In house

Veterinary Diagnostics in Tequesta, FL

Our veterinary diagnostics include ultrasound, X-ray, and diagnostics laboratory. Our Tequesta veterinarians utilize the best of today’s technology to provide fast diagnosis and treatment to our patients. Whether your pet needs an abdominal ultrasound, thoracic radiographs that can be emailed to your veterinarian in another state, full mouth digital radiographs before dental extractions, or results of a chemistry panel in minutes, we can do it all!

Fear Free Diagnostic Procedures

We are proud to be a Fear Free practicing veterinary clinic. This means we will provide pre-visit pharmaceuticals (as needed) like Gabapentin or Trazadone to ease the stress and pain prior to performing any diagnostic procedures.

Veterinary Ultrasound

Don’t be fooled by the “cottage appearance” of our animal hospital!! Dr. Joi Sutton has a weakness for technology and doesn’t suffer from outdated equipment. We have top-end digital X-ray and digital dental X-ray machines. We have the same fancy model Phillips PureWave ultrasound unit that 2 of the cardiologists in town use.

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Veterinary X-Ray

Veterinary X-rays, also known as radiographs, are a type of imaging technique that allows our veterinarians to view the inside of an animal’s body. They work by passing a small amount of radiation through the body to capture images of internal structures such as bones, organs, and other tissues. This non-invasive method is crucial for diagnosing a range of conditions from fractures to organ diseases.

The Role of X-rays in Veterinary Medicine

X-rays are versatile and can be used in various aspects of veterinary medicine:

Diagnosis of bone fractures and joint disorders: X-rays provide clear images of bones and joints, helping to identify fractures, dislocations, and developmental bone diseases.
Evaluating organ function: X-rays can help assess the size, shape, and position of organs, assisting in diagnosing conditions like heart enlargement or liver disease.
Dental examination: Veterinary dental X-rays are essential in examining the health of an animal’s teeth and roots beneath the gum line, which are not visible during a routine dental checkup.
Pre-surgical planning: X-rays can be used to plan surgical procedures by providing detailed images of the area to be operated on.
Cancer detection: They are also valuable in detecting and monitoring the progress of certain cancers.

When Is an X-ray Necessary for Your Pet?

Our veterinary team may recommend an X-ray in several situations:

Limping or pain: If an animal is limping or showing signs of pain, an X-ray can help determine if there’s an issue with the bones or joints.
Breathing difficulties: X-rays of the chest can identify problems such as pneumonia, heart failure, or lung tumors.
Abdominal discomfort: If a pet exhibits signs of abdominal pain, X-rays can help identify issues like intestinal blockages or organ enlargement.
Trauma: Following a traumatic event like a fall or car accident, X-rays can be crucial to assess internal injuries.
Dental issues: For dental problems or routine dental cleanings, X-rays can reveal hidden dental diseases.

How is the X-ray Procedure Performed on Pets?

The process of taking an X-ray involves several steps to ensure accurate results and the safety of both the pet and our veterinary staff.

Preparing your pet – Before an X-ray, your pet may need to fast for several hours, especially if sedation or anesthesia is anticipated. We will remove any metal accessories such as collars or tags that could interfere with the imaging. Our veterinarian will provide specific instructions based on the area to be X-rayed and your pet’s individual needs.
The X-ray process – The initial step of a veterinary X-ray involves preparing your pet, which may include sedation or anesthesia, ensuring stillness for optimal image quality. Most pets, however, do not require either, as the X-ray process is generally quick and easy.

Once prepared, your pet is positioned on a table or platform for the X-ray. The machine is then aligned over the targeted body area and our veterinary team will quickly capture the X-ray image(s).

Once the X-rays have been taken, our veterinarian will review the images for abnormalities or underlying issues related to your pet’s symptoms. Additional X-rays may be required from different angles for a more comprehensive assessment if necessary.

Post-Procedure Considerations

After an X-ray, most pets can return to their normal activities. However, if sedation or anesthesia was used, they may need a quiet place to recover until the effects wear off.

Safety and Radiation Exposure

It’s worth noting that the radiation exposure from veterinary X-rays is generally low, and modern equipment and techniques are designed to minimize this exposure. Nevertheless, safety protocols are strictly followed to protect both pets and our veterinary team.

X-Ray Machine Upkeep

Every year Dr. Joi has her X-ray machines serviced, calibrated, and updated to keep the images top-notch. A couple of years ago the service specialist (who does this for a living and sees a lot of X-rays from many vet clinics) said to Dr. Joi, “Those are some rockin’ images!” Dr. Joi quickly replied, “Well, I have some rockin’ vet nurses.”

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

At Tequesta Veterinary Clinic, we send much of our lab work out to Antech Diagnostics or Idexx Laboratories and typically receive most results within 24 hours. We also send wellness lab work to the reference labs to save our clients money. However, when we have a sick patient or need lab results right away (such as for a UTI) we have the same full suite of Idexx lab equipment that the local emergency/specialty hospitals have.

Our In-House Veterinary Lab

Our in-house veterinary lab allows for immediate processing of various diagnostic tests. This convenience means quicker results, enabling our veterinarians to make informed decisions and begin treatment without delay.

Why Quicker Results Matter

Immediate test results can be crucial, especially in emergency situations where a pet’s health is at stake. Early detection of diseases through lab diagnostics can significantly improve the prognosis by starting treatment early.

Parasite Testing for Pets

Parasite testing is a fundamental aspect of preventative veterinary care. It involves checking for the presence of internal and external parasites such as fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms which can cause serious health issues in pets.

Importance of Regular Parasite Checks

Regular parasite checks ensure that infestations are caught early on. This not only safeguards your pet’s health but also helps in preventing the spread of parasites to other animals and, in some cases, humans.

Types of Parasite Testing

Fecal exams are a standard method for testing pets for parasites. By analyzing a small fecal sample under a microscope, our veterinarians can detect parasites. This test is often advised for pets showing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or weight loss. * While we can run fecal tests in-house, we typically send them out and get results within 24 hours for complete fecal including ova and cysts, giardia antigen and hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm antigen.
Blood tests are used to detect parasites like heartworms or tick-borne diseases. Recommended for asymptomatic pets with potential parasite exposure, these tests provide crucial insights into your pet’s health.
Skin scrapes are essential for detecting external parasites like mites or fleas in pets. By collecting a small sample of your pet’s skin and examining it under a microscope, our veterinarians can identify parasites. This test is commonly advised for pets showing symptoms such as skin irritation or hair loss.

Heartworm Testing

Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause severe heart and lung disease in both dogs and cats. Heartworm testing is a critical part of any wellness check-up to ensure pets are not infected and to maintain them on preventive medications.

The Necessity of Yearly Testing

Even if dogs and cats are on heartworm preventive medication, yearly testing is recommended to confirm that the prevention program is working, as heartworm disease can be fatal if left untreated.

How is Heartworm Testing Done?

Heartworm testing involves a simple blood test. The test checks for the presence of heartworm proteins, also known as antigens, which are released by adult female heartworms into the bloodstream.

The Process

Blood collection: A small blood sample is taken from your pet.
Antigen Test: The most common test is an antigen test that can usually detect infections about 5 to 7 months after exposure to heartworms.
Microfilariae Test: If the antigen test is positive, another test may be performed to look for microfilariae, which are baby heartworms, in the bloodstream.

FIV and FeLV Testing

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) are two of the most significant viruses affecting cats. Testing for these viruses is essential as they can compromise a cat’s immune system, making them susceptible to other infections.

The Benefit of Early Detection

Early detection of FIV and FeLV can help manage the health of a cat through lifestyle adjustments and preventive health care, thereby improving their quality of life.

How is FIV/FeLV Testing Done?

FIV/FeLV testing is done with a small blood sample, often using a test that can detect both FIV antibodies and FeLV antigens at the same time.

The Process

Blood collection: A small sample of your cat’s blood is collected.
ELISA Test: The most common initial screening test is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, which can be performed in our office and provides quick results.
Confirmatory tests: If the initial ELISA test is positive, additional confirmatory tests, such as an Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), may be recommended.

When Should Cats Be Tested for FIV/FeLV?

Cats should be tested for FIV/FeLV under the following circumstances:

Upon adoption, regardless of age, if not already tested.
If they have been exposed to a cat with an unknown FIV/FeLV status or a known positive status.
If they are sick, even if they have tested negative in the past, their status could have changed.

Urinalysis Testing

Urinalysis testing is a lab diagnostic that examines a pet’s urine. It can uncover conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes.

How Urinalysis Contributes to Overall Health

By analyzing different components in the urine, our veterinarians can detect health issues that may not be evident through physical examination alone.

How is Urinalysis Testing Done?

To perform a urinalysis, our veterinarian will need a fresh urine sample from your pet. There are several ways to collect urine, including:

Free-catch method: Collecting urine in a clean container while the pet is urinating.
Bladder expression: Our veterinarian will gently press on the pet’s bladder to release urine.
Cystocentesis: Our veterinarian uses a needle to collect urine directly from the bladder.

The Process

Urine collection: The veterinarian collects a urine sample.
Physical examination: The color, clarity, and concentration of the urine are assessed.
Chemical examination: A dipstick test checks for the presence of substances like proteins, glucose, ketones, and blood.
Microscopic examination: A detailed look at the urine under a microscope to identify cells, crystals, bacteria, and other substances.

When Should Urinalysis Be Performed?

Urinalysis testing is often part of routine wellness exams, especially for older pets. It should also be performed if your pet shows symptoms of urinary tract problems, such as frequent urination, painful urination, or blood in the urine.

* We go the extra mile for our patients. We have an incubator and any urine sample obtained by cystocentesis (that means a needle is used to obtain urine via ultrasound guidance) gets plated on a petri dish for in house culture. (Dr. Joi likes to joke that we Type A personalities can be quite irritating in real life, but we are the folks you want to be your veterinarian.)

Additional Testing

We also run cytology in-house daily. Everything from ear cytology, skin cytology, lipomas, and more! Most of our lumps and bumps cytologies are read by Dr. Heather Wamsley at Antech Diagnostics.

Need to book an appointment?

Book An Appointment Call: 561-972-0016

What our customers say.

I am thrilled a friend of mine recommended Joi Sutton. I brought my dog, Lily in yesterday for her second visit and couldn’t have had a better experience. The whole office staff and the environment are warm and loving. They are very professional, kind, and truly love what they are doing and it shows!

Laurel BJupiter, Florida

I can not say enough about Dr. Joi and her amazing staff. I have never had a vet call me after hours or on the weekend to see how my babies are. I’ve never had a vet give me her cell while going through some critical sicknesses so I could feel that I’m not alone. I have even butt-dialed the poor Dr. and she has answered me. She is not only the most caring vet I have ever had in the 40 years I have owned my fur babies, but her staff is amazing as well. She has helped me thru some pretty rough patches and I know besides all the other animals she is attending to, I’m still on her mind. It’s not about the money with Dr. Joi it’s about the pet. You don’t see that type of care and concern anymore. For me and for anyone else reading this. I give you my word you will be amazed. I love you Dr. Joi and the magnificent staff you have hired. You are very much appreciated. God bless.

Debbie DJuno Beach, Florida

Tequesta Veterinary Clinic has been a pleasant experience each and every time I take my pets there. Dr. Sutton is very knowledgeable about all pet needs. She is devoted to helping animals and their owners. The Clinic has a very happy and fun atmosphere.

Lynn K.Tequesta, Florida

My family is new to the area and we spent a lot of time searching for a vet we could trust and afford. Joi is a lovely person and goes out of her way to care for your pets. The service and care are top-notch. The prices are very fair. I would recommend this clinic to anyone.

Michael C.Tequesta, Florida

Dr. Joi Sutton is an incredible vet! She was willing to change her weekend around and help me and my 20 year old cat. I highly recommend meeting her in person. She is smart and caring!

Michelle C.Jupiter, Florida

The most experienced, compassionate, and competent vet I have ever been too! Dr. Joi was a blessing to have finally found. If you live in the area or even close to the area, ditch those expensive chain clinics and come here to someone who cares about animals, not about charging you an arm and a leg. I have been all over with my senior dog of almost 15 years and found this place to be the best care she had ever received. No frills office, extremely friendly and kind staff, trustworthy-honest veterinarian to stick with for your furry babies. I never write reviews, but this office stands apart from any other vet that I have ever used, so I felt compelled to write a positive review.

Oceanna M.Jupiter, Florida

As a resident and small business owner, it took me many, many tries to find a Veterinarian Clinic I didn’t feel like they were just there to get me in and out and take my money. The search has brought me to Dr. Joi Sutton. My search is over. I’m here to stay! The care she gives to my dogs is second to none. She truly cares for each and every pet she takes care of. She even took my dog home after surgery and let him sleep next to her in bed! I highly recommend Dr. Joi for the care of your best friend! She is my hometown Vet and I recommend she be yours, as well!

Diane E.Abacoa, Jupiter, Florida

Veterinary Diagnostics in Tequesta, FL

Veterinary Ultrasound

Veterinary X-Ray

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

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What our customers say.

Tequesta Veterinary Clinic

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