Healthcare services
Diagnostics & In-House Testing
Fast, accurate answers when your pet needs them most — with on-site pathology, imaging, and advanced diagnostic tools available at our Frankston clinic.
Answers without the wait
When your pet is unwell, waiting days for test results can be stressful and delay critical treatment. At Vets in Frankston, we've invested in comprehensive in-house diagnostic equipment so we can run many tests on the spot and have results back within minutes — not days.
From routine blood panels before a procedure to urgent investigations for a sick animal, our diagnostic capabilities allow us to make faster, more informed clinical decisions and get your pet on the path to recovery sooner.
Our diagnostic capabilities
In-house pathology
Our on-site analyser runs full blood counts, biochemistry panels, electrolytes, and urinalysis in minutes. Pre-anaesthetic bloods, organ function checks, and diabetes monitoring can all be completed before you leave the clinic.
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Biochemistry & organ function panels
- Electrolytes & blood glucose
- Urinalysis & urine sediment
- Thyroid function (T4)
- Coagulation testing
Digital X-ray
Our digital radiography system produces high-resolution images instantly, with far less radiation than traditional X-ray. We use it to assess bones, joints, the chest, and the abdomen — and images can be shared electronically with specialists when needed.
- Orthopaedic & fracture assessment
- Chest & lung evaluation
- Abdominal organ assessment
- Foreign body detection
- Dental radiography
- Specialist referral imaging
Ultrasound
Ultrasound gives us a real-time, non-invasive view inside your pet's body without radiation. It's particularly valuable for assessing abdominal organs, detecting fluid, guiding fine-needle aspirates, and monitoring pregnancies.
- Abdominal organ evaluation
- Cardiac (echocardiography)
- Pregnancy confirmation & monitoring
- Fluid detection (pleural, peritoneal)
- Ultrasound-guided aspirates & biopsies
- Bladder & urinary tract assessment
Cytology & microbiology
Skin scrapes, ear swabs, fine-needle aspirates, and impression smears can be examined under our in-house microscope to identify infections, parasites, inflammatory cells, and abnormal tissue — often providing answers in the same appointment.
- Skin scrapes & coat brushings
- Ear cytology
- Fine-needle aspirate cytology
- Culture & sensitivity (external lab)
ECG & blood pressure
Cardiac and blood pressure monitoring helps us detect arrhythmias, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease — conditions that are common in older pets and certain breeds, and that can significantly affect anaesthetic risk and long-term management.
- Electrocardiography (ECG)
- Non-invasive blood pressure monitoring
- Hypertension monitoring in senior pets
Rapid point-of-care tests
A range of rapid in-clinic tests allow us to quickly screen for specific diseases and infections, including parvovirus, heartworm, feline leukaemia, FIV, and pancreatitis — results in under 15 minutes.
- Parvovirus antigen test
- Heartworm antigen test
- FeLV / FIV combo test
- Giardia & intestinal parasite screening
External laboratory services
For specialised testing beyond our in-house capabilities — including histopathology, advanced endocrinology, toxicology, and culture & sensitivity — we work with trusted external veterinary laboratories. Results are typically returned within 24–72 hours, and we'll contact you as soon as they're available.
When diagnostics make a difference
Before anaesthesia
Pre-anaesthetic blood work helps us identify hidden organ disease or clotting problems that could increase anaesthetic risk — especially important in older pets.
Unexplained illness
Lethargy, weight loss, vomiting, or changes in thirst and urination can all signal underlying disease. Diagnostics help us find the cause quickly.
Monitoring chronic disease
Pets with diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid conditions, or heart disease need regular monitoring to ensure their treatment plan is working and to catch changes early.
Emergency presentations
In urgent situations, rapid in-house diagnostics can be the difference between life and death — allowing us to act immediately rather than wait for external results.
Common questions
Book a diagnostic appointment
If your pet is unwell or you'd like pre-surgical blood work arranged, contact us to book.