues

• Bladder or kidney stones

• Foreign object ingestion

• Abnormal organ size or shape

• Tumors or masses

• Dental disease (including feline dental X-rays)

Ultrasound – Real-Time Internal Imaging

Ultrasound lets us see your cat’s soft tissues in real time — a non-invasive, pain-free way to better understand what’s happening in the abdomen, chest, or even heart.

Helpful for diagnosing:

• Abdominal discomfort or bloating

• Suspected masses or tumors

• Kidney or bladder stones

• Gastrointestinal obstructions

• Pregnancy

• Liver, spleen, or intestinal disease

We offer in-depth ultrasound imaging utilizing superior equipment and performed by Kristin Hart, RDMS, RVT, RTR, a multi-boarded ultrasonographer with over 30 years of experience in veterinary ultrasound imaging. Kristin has received 8 years of year-round training in both human and veterinary ultrasound, graduating from the accredited program at Henry Ford Hospital, and her studies have been AAHA approved. She has worked closely with veterinary criticalists, internists, radiologists, and boarded surgeons — her imaging and surgical correlation is known to be “spot on.”

Kristin’s expertise helps ensure accurate diagnoses, shorter anesthesia times during surgery, and precise guided biopsies. Her advanced knowledge of the vascular system and fine-tuned dexterity provide exceptional imaging detail, helping us deliver the best possible care for your cat.