Services for sick pets
Let us show you our options
In-House Lab
Our in-house laboratory is a convenient option for pet owners who want quick results. We offer many types of quality testing services with our trained staff and doctors. Our Abaxis laboratory equipment was recently updated and provides a comprehensive way of looking at your pet’s body from the inside out.
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Test for viruses (Parvovirus, Feline Leukemia Virus, and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
- Heartworm testing
- Fecal examinations (testing for the presence of hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and roundworms)
- Ear cytology
- Skin cytology and scrapes
- Complete blood counts
- Blood chemistries
- Pancreatitis testing
- Fine needle aspirate
- Fungal cultures
- Tick-borne disease testing
- Thyroid panels
Other services provided from outside laboratories:
- Rabies and distemper titer testing
- Cytology and histopathology
- Bladder stone assessment
- Urinary crystal evaluation
- Equine ELISA (Coggins)
Dermatology
Skin and coat issues are one of the main reasons people visit a veterinarian. In our practice, the use of custom holistic testing has changed the way we diagnose and treat skin diseases. The skin is only part of your pet’s problem. Most of the time itching, inflammation, redness and a flakey coat have more to do with what’s going on inside your pet. In fact, the very definition of looking at a skin problem from the outside in has completely reversed because of our unique testing service. By diagnosing in our particular way, we have found many varying reasons for skin disorders involving: lymph glands, anxiety, kidney weakness and liver toxicity.
Dr. Carlson and the team at Riverside enjoy working with tough medical cases. The goal is always to get to the root of your pet’s problem rather than just medicating the symptoms. We use many different means, both holistic and traditional, to improve your pet’s condition.
Ear Diseases
Many pets with chronic ear problems benefit from a video endoscope examination. Using the MedRx system, our doctors look deeply within your pet’s ear to find what’s causing chronic or acute ear issues. “Using a video endoscope allows us to diagnose up to 70% more ear disease than with a regular handheld otoscope,” said Dr. Jim Carlson, Riverside Animal Clinic and Grove Animal Hospital & Holistic Center owner and senior doctor. “The added benefit to the video endoscope is the ability to clean and flush the ear and remove small particles or debris with the help of the video endoscope and its associated tools.
I had a case with a 7 month old Goldendoodle puppy whose ear condition didn’t resolve with standard treatment. With the video endoscope I was able to quickly diagnose and remove a 3″ football shaped wax plug. If not for the video endoscope, the case would likely have gone to a specialist, surgery or just never resolved.” The video endoscope also allows us to provide photos of the ear canal to document your pet’s case.
Ear issues can become chronic for many different reasons including: allergies, sensitivities, change of season, food, lymph chain drainage problems to name a few. Because we look at your pet from the perspectives of Eastern and Western medicine we include herbal therapies, custom holistic testing and natural food therapy when diagnosing and treating your pet’s ear disease.
Ultrasound
Riverside Animal Clinic offers ultrasound services by specialist Dr. Kristin Pampel by appointment. Ultrasound appointments are typically held in our office in Buffalo Grove. Grove Animal Hospital & Holistic Center has worked with Dr. Pampel for many years. Her appointments require planning so please call or schedule in advance. Riverside clients should book the ultrasound appointment through Riverside Animal Clinic by calling 815-344-7716 or by completing our online appointment form.