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Diagnostics

Veterinary diagnostics in Duluth, MN for dogs and cats. Bloodwork, ultrasounds, digital X-rays & ECGs at Duluth Veterinary Hospital. Call today for an appointment.

Advanced Veterinary Diagnostics in Duluth, MN

Modern Medicine. Small-Town Heart.

Quick answers make a world of difference when your pet isn’t feeling well—or when you’re simply trying to stay ahead of potential health issues. Duluth Veterinary Hospital offers complete in-house diagnostic services for dogs and cats, helping pet parents across Duluth, Superior, Cloquet, Two Harbors, and Esko get clear, prompt results from a trusted local team.

Generations of pet owners have turned to this hospital since the 1940s for guidance, compassion, and care rooted in community. Whether your pet needs routine bloodwork, an ultrasound, or X-rays after an injury, our diagnostics are powered by modern equipment and interpreted by experienced, long-tenured staff.

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Can you see the foreign body in the pet's throat?

Can you see the foreign body in the pet's throat?

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Trusted Answers, All Under One Roof

Our in-house diagnostic services provide fast, reliable information to guide your pet’s care—without sending you across town for testing. These services are used both during routine wellness visits and when pets are sick or injured.

Here’s what we can do right here in our clinic:

In-House Laboratory Testing

Our modern lab equipment allows us to perform a wide range of tests quickly and efficiently, often while you wait.

Bloodwork

Complete Blood Count (CBC): Blood test that evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is used to screen for and diagnose conditions like anemia, infection, inflammation, and immune system disorders.

Chemistry Panel: Measures liver and kidney function, blood glucose, electrolytes, and metabolic health

Urinalysis Testing: to screen for urinary tract infections, crystals in the urine, help detect/treat kidney disease or other metabolic diseases

Cortisol testing: To measure the level of cortisol in the body which can be important if trying to screen for Addison’s disease or for monitoring lab work for patients with Cushing’s disease

Pancreatitis Testing: to help determine if pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is present

Thyroid Testing: properly measures the level of thyroid hormone in the blood to help detect hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism

Tick-borne Disease and Heartworm Testing: tick borne diseases we can test for include Lyme, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis

Fecal Exams

Detects intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and Giardia—common but treatable causes of GI symptoms.

Skin Scraping and Cytology

Important for diagnosing skin conditions, including ear infections, hot spots, rashes, or growths. These microscopic tests help us determine whether bacteria, yeast, or mites are present.

Having these tools in-house lets us begin treatment the same day—minimizing your pet’s discomfort and avoiding delays in care.

Digital X-Rays (Radiography)

Whether your pet is limping or having trouble breathing, radiographs (X-rays) give us a clear view of what’s happening internally. These high-resolution digital images help us detect:

Fractures and orthopedic injuries

Arthritis or spinal degeneration

Chest conditions such as pneumonia or heart enlargement

Gastrointestinal blockages or abnormal gas patterns

Bladder stones or tumors

With digital imaging, we can adjust image quality instantly, zoom in on problem areas, and share results with specialists if needed—all without waiting for film to develop.

Ultrasound Imaging

Where X-rays are best for bones and dense tissues, ultrasound excels at viewing soft tissues in motion. It’s a safe, non-invasive way to see your pet’s organs in real time.

We use ultrasound to:

Diagnose abdominal masses or swelling

Evaluate organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, and bladder

Confirm and monitor pregnancies

Guide needle aspirates or biopsies

Assess fluid in the abdomen or chest

Ultrasound is often recommended when bloodwork or X-rays raise questions that need further investigation.

Echocardiograms (Heart Ultrasound)

When a pet has a heart murmur or signs of cardiac disease (like coughing, lethargy, or exercise intolerance), an echocardiogram provides a closer look at how the heart is functioning.

We use echocardiograms to:

Measure chamber size and heart wall thickness

Assess valve function and blood flow

Diagnose congenital heart conditions

Monitor pets with known heart disease

Results from these tests help us determine whether your pet needs medications, further testing, or specialist care.

Electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG)

An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity and is commonly used to evaluate:

Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

Weakness or fainting spells

Changes detected during physical exams

Pre-anesthetic screenings for senior pets

Paired with blood pressure measurement and other diagnostics, ECGs help us detect underlying conditions that might not show obvious symptoms.

When Should My Pet Be Tested?

Many diagnostics are performed as part of routine wellness care, but there are also signs that may indicate a problem needing further evaluation. We recommend testing when:

Your pet is showing symptoms like vomiting, coughing, diarrhea, or appetite changes

Bloodwork is due for annual checkups or senior wellness visits

Chronic diseases (like kidney or thyroid disease) require monitoring

A new lump, bump, or limp appears

Your pet is scheduled for surgery and needs a pre-anesthetic panel

You’ve noticed changes in behavior, energy, or bathroom habits

Even subtle signs may warrant testing. If you’re unsure, give us a call—we’ll help guide the next steps.

When Should My Pet Be Tested?

Why Pet Owners in Duluth Trust Our Diagnostic Team

For over 80 years, pet families in the Northland have counted on Duluth Veterinary Hospital to provide care that’s both advanced and deeply personal. Our diagnostic services reflect this balance.

Established since the 1940s – Generations of care in the Duluth area

Privately owned & community-rooted

Long-tenured staff – Familiar faces who know your pet’s history

Certified in Low-Stress Handling & Fear Free – Minimizing anxiety during tests

Cat Friendly Practice – Gentle handling and quieter spaces for feline patients

Upgraded diagnostic equipment – Upgraded diagnostic equipment

Centrally located – by Lake Superior – Easy to access from Duluth, Cloquet, and beyond

We also work closely with local rescue organizations and provide continuity of care for adopted pets from Animal Allies, Pet Haven, RAGOM, and other groups.

What to Expect at Your Diagnostic Visit

Same-day results – available for many tests

No unnecessary stress — we approach diagnostics with a calm, low-stress process

Clear explanations – you’ll never be left wondering what something means

Collaborative planning – We collaborate with the pet owner to determine the best next steps and treatment option for care for your pet

Telemedicine consultations when specialty review is needed

Whether it’s routine bloodwork or a full diagnostic workup, your pet’s comfort and your clarity are our top priorities.

Ready for Answers? Schedule a Diagnostic Appointment Today

If you’re seeing signs your pet isn’t feeling their best—or simply keeping up with their preventive care—we’re here to help with compassionate, efficient diagnostics. Call Duluth Veterinary Hospital at (218) 728-3616.

 

For daytime emergencies, please call us before arriving. We leave room in our schedule for urgent care cases during business hours.

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Ready for Answers? Schedule a Diagnostic Appointment Today
FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions About Diagnostics

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We provide bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal testing, skin cytology, digital X-rays, ultrasounds, echocardiograms, and ECGs right here in the clinic.

Many test results are available the same day. In urgent cases, we often begin treatment within hours of your pet’s visit.

Yes. Most tests are minimally invasive or completely non-invasive. We take extra steps to reduce stress, especially for anxious or senior pets.

Most plans do, especially for illness or injury-related testing. We provide detailed invoices for easy claim submission.

Call us at (218) 728-3616. For emergencies during the day, please call first. We do not schedule appointments via social media or contact form for urgent issues.