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333 Texas St., Ste 1312 Shreveport, LA 71101

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(318) 465-2492

IMaging

Abdominal Ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasound is the perfect modality to image the liver, gallbladder, biliary system, stomach, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, adrenals, bladder, prostate, uterus, ovaries, bowel, vasculature, lymph nodes, mesentery & serosal surfaces. Additionally, we can also image the thyroid and parathyroid glands.   Abdominal ultrasound is the gold standard for affordable and less invasive diagnostics, most times eliminating the need for surgical procedures which saves pet owners money and prevents patients from enduring an often painful recovery from a surgery.

Echocardiogram

Echocardiograms are performed utilizing color flow, pulse wave and continuous wave doppler. Exams include standard right parasternal and left apical imaging with stills and cine loop images. Formal cardiologist reporting will include assessment and treatment recommendations. The consulting cardiologist will also help you decide when referral is necessary if it is deemed that the patient would benefit from management by an attending cardiologist such as in patients with congenital abnormalities. Echocardiograms should be performed as soon as a heart murmur is heard.  Recheck echocardiograms can be performed to monitor heart disease progression and access the effectiveness of cardiac medications.  An echocardiogram is an excellent choice to determine the cause of a cough in all veterinary patients.

Holter Monitoring

A Holter monitor is a portable device used to continuously monitor the electrical activity of the heart. Its extended recording period is useful for observing occasional or intermittent cardiac arrhythmias that may be difficult or impossible to identify during a routine clinical examination. The holter monitor is used in patients with a history of syncope (fainting), to identify transient abnormalities in the rhythm of the heart, to analyze the effectiveness of prescribed cardiac drugs, and to evaluate pacemaker function.  The monitor is held in place by a bandage or special vest and has leads that will be attached to your pet’s chest.  After the recommended time (24hrs to 7 days), all data obtained by the device is sent to a board certified veterinary cardiologist where any abnormalities are identified and the appropriate treatment is recommended.

Specialty Services

Coagulation Testing (PT/PTT)

Prior to any procedure requiring a needle-stick, coagulation times are tested.  PT (Prothrombin Time) and PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time) are tested to screen for extrinsic and common coagulation pathway disorders. 

Ultrasound Guided Aspirate

A large bore needle is placed in an organ using ultrasound guidance where cells are then gently aspirated.  The cells are spread across a microscope slide for evaluation by a veterinary pathologist.

Ultrasound Guided Biopsy

A large bore biopsy needle is placed in an organ using ultrasound guidance where a sample of the tissue is obtained, fixed in formalin, and is submitted for histopathology review by a veterinary pathologist.

Pericardiocentesis

Draining fluid from the pericardium (sack surrounding the heart) using ultrasound guidance.

Thoracocentesis

Draining fluid from the thoracic space using ultrasound guidance.

Abdominocentesis

Draining of fluid from the abdominal cavity using ultrasound guidance.

Bubble Studies

Agitated normal saline is administered via a peripherally placed IV catheter during an echocardiogram to better visualize certain cardiac defects.

Blood Pressure Management

A pediatric doppler probe is used to locate an artery to obtain both systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements.

Central Venous Pressure Measurement (CVP)

A single lumen or triple lumen central line is placed in the jugular vein where the distal end of the line is positioned in the entrance to the right atrium.  A saline filled fluid line and a manometer are used to obtain right atrial pressures.  CVP measurement is the gold standard in fluid therapy for the critical ill patient  and patients who have a history of heart disease who need fluid therapy, blood products all while avoiding fluid overload.

Telecytology

Report from board certified veterinary pathologist includes: the patient’s history; a microscopic description of the sample submitted, which includes overall cellularity, cell types and appearance; cytologic interpretation; comments regarding biological behavior, etiology and prognosis where applicable.

Immunocytochemistry

Immunocytochemical and enzymatic staining are applied to cytologic samples to evaluate cell populations.

Immunohistochemistry

This service uses specialized immunohistochemical testing to demonstrate the presence of various antigens, etiologic agents or tissue markers in histologic specimens.

Histopathology

Macroscopic (gross) evaluation or dissection of tissues, special stains (non-immunohistochemical), decalcification, evaluation of surgical margins and internal consultation where applicable. Report from the board certified veterinary pathologist includes: microscopic description of lesions, interpretation, comments regarding biological behavior, etiology, margins and references where applicable. Mitotic index and tumor margins are also included where applicable.

Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometry involves staining live cells with fluorescently labeled antibodies that bind to proteins expressed on the cell surface. Different types of lymphocytes express different proteins (for example, T-cells express the protein CD3, and B cells express the protein CD21). The cells are analyzed on a flow cytometer, which tells us how many cells of each type are present. This information allows us to determine the lineage of the cells present, and whether they are homogeneous (more consistent with neoplasia) or heterogeneous (more consistent with a reactive process).

Polymerase Chain Reaction for Antigen Receptor Rearrangement (PARR)

The PARR assay is a PCR assay in which the DNA of immunoglobulin (antibody) and T cell receptor genes is amplified. The results tell us if the majority of cells in the sample are derived from a single clone (most consistent with neoplasia), or from multiple clones (most consistent with a reactive process).  It is estimated that PARR detects 93% of confirmed canine lymphomas and 91% of confirmed feline lymphoma cases. A negative result does not rule out a diagnosis of lymphoma in either species.

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