staff member with gloved hands holding tube of blood with cat being handled by other staff member blurred in the background

Veterinary Diagnostics for Cats, Dogs & Exotic Pets in Dubuque, IA

When your pet isn’t feeling well, answers can’t come soon enough. At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic, we provide a full range of veterinary diagnostic services to help uncover the cause of illness or discomfort quickly and accurately. Our in-house laboratory, digital radiography, and ultrasound capabilities allow us to evaluate everything from minor concerns to serious health conditions, often during the same appointment.

Whether your companion is a dog, cat, or exotic pet, our skilled Dubuque veterinarians use these tools to create precise treatment plans and ensure your pet receives the care they need to feel their best.

Call us today at (563) 583-8387 or request an appointment online to schedule your pet’s diagnostic evaluation.

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In-House Laboratory Testing for Pets

Our in-house laboratory gives us the ability to provide same-day results for many tests, helping us identify conditions sooner and begin treatment without unnecessary delays.

We can perform a wide variety of tests, including:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC evaluates and quantifies red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help detect infection, inflammation, anemia, or clotting disorders.

Chemistry Panels

Various chemistry panels assess organ function, including the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, while also screening for metabolic and electrolyte imbalances.

Urinalysis

A urinalysis provides important information about kidney and bladder health and helps detect urinary tract infections, urinary crystals, diabetes, and other systemic diseases.

Fecal Testing

A fecal test screens for intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, which can impact your pet’s overall health and sometimes spread to people.

Cytology

We can examine samples from the skin, ears, or lumps under the microscope to check for infections, allergies, or cancerous changes.

Endocrine Testing

Certain blood tests measure hormone levels to diagnose thyroid disease, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, and other endocrine disorders.

Pet Ultrasounds & Echocardiograms in Dubuque, IA

We use digital radiography, which provides sharper, clearer images than traditional film X-rays. This allows us to spot issues sooner and with greater accuracy. Digital X-rays help us:

  • Identify fractures, dislocations, and bone injuries
  • Detect foreign objects that may have been swallowed
  • Evaluate the heart, lungs, and abdominal organs
  • Diagnose dental disease through detailed dental X-rays

Because images are digital, they can be reviewed immediately and sent electronically to board-certified radiologists if a second opinion is needed.

Pet Ultrasound In Dubuque Ia

Pet Ultrasounds & Echocardiograms in Dubuque, IA

Ultrasound provides a noninvasive way to see inside your pet’s body in real time. With this technology, we can:

  • Examine the abdomen for tumors, cysts, and organ abnormalities
  • Assess the liver, kidneys, bladder, and digestive system
  • Confirm and monitor pregnancy
  • Guide needle biopsies with precision

Abdominal ultrasounds are available with Dr. Hellert Tuesday through Thursday, with sedation provided if needed. Emergency and AFAST ultrasounds can also be performed by Drs. Hellert and Tigges when available.

Echocardiography (Heart Ultrasound)

For pets with suspected heart conditions, we also partner with a traveling echocardiography specialist who performs in-depth heart ultrasounds right here in our clinic. Echocardiograms allow us to:

  • Detect valve disease, cardiomyopathy, and congenital defects
  • Evaluate heart chamber size, pumping ability, and blood flow
  • Guide treatment plans for pets with chronic or complex heart disease

This service means your pet can receive specialized cardiovascular care without the stress of traveling to a distant referral hospital.

Specialized Expertise & Collaboration

Our veterinarians have additional training in abdominal ultrasound, giving us the ability to perform more detailed evaluations than many general practices. When cases require further analysis, we collaborate with board-certified radiologists to ensure even complex cases receive the highest level of expertise. This is especially valuable for exotic pets, who often present unique diagnostic challenges.

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