We use advanced veterinary technology to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes for our patients.
In-House Veterinary Laboratory
At Westport Veterinary Associates, we're equipped with an in-house vet lab that allows us to perform a variety of tests and get results quickly. But we are not limited to in-house testing, we are also able to quickly access the diagnostic capabilities of dedicated veterinary labs across the Westport area. Working in-house and with our partner labs, we can diagnose your pet's symptoms and start treatment quickly. Testing includes:
- Complete Blood Counts
- Blood Chemistry Panels
- Parvovirus
- Heartworm Detection
- Fecal Exams
- Intestinal Parasite Tests
- Urinalysis
- Electrolyte Evaluation
- Cytology (Skin & Ear)
- Feline Leukemia
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
In-House Pharmacy
Our pharmacy is stocked with a range of medications and prescription diets, giving us quick access to any medications your pets may need while in our care. You can also fill and refill your pet’s prescriptions during your visits or at your convenience.
Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic imaging uses electromagnetic radiation and other technologies to generate extremely detailed images of your pet's internal structures and help provide an accurate medical diagnosis.
At Westport Veterinary Associates, we offer digital x-rays and ultrasound to learn what's happening inside your pet and provide you with the most effective treatment options.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is non-invasive and uses sound waves transmitted into the animal's body, creating an image that allows your vet to look at the internal organs and their architecture.
With ultrasound, our Westport vets can distinguish fluid from soft tissue masses or foreign bodies, which can be difficult to do with a digital x-ray.
Ultrasound is useful in diagnosing patients for hemoabdomen and pericardial effusion (blood in the abdomen and around the heart) in animal patients.
When your pet has tumors or ingests something he or she shouldn’t have, ultrasound can help locate and characterize the objects.
Echocardiograms
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of your pet's heart. Often referred to as an ECG this test provides your veterinarian with real-time images of your pet's heart structure and function.
Images from echocardiograms can be used to help to evaluate a pet's heart size, valve function and strength, as well as to look for signs of abnormalities or damage to the heart.
If your veterinarian suspects that your dog or cat is suffering from a heart condition an echocardiogram may be recommended for your pet.
Abdominal Ultrasounds
An abdominal ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create a picture of your pet's internal structures including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, adrenal glands, and bladder.
This type of ultrasound is often recommended when diagnosing pets with elevated liver values, chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, diabetes and more.
Ensuring that your pet is fasted (has an empty stomach) will help our team to get the best picture possible. Your veterinarian will be sure to provide you with specific instructions for fasting ahead of time.
Radiography (Digital X-Rays)
A radiograph, or X-ray, is a type of photograph that can look inside the body and reveal important information that may not be easily identified from the outside.
Radiography uses only very low doses of radiation, and it is painless, safe, and completely non-invasive. With such a low level of radiation exposure, even pregnant females and very young pets can undergo radiography.
Our Fairfield County vets use radiographs to evaluate bones and organs and diagnose conditions including bladder stones, broken bones, chronic arthritis, spinal cord diseases and some tumors.
GI Scoping
An endoscope is a device used by our veterinarians in order to get a clear view of your pet's internal gastrointestinal tract.
This useful diagnostic tool is comprised of a thin, flexible tube with a very tiny camera and light attached to the end. The camera sends immediate images to a screen in your vets office.
When we perform GI scoping, the endoscope is inserted directly into the pet's body to observe an internal organ or tissue in detail.
Depending on your pet's symptoms, the endoscope may be inserted into the mouth, anus or other areas to provide your veterinarian with a clear insights into the GI health of your dog or cat.
Cold Laser Therapy
Our Westport vets use cold laser therapy, a non-surgical therapeutic treatment, to treat inflammation and pain in animals. Cold laser therapy is pain-free, drug-free, and can be combined with other treatments.
Your cat or dog may be a candidate for cold laser surgery if he or she has suffered an injury, undergone surgery, or if they are experiencing a painful inflammatory condition such as arthritis.
How Cold Lasers Work
Cold lasers generate focused light that stimulates the tissue of your pet's skin, both at and below the surface. The light produces a biochemical effect that promotes cellular energy and regeneration, resulting in tissue repair, better circulation and pain relief for your pet.
Cold laser therapy can be used for treating a wide range of diseases, injuries and other conditions in pets. Among others, these include musculoskeletal injuries, soft tissue injuries (sprains and strains) and arthritis.
It is often recommended in use cold lasers in conjunction with other treatments
The Cold Laser Therapy Procedure
Your pet will be given a full physical exam, including x-rays if needed, before treatment begins. The laser wand is then used on the area that needs to be treated. Sessions typically last between 5 and 20 minutes.
Cold laser therapy has a cumulative effect, so your dog or cat will likely be prescribed multiple treatment sessions. Adhere to the frequency recommended by your veterinarian for best results.