Digital Cytology in Myrtle Beach SC
Dog Wellness Exams in Myrtle Beach, SC
What is Digital Cytology?
Digital cytology is the process of collecting samples from your pet and putting them on a microscope slide. The slide is then scanned and uploaded to a computer, and those images are sent to a remote pathologist that views them and sends back their analysis quickly. This means that you can receive your pet’s lab results within a few hours or one day instead of a whole, agonizing week!
Digital cytology is mostly used to test lumps and bumps found on your pet to see whether they are caused by cancer or inflammation, or if they are no cause for concern. Aside from determining if lumps are harmful or benign, digital cytology can also evaluate the health of your pet’s internal organs (liver, kidneys, etc.) and external surfaces (nose, eyes, mouth). Additionally, it can analyze an animal’s bodily fluids, like joint fluid or urine, as well as abnormal fluid accumulation in the body. This process can be used to diagnose cancers, infections, sepsis, anemia, and more.
Common Types of Lumps Found in Pets
Skin growths
- Hives or allergic reactions are often itchy and can swell, sometimes appearing as large lumps or bumps.
- Apocrine cysts are the animal version of pimples, and may cause minimal amounts of pain at worst.
- Abscesses are swelling that comes from infections due to bites or other wounds.
- Hematomas are lumps from blood accumulation that follow injuries.
Tumors
- Histiocytomas are small, noncancerous bumps that appear on the head, ears, or legs, and they can sometimes go away on their own without treatment.
- Sebaceous Gland Hyperplasia are benign tumors that form when the sebaceous gland grows rapidly.
- Lipomas are harmless fatty cell accumulations that are typically found on the chest and abdomen.
- Malignant skin tumors are cancerous tumors that can appear as large bumps or skin sores that don’t heal properly. When found early, there are many effective treatment options available.
Taking your pet to see a vet is the best way to narrow down the root cause of your pet’s lumps or bumps. Coastal Veterinary Care now uses a new technology called digital cytology that can provide rapid lab results on various conditions, including mysterious bumps!
Does your dog or cat have a lump?
Many pet owners enjoy showing their pet some love with cuddles, scratches, and hugs, and many furry friends relish in these types of physical affection. But what if, while petting your dog or cat, you notice a bump or lump on their body that wasn’t there before? Discovering a lump on your pet can be a distressing occurrence, and it may prompt immediate anxiety about the state of your pet’s health.
Fortunately, the staff at Coastal Veterinary Care can provide fast and accurate insight into any bumps or lumps you find on your pet using the latest digital cytology technology and procedures.
Should I Worry About Lumps on my Pet?
If you find a lump on your pet, there is no need to panic. Most bumps and lumps on cats and dogs pose no harm. Even still, getting strange lumps checked by a vet as soon as possible is the best way to give you peace of mind that it’s nothing to worry about, or to begin treatment in a timely manner if necessary.
Schedule an Appointment
At Coastal Veterinary Care, we pride ourselves on our ability to give you rapid, accurate results with digital cytology and other state-of-the-art technology, reducing the amount of time you have to worry about or wonder what is ailing your pet. If you are ready to schedule a time for your pet to see Dr. Black, please contact us for an appointment today!
If you’d like to schedule an appointment for your cat or dog please contact us to set up an appointment today!