Diagnostics & Imaging for Dogs & Cats in Bethalto, IL | Bethalto Animal Clinic
Getting Answers for Your Pet's Health
When your pet isn’t feeling their best, finding the cause is the first step toward helping them feel better. At Bethalto Animal Clinic, our diagnostic and imaging services help us look beyond symptoms and understand what’s happening beneath the surface.
For nearly 50 years, we’ve cared for pets and their families throughout Bethalto, Wood River, East Alton, Alton, Edwardsville, Bunker Hill, Roxana, and Madison County. As an independent, family-owned practice, we’re focused on providing compassionate, personalized care and honest recommendations. Our goal is simple: get answers and help your pet get back to feeling like themselves.
Why Veterinary Diagnostics Matter
Pets can’t tell us exactly what’s wrong. A physical exam provides valuable information, but diagnostic testing often helps complete the picture.
Veterinary diagnostics can help identify:
- Kidney and liver disease
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Arthritis and joint conditions
- Allergies and skin disorders
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Urinary tract issues
- Internal injuries
- Certain cancers
Many illnesses develop gradually. Routine testing during wellness visits can help detect health concerns earlier, often before obvious symptoms appear. Regular veterinary check-ups remain one of the best ways to monitor your pet’s health throughout every stage of life.
Our Diagnostics & Imaging Services
Digital Radiology (Digital X-Rays)
We use the Heska Cuattro DR HD digital radiology system to capture detailed images quickly and efficiently.
Digital X-rays help our veterinarian evaluate:
- Fractures and bone injuries
- Arthritis
- Joint disease
- Heart enlargement
- Lung conditions
- Bladder stones
- Foreign object ingestion
- Abdominal abnormalities
Because images are available within seconds, we can review results quickly and discuss the next steps for your pet’s care.
Ultrasound
Some conditions require a closer look at soft tissues and internal organs. That’s where ultrasound can help.
Bethalto Animal Clinic works with a visiting ultrasound consultant to provide advanced imaging when needed. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of structures inside the body and can help evaluate:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Bladder conditions
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Internal masses
- Fluid accumulation
Ultrasound is non-invasive and often provides information that cannot be seen on X-rays alone.
In-House Bloodwork
Blood testing is one of the most valuable tools in veterinary medicine. It allows our veterinary team to evaluate organ function, identify signs of disease, and establish baseline health values.
Bloodwork is commonly recommended for:
- Annual wellness exams
- Senior pet screenings
- Sick pet visits
- Pre-anesthetic testing
- Monitoring chronic conditions
Routine blood testing can help identify medical concerns before they become more serious.
Urinalysis
Urinalysis provides information about your pet’s urinary tract and overall health.
This test may help detect:
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney disease
- Bladder stones
- Diabetes
- Inflammation
- Hydration concerns
Urinalysis is often performed alongside bloodwork for a more complete health assessment.
In-House Bloodwork
Blood testing is one of the most valuable tools in veterinary medicine. It allows our veterinary team to evaluate organ function, identify signs of disease, and establish baseline health values.
Bloodwork is commonly recommended for:
- Annual wellness exams
- Senior pet screenings
- Sick pet visits
- Pre-anesthetic testing
- Monitoring chronic conditions
Routine blood testing can help identify medical concerns before they become more serious.
Fecal Testing
Intestinal parasites can affect pets of all ages, including those that spend most of their time indoors.
Fecal testing helps identify parasites such as:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
- Giardia
Routine parasite screening plays an important role in preventive care for dogs and cats.
Skin Scraping & Cytology
Skin problems can have many causes, from allergies to infections and parasites.
Skin scraping and cytology (microscopic evaluation of cells) help our veterinarian investigate issues such as:
- Itching and scratching
- Hair loss
- Skin infections
- Ear infections
- Mites and other parasites
- Lumps and bumps
These tests often provide valuable answers quickly, helping us develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Allergy Testing
If your pet struggles with ongoing itching, skin irritation, or recurring ear infections, allergy testing may help identify the cause.
We offer Nextmune allergy testing to help pinpoint environmental allergens and support long-term allergy management. Identifying specific triggers allows us to create a more personalized treatment approach for your pet.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
An electrocardiogram (EKG) measures the electrical activity of the heart.
EKGs may be recommended for pets experiencing:
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Heart disease concerns
- Fainting episodes
- Breathing difficulties
- Pre-anesthetic evaluations
This simple diagnostic tool helps us assess cardiac health and guide treatment decisions.
Board-Certified Radiologist Review
Some cases benefit from an additional level of expertise. When appropriate, diagnostic images can be reviewed by a board-certified veterinary radiologist.
This specialist review provides further insight into complex or challenging cases and helps ensure we have the most accurate information possible when making recommendations for your pet’s care.
Why Choose Bethalto Animal Clinic?
Families have trusted Bethalto Animal Clinic for generations because we focus on what matters: providing quality care, honest communication, and practical recommendations.
As a privately owned veterinary practice, we’re proud to offer:
- Advanced diagnostic technology
- Experienced veterinary care
- Personalized recommendations
- Board-certified specialist support
- Honest pricing
- A high standard of care
Many of our new clients come to us through referrals from friends, family members, and neighbors. That trust means everything to us.
Answers Start with the Right Diagnostic Tools
Whether your pet has been feeling under the weather, recovering from an injury, or is due for routine wellness testing, our veterinary team is here to help you get the answers you need. At Bethalto Animal Clinic, we use advanced diagnostics and imaging to identify health concerns and guide treatment decisions with confidence.
Call Bethalto Animal Clinic at (618) 377-2139 to schedule an appointment for your dog or cat.
• FAQs
Helpful Information for Pet Owners
Frequently Asked Questions about
Diagnostics & Imaging
How do I know if my pet needs diagnostic testing?
Changes in appetite, energy level, weight, mobility, breathing, urination, or behavior may indicate that diagnostic testing is needed. Our veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate tests after an examination.
Are digital X-rays safe for pets?
Yes. Digital radiography uses low levels of radiation and is considered safe for dogs and cats. It provides valuable information about bones, joints, the chest, and parts of the abdomen.
What is the difference between an ultrasound and an X-ray?
X-rays are often used to evaluate bones and certain internal structures, while ultrasound provides detailed images of soft tissues and organs. The two diagnostic tools are frequently used together.
Why does my healthy pet need bloodwork?
Routine bloodwork can identify changes in organ function and other health markers before symptoms develop. Early detection often leads to more treatment options and better outcomes.
Why would a board-certified radiologist review my pet’s images?
A board-certified veterinary radiologist has advanced training in interpreting diagnostic images. Their review can provide additional insight, especially in complex cases.