Veterinary Diagnostics in Lenexa, KS
Our pets cannot tell us exactly what is wrong when they do not feel well, so Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center in Lenexa, KS offers in-house advanced diagnostic services for nearly all species, including cats, dogs, small mammals, exotics and birds. Onsite diagnostics allow us to detect and diagnose problems quickly and accurately so we can make informed decisions about treatment.
A Complete Medical Assessment Starts With an Exam
Every diagnostic workup begins with a thorough physical examination, during which we evaluate your pet’s eyes, ears, skin, cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal and skeletal systems for abnormalities. Vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, pain, swelling and loss of appetite are all clinical signs that may call for further testing. With a variety of diagnostics at our fingertips, Mariposa’s Fear Free certified team provides compassionate, quality care when your pet needs it most.
Our Diagnostic Services
- Advanced blood work and clinical chemistry
- Biopsy
- Cytology
- Cystocentesis
- Urinalysis
- Digital radiography (x-rays) and film interpretation
- Fecal analysis
- In-house laboratory testing with assistance from IDEXX
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Ultrasound-guided aspirates and biopsies
In-House Laboratory Testing With IDEXX
We partner with IDEXX, an industry leader in diagnostic innovation, to provide exclusive tests and consultations with board-certified veterinary specialists and pathologists when needed. Blood work and clinical chemistry assess the function of your pet’s organs, including the kidneys, liver, pancreas and endocrine system, which includes the thyroid and adrenal glands. These tests support prompt diagnosis of conditions affecting major organs, such as kidney disease and diabetes, and are critical for monitoring disease and infection. Routine blood work is a key part of senior wellness care and pre-anesthetic screening before surgery and dental procedures.
Digital Radiography
X-rays provide valuable information about what is happening inside your pet’s body. We use radiographs to evaluate bone fractures, the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, heart and genitourinary system, including the bladder and prostate. X-rays are often our best tool for locating tumors, stones, orthopedic problems such as arthritis and swallowed objects. We routinely work with board-certified radiologists from Tallgrass Veterinary Imaging to review our radiographs and provide additional expert insight. Our digital system also eliminates processing chemicals, part of our green building commitment.
Cytology
Cytology is a branch of pathology frequently used to diagnose abnormalities, malignancies and disease. We collect bodily fluids or aspirated material and examine the cells under a microscope. Cytology is especially useful for evaluating lumps, skin infections and ear infections.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a sample of abnormal skin or tissue surgically collected from your pet and submitted to a qualified pathologist for interpretation. Results guide diagnosis and treatment, including for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Fecal and Urine Analysis
Stool samples detect parasites and parasite eggs. Urinalysis helps identify urinary tract disease or infection and measures values such as protein, glucose and blood cells that may indicate injury, disease or defects.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a non-invasive way to evaluate your pet’s internal organs, providing detailed images of the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, intestines and more. It also allows us to collect tissue aspirates and biopsies from abnormal areas without surgery, which is often invaluable for reaching a definitive diagnosis.
Ultrasound is also helpful in evaluating ferrets for adrenal gland disease, detecting liver lobe torsion in rabbits and identifying follicular stasis in bearded dragons. We are one of the few veterinary facilities in the Kansas City area able to perform ultrasound exams on exotic pets.
Cystocentesis
Cystocentesis uses a small needle to collect a sterile urine sample directly from the bladder. This prevents contamination from bacteria, cells and debris in the lower urogenital tract and can be performed quickly with ultrasound guidance.
Veterinary Diagnostics FAQs
What diagnostic tests do you offer?
We offer blood work and clinical chemistry, urinalysis, fecal analysis, cytology, biopsy, cystocentesis, digital radiography, abdominal ultrasound and ultrasound-guided aspirates and biopsies, with laboratory support from IDEXX.
Can you perform diagnostics on exotic pets?
Yes. We provide diagnostics for cats, dogs, small mammals, exotics and birds, and we are one of the few Kansas City area facilities able to perform ultrasound on exotic pets.
Do specialists review my pet’s x-rays?
When additional insight is needed, our radiographs are reviewed by board-certified radiologists from Tallgrass Veterinary Imaging.
Is ultrasound painful for my pet?
No. Ultrasound is non-invasive and painless. Some pets may need a small area of fur shaved, and gentle restraint or light sedation is occasionally used for comfort.
Why does my senior pet need routine blood work?
Blood work can reveal kidney, liver, thyroid and other diseases before symptoms appear, giving us a better chance to treat problems early.
What is cystocentesis?
Cystocentesis is a quick procedure in which a small needle collects a sterile urine sample directly from the bladder, preventing contamination for accurate results.
How soon will I get test results?
Many in-house tests provide results the same day. Samples sent to outside laboratories or pathologists may take several days.
Get Answers About Your Pet’s Health
Fast, accurate diagnostics help your pet get the right treatment sooner. Call (913) 825-3330 or request an appointment with Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center.