When your pet faces a medical emergency, time is of the essence. Whether your furry companion is suddenly lethargic, vomiting, limping, or experiencing any other concerning symptoms, you want answers — fast. That’s where a dedicated animal emergency care center like the Animal Emergency and Urgent Care Center (AEUCC) in Deerfield Beach, Florida, steps in. At AEUCC, we’re equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and a team of skilled veterinarians to quickly determine what’s wrong and how to help.
But what tests are typically performed in an animal emergency to diagnose your pet? Understanding the diagnostic process can provide peace of mind during a stressful situation. Below, we explore the most common emergency vet tests performed when your pet visits an urgent care or emergency facility.
- Physical Examination
Before any equipment comes into play, the first step is a thorough physical examination. Our veterinarians carefully assess your pet’s vital signs, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and gum color. This helps establish a baseline and guides which diagnostic tests are needed. Observing your pet’s behavior, posture, and responsiveness is also a key part of this initial evaluation.
- Blood Tests (CBC and Chemistry Panel)
Bloodwork is one of the most vital diagnostic tools we use at AEUCC. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) helps detect infections, anemia, inflammation, and blood clotting issues. The chemistry panel assesses organ function — including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and electrolytes. These tests can reveal conditions like dehydration, diabetes, organ failure, and more, providing critical insights in minutes.
- X-Rays (Radiographs)
Radiographs are commonly used to evaluate internal structures such as the lungs, heart, abdomen, and bones. If your pet is limping, bloated, coughing, or having difficulty breathing, an x-ray helps us identify fractures, tumors, fluid buildup, or foreign bodies they may have ingested.
- Ultrasound
While x-rays provide a static image, ultrasound offers real-time visuals of organs in motion. This is particularly useful for examining the heart (echocardiogram), abdominal organs, and bladder. Ultrasound is non-invasive and extremely effective at identifying internal bleeding, tumors, cysts, or pregnancy complications.
- Urinalysis
A urinalysis helps evaluate kidney function, detect urinary tract infections, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. It’s a simple yet powerful test, especially when paired with bloodwork, to provide a more comprehensive view of your pet’s health status.
- Fecal Testing
Pets experiencing vomiting or diarrhea may undergo fecal testing to check for parasites, bacteria, or abnormal digestion. Giardia, hookworms, roundworms, and other harmful organisms can be quickly identified, allowing treatment to begin immediately.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
If your pet is experiencing heart-related symptoms like fainting, irregular heartbeat, or rapid breathing, an ECG may be performed. This test records the electrical activity of the heart and helps diagnose arrhythmias or other cardiac abnormalities.
- Clotting Profiles
In certain emergencies such as internal bleeding or suspected poisoning, a clotting profile may be run to evaluate how well your pet’s blood can clot. This is especially critical before surgery or if there is unexplained bruising or bleeding.
- Toxicology Screening
If you suspect your pet ingested something toxic — like human medication, chocolate, plants, or household cleaners — toxicology screening may be necessary. These targeted tests help identify the substance and allow our team to administer appropriate antidotes or treatments.
Why Choose the Animal Emergency and Urgent Care Center (AEUCC)?
At AEUCC, we understand that pet emergencies can be overwhelming and emotional. That’s why our team is trained to not only offer top-tier medical care but also to guide and support pet owners through the process. Our state-of-the-art facility in Deerfield Beach is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools to ensure your pet receives the fastest, most accurate care possible.
Whether your dog ate something it shouldn’t have, your cat is having trouble breathing, or you’re simply unsure if something is wrong, our goal is to find answers — and deliver treatment — without delay.
We are proud to serve pet owners not only in Deerfield Beach, but also in Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Margate, Parkland, Fort Lauderdale, and Pompano. So if you’re searching for a Boca Raton emergency vet, know that help is just a short drive away.
Contact Us for Emergency Vet Tests Services
Emergencies don’t follow a schedule, and neither do we. If your pet is in distress, please don’t wait — contact the Animal Emergency and Urgent Care Center (AEUCC) right away. Our compassionate and experienced veterinary team is here to diagnose, stabilize, and treat your pet using the latest emergency vet tests and technology available.
Call us or visit our Deerfield Beach location for immediate care. Your pet’s health and comfort are our top priorities. Call (954) 428-9888.
