Diagnostics
At Vet Marlborough, we provide advanced diagnostic services for dogs and cats, including in-house laboratory testing, radiology, ultrasound imaging, endoscopy, and electrocardiographs (ECG). Our modern equipment and expert veterinary team ensure fast, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for a wide range of pet health conditions.
Labratory Testing
Our fully equipped laboratory features a high-powered microscope with 100x oil immersion lens, used daily to diagnose a wide range of pet health conditions quickly and accurately.
Parasite Detection
Using skin scrapings, fur brushings, or faecal samples, we identify parasites such as mites, lice, fleas, and intestinal worm eggs, helping to guide effective treatment.
Ear Infections
Microscopic examination of ear wax samples allows us to determine whether an infection is bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or inflammatory, ensuring your pet receives the right treatment.
Reproductive Health
Microscopy of vaginal smears helps identify the stage of a bitch’s oestrus cycle and the best mating time. For precise timing, we also offer blood progesterone testing.
Semen Evaluation
During artificial insemination, we use microscopy to assess sperm quality and motility, improving breeding outcomes.
Cytology
Fine needle sampling and microscopic evaluation of skin lumps or organ cells often allow for on-site diagnosis without needing external pathology testing.
Joint Fluid Analysis
Microscopy of synovial (joint) fluid helps detect joint infections or immune-mediated diseases, supporting early and accurate treatment.
Lung and Neurological Testing
We use bronchoalveolar lavage to identify causes of lung disease such as asthma, infection, or cancer, and cerebrospinal fluid testing to diagnose neurological conditions like meningitis.
For fast, accurate results and quicker diagnosis, Vet Marlborough is equipped with advanced IDEXX Catalyst Dx Biochemistry and ProCyte Dx Haematology analysers. Performing tests in-house eliminates postal delays and provides vital results during emergencies when every minute counts.
Sick Animal Profile
Alongside a clinical examination, blood testing is one of the most effective ways to identify the cause of illness. Tests reveal which organs are affected and guide further diagnostics like X-rays, ultrasound, or biopsy. We can also quickly detect infectious diseases such as canine parvovirus and feline immunodeficiency virus, helping to prevent outbreaks.
Pre-Anaesthetic Health Screen
Before any anaesthetic or sedation, we run blood tests to detect underlying health concerns and improve anaesthetic safety for your pet.
General Health Screen
Annual blood screening helps identify early signs of disease, ensuring more successful treatment outcomes. This is especially important for senior pets, and our Grey Paws programme is designed to support their ongoing health.
NSAID Health Screen
Pets on long-term arthritis pain relief using NSAIDs (such as Rimadyl, Metacam, or Previcox) require regular blood tests to monitor liver and kidney function, ensuring safe, effective treatment.
Therapeutic Monitoring
We provide same-day in-house testing for pets on long-term medications to track treatment effectiveness, including:
Phenobarbitone for epilepsy
T4 (thyroid hormone) for thyroid management
Fructosamine and glucose for diabetes
Cortisol for Cushing’s and Addison’s disease
A simple urine sample combined with a clinical exam can reveal key insights into your pet’s health, helping detect:
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Diabetes
• Cushing’s disease
• Urinary tract infection or inflammation
• Bladder stones or crystals
Using our urinary refractometer, microscope, biochemistry analyser, and test strips, most tests are done quickly in-clinic. If infection is suspected, samples may be sent for urine culture to determine the most effective antibiotic.
Radiology
At Vet Marlborough, we use advanced digital radiography to provide fast, high-quality diagnostic imaging for pets of all sizes, from large dogs to tiny birds. Our state-of-the-art X-ray equipment produces exceptionally clear images, helping us diagnose health issues quickly and accurately.
Our modern system improves diagnostic accuracy and response time in emergencies. Mark Wiseman, who has advanced training in veterinary radiology, provides expert interpretation of complex cases.
Contact Vet Marlborough today to learn more about our advanced pet X-ray services.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound technology is a safe, non-invasive diagnostic tool widely used in both human and veterinary medicine. At Vet Marlborough, our advanced colour Doppler ultrasound machine, the same model used in hospitals, allows us to accurately assess internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, prostate, and heart.
We also use ultrasound for pregnancy diagnosis in dogs and cats, providing fast, stress-free results.
Veterinarian Stuart Burrough has extensive experience in veterinary ultrasound and cardiac imaging, developed during his time as Practitioner in Residence at Florida State University.
Endoscopy
An endoscope uses advanced fiber-optic technology to allow veterinarians to see inside a pet’s body safely and non-invasively. At Vet Marlborough, we have both large and small endoscopes, enabling examination of small areas like the nasal cavity and ear canal, as well as larger structures such as the trachea, oesophagus, stomach, and cervix.
Endoscopy is usually performed under sedation, though general anaesthesia may be used when a biopsy or additional procedure is required.
Electrocardiograph
An electrocardiograph (ECG) for pets is a painless, non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your dog or cat’s heart. By attaching small electrodes to the legs, our veterinarians can assess heart function, detect enlarged hearts, heart rhythm disturbances, and identify other cardiac disorders early, helping ensure the best possible care for your pet.