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Diagnostics & Imaging

Advanced diagnostics like bloodwork, X-rays, and ultrasound help us catch issues early and treat them quickly.

Diagnostics & Imaging: Getting Answers, Guiding Better Care
When your pet isn’t feeling their best—or when something just seems “off”—diagnostics and imaging help us find the answers quickly and accurately. These tools allow veterinarians to see what’s happening inside your pet’s body without invasive procedures, making it easier to diagnose illnesses, monitor ongoing conditions, and plan effective treatments.

Why Are Diagnostics Important?

Pets can’t tell us what’s wrong, and early signs of illness are often subtle. Advanced diagnostics help us catch problems early—when they’re most treatable—and ensure we’re not guessing when it comes to your pet’s health.

Whether it’s a routine wellness check or something more urgent, in-house diagnostics give your veterinarian a clearer picture of your pet’s internal health.

What Types of Diagnostic Services Do We Offer?

Our hospital offers a wide range of diagnostic and imaging tools, including:

Bloodwork & Lab Testing

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  • Blood chemistry panels (organ function, electrolytes)

  • Thyroid and hormone testing

  • Tick-borne disease screening

  • Feline leukemia/FIV testing

  • Heartworm testing

Urinalysis & Fecal Testing

  • Detects infections, crystals, or signs of kidney issues

  • Screens for internal parasites, Giardia, and more

Digital Radiology (X-Rays)

  • High-quality imaging of bones, chest, abdomen, and joints

  • Useful for identifying fractures, arthritis, foreign bodies, tumors, or lung disease

Ultrasound Imaging

  • Offers a real-time look at soft tissues like the liver, bladder, kidneys, or heart

  • Ideal for detecting fluid buildup, tumors, pregnancy, or organ changes

In-House Laboratory

  • Fast turnaround for urgent or same-day cases

  • Supports more accurate diagnosis and quicker treatment decisions

When Might Your Pet Need Imaging or Lab Tests?

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Limping or pain

  • Labored breathing or coughing

  • Weight loss or appetite changes

  • Lethargy or behavioral changes

  • Monitoring chronic illnesses

  • Pre-surgical evaluations or senior wellness screening

What to Expect

Your veterinarian will walk you through the purpose of each test or imaging recommendation, what the results may tell us, and next steps. Most procedures are non-invasive, and we prioritize your pet’s comfort and safety throughout.

Diagnostics are the bridge between symptoms and solutions. With accurate, timely results, we can provide the best possible care for your pet—whether it’s for peace of mind or urgent treatment.

🐾 Looking to keep your pet healthy and happy? Visit us—we’re here to support every step of the way.

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Frequently Asked Questions

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.

Payment is due when services are rendered at All Creatures Pet Hospital. We accept all major credit cards and offer Care Credit for your convenience.

Heartworms have been diagnosed in all fifty states and are especially prevalent in warmer climates found in Alabama. Heartworms can be transmitted to dogs and cats by the bite of a mosquito infected with immature heartworms. If the dog or cat is not protected by a heartworm preventative, the worms can mature, eventually damage the heart and lungs, and cause death if left untreated. Please remember that heartworm preventatives are always less expensive and more effective than heartworm treatments. Dr. Ted Hankes attends conferences and lectures throughout the country to stay current and ensure that All Creatures Pet Hospital offers the safest and most effective products here at our pharmacy, including heartworm preventatives. Please call one of our caring veterinary team members at (205) 947-4083 and schedule a heartworm-preventative appointment for your companion.

Dr. Ted Hankes recommends spaying or neutering all pets not being used for breeding purposes. Sterilization not only prevents unwanted litters but can also prevent certain reproductive cancers later in their lives. Puppies and kittens can be spayed between four and six months of age. Our pets feel pain the same way people do, therefore, we administer pain medication to keep them comfortable during and after the procedure. Additionally, blood work is needed to help determine if your puppy or kitten is healthy enough for the procedure. Please call All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule your furry friend for a spay or neuter as soon as they are old enough for the surgery.

Proper nutrition and portion control are as important for our pet companions as they are for us. Overweight pets face the same conditions as people, including arthritis, joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease, for example. Dr. Hankes can evaluate your pet to determine their individual nutritional needs, as well as the proper portions to maintain a healthy body weight. Affordable prescription diets are available at our hospital for your convenience. Schedule an appointment for your furry friend regardless of their life stage or current health condition.

Like people, pets need dental care for overall health. Without it, bacteria can cause tooth decay, gum damage, and may harm organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Dr. Hankes recommends dental care starting at age one to help prevent disease, improve health, and avoid costly future treatments. Contact our team at All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule your pet's dental appointment.

In many species, one animal year equals about seven human years. A seven-year-old dog missing the vet for three years is like a 49-year-old person skipping the doctor for 21 years. At All Creatures Pet Hospital, we recommend yearly exams and blood work unless your pet is sick or has a special condition. Caring for your pet early can reduce future medications and may extend their life. Call us at (205) 947-4083 to schedule your pet's yearly visit.