Diagnostic Imaging

Timely, high-quality images for effective treatment of your pet.

Outpatient Ultrasound – Same Week Availability!

Like human babies, dogs and cats cannot tell us what and how they are feeling. Veterinarians can rely on ultrasounds to help diagnose your pet’s condition. At Points East Veterinary Specialty Hospital, all ultrasounds are performed by our specially-trained team members using our state-of-the-art equipment. Ultrasounds are safe, noninvasive, and painless. The procedure uses ultrasonic sound waves to produce a real-time image of your pet’s internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, lymph nodes, and heart. Ultrasound often does not require sedation and can quickly identify tumors, cysts, stones, and inflammation or rule them out. 

We offer ultrasounds for heart conditions, abnormal blood/urine test results, and to examine soft tissues. We also offer echocardiograms (echo) to help your veterinarian diagnose and provide appropriate treatment recommendations for heart diseases.

Ultrasounds require a referral from your primary care veterinarian. A report will be sent to your family veterinarian, who will contact you with the results and next steps. 

Abdominal Ultrasound

Indications for Abdominal Ultrasounds Include:

  • Elevated Liver Enzymes
  • Chronic Weight Loss
  • Palpable Masses/Organomegaly
  • Chronic UTIs
  • Renal Disease
  • Chronic GI Disease
  • Frustrating Diabetics
  • Annual Geriatric Patient Screening
    infections
Echocardiograms

Indications for Echocardiography Include:

  • Cardiac Murmurs
  • Elevated proBNP
  • Radiographic Evidence of Cardiomegaly
  • Suspected Pulmonary Hypertension
  • Arrythmias
  • Signs of CHF
OFA - Canine Health Information Center

OFA stands for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. It was started in 1966 by John M. Olin, with the aim of tracing orthopedic abnormalities through a dog’s lineage. Instead of solely testing individual dogs, the OFA Certification process began to build a database of breeding stock. This enabled responsible breeders to improve the health of future generations by excluding animals with known problems. Many genetic diseases may not exhibit physical signs until years later, when the damage has progressed or treatment options have become limited. Dogs can be tested at any age but must be at least 2 years old to be certified. Testing not only provides information about an individual dog but also contributes to the overall improvement of the breed’s health.

By Appointment Only – Please fill out the form here to get started. 

  • Hip/Elbow Dysplasia – Rads
  • Shoulder Dysplasia – Rads
  • Tracheal Hypoplasia – Rads
  • BASIC Cardiac – Auscultation
  • Patellar Luxation – Physical Exam
  • Dentition – Physical Exam
  • Kidney – Lab Work
  • Thyroid – Lab Work

 

 

Fine Needle Aspirates

Needle aspiration, frequently referred to as fine needle aspiration, stands as the predominant and minimally invasive technique for both diagnosis and biopsies. This procedure entails the use of a needle to extract cell samples from a mass, lesion, or organ. Additionally, fine needle aspiration can be employed to obtain a minimal amount of fluid in cases involving effusion, which is the accumulation of fluid. Following the collection of the sample, a Points East veterinarian will promptly analyze it under a microscope.

In-House Tele-Cytology with Board Certified Pathologist Review

In-house tele-cytology, combined with board-certified pathologist review, is an innovative approach to cytological analysis that enhances diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing tele-cytology, we can remotely examine and evaluate cellular samples, enabling real-time collaboration between on-site clinicians and off-site pathologists. This not only allows for rapid decision-making in patient care but also ensures that the analysis is performed by board-certified pathologists, who possess the highest level of expertise in the field. 

CT

A CT scanner is a sophisticated, non-invasive imaging device that enables our experts to visualize a pet’s internal structures through high-resolution cross-sectional images.

In partnership with Vets Choice Radiology Points East VSH will be providing Board Certified Radiologist Reviewed CT imaging for both inpatients and
outpatients. Outpatient services will be by referral only. CT imaging services will be available Monday through Friday.

Contact The Office

PHONE: (252) 991-6560
FAX: (252) 557-3487
EMAIL: [email protected]

Office Location

5702 Grover Lane
Sims, NC 27880

Hours

EMERGENCY
We are open 24 hours a day for Emergency Care.

BOARD-CERTIFIED SURGICAL SERVICES
Tuesday – Friday: 8am – 5pm (By Appointment Only)

OUTPATIENT ULTRASOUND SERVICES
Monday-Friday 8am – 5pm (By Appointment Only)