Accurate information is the foundation of good veterinary care. At Universal Pet Hospital in Palo Alto, our in-house diagnostic capabilities allow us to process most laboratory tests and imaging studies at the time of your visit, giving our veterinarians the information they need to understand what is happening with your pet and move forward promptly. From digital X-rays and ultrasound to comprehensive blood panels and specialized endocrine testing, our diagnostic tools support a wide range of clinical needs for dogs and cats. Advanced imaging studies are reviewed by a visiting board-certified veterinary radiologist when indicated. Pre-booking is required for specialist radiological review. Call (650) 362-7969 to schedule a diagnostic evaluation.
Digital radiography is one of the most important tools we use to evaluate your pet's internal structures, including bones, joints, thoracic and abdominal organs, and the urinary tract. Compared to traditional film-based radiography, digital images are available immediately after exposure, can be enhanced for greater clarity, and can be shared quickly with consulting specialists. We use digital X-rays to evaluate fractures, joint disease, heart and lung abnormalities, suspected foreign bodies, urinary stones, abdominal organ size and positioning, and many other conditions. Digital radiography is a core part of our diagnostic service and is available for scheduled and urgent cases during all open hours.
Ultrasound provides a real-time view of soft tissue structures and internal organs that X-rays alone cannot fully reveal. We use abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive structures, and to identify free fluid, masses, or abnormal tissue changes. Ultrasound also guides fine needle aspirate procedures for more accurate cell collection from targeted structures. For complex ultrasound studies including echocardiography and advanced abdominal evaluations, findings may be reviewed by a visiting board-certified veterinary radiologist. Pre-booking is required for specialist radiological review.
Our in-house laboratory processes a comprehensive range of blood and body fluid tests at the time of your visit, with most results available within 30 to 60 minutes. Blood panels include complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive biochemistry panels assessing organ function and metabolic status, electrolytes, and coagulation factors. Our laboratory also performs urinalysis with sediment evaluation, snap testing for heartworm, feline leukemia virus, FIV, parvovirus, and Giardia, as well as cytology and microscopic evaluation for ear mites. In-house results allow our veterinarians to begin addressing your pet's concerns at the same appointment rather than waiting for outside laboratory returns.
Cytology is the examination of cells collected from a lesion, mass, lymph node, ear canal, or body fluid to provide information about what is present. Fine needle aspirate (FNA) is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small needle collects a sample for cytological review. Most pets tolerate FNA with minimal discomfort. Biopsies involve collecting a larger tissue sample for histopathological evaluation by a veterinary pathologist, which provides definitive information about tumor type and surgical margins. Biopsy is a standalone service available during all open hours, and same-day urgent biopsy procedures are available when clinically indicated.
Specialized endocrine testing allows us to evaluate hormonal conditions including hypothyroidism in dogs, hyperthyroidism in cats, Cushing's disease, Addison's disease, and diabetes mellitus. Tests include ACTH stimulation testing, low-dose dexamethasone suppression testing, thyroid hormone panels, and progesterone testing for breeding management. Rabies neutralizing antibody titer testing is available for pets traveling internationally and for confirming vaccine response. We also offer skin scraping to identify mange mites and Demodex, Giardia testing, and clotting factor assessment for patients with suspected bleeding disorders or pre-surgical evaluation.
Get the answers you need quickly. Call (650) 362-7969 or book online to schedule in-house diagnostics for your dog or cat at Universal Pet Hospital in Palo Alto. Same-day and urgent diagnostic appointments are available during all open hours.
