Veterinary Diagnostics in Huntington Beach

Pioneering New Standards.
World-class diagnostics. Here, we find answers. Abstract background with a thick, wavy orange curve on the left side against a light gray and pale blue backdrop. The modern design features smooth, flowing lines—perfect for a contemporary veterinarian or vet clinic brand. A blue silhouette of a palm tree with detailed fronds stands against a light gray background, offering a calm and soothing design perfect for any veterinarian’s office or vet clinic. A simple blue silhouette of a tall palm tree with a long curved trunk and a wide, leafy crown, set against a plain white background—a calm scene perfect for any veterinarian or vet-themed space.

Quick Diagnosis Leads to Fast Treatment. At Huntington Beach Pet Hospital, helping sick pets feel better starts with finding answers. Because our pets cannot tell us exactly what is wrong, veterinary diagnostic testing often plays an important role in helping us understand what is happening and how to treat it properly.

When your dog or cat is sick, painful, or simply not acting like themselves, many medical conditions cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. Diagnostic testing helps us gather more information so we can determine what is wrong and decide on the best treatment plan.

Our hospital is equipped with a wide range of in-house diagnostic tools so we can evaluate many medical concerns without unnecessary delay. This includes in-house laboratory testing, pet bloodwork, digital X-rays, veterinary ultrasound, and several specialized tools used for specific medical conditions.
 A large owl wearing glasses sits on a tree branch, reading a red book about becoming a veterinarian. Green leaves and little light blue birds surround the owl against a pale background. Subtle, white line drawing of a leafy plant with long, slender leaves on a light gray background. The delicate illustration evokes a calming atmosphere, perfect for a veterinarian's office or vet clinic waiting area. Blue line drawing of a tropical plant with large, elongated leaves, featuring visible veins and detailed shading—an elegant design perfect for a veterinarian’s office or vet clinic, set against a plain white background. A happy brown and white dog with a graying muzzle sits on a wooden floor in a black harness, looking up with a big, open-mouthed smile—ready for his vet visit or some attention from the veterinarian. A simple illustration of light blue, branching seaweed or coral, featuring long, thin stems and sparse, delicate fronds on a white background—perfect décor for a veterinarian's office or vet-themed space.

Medical X-ray room with digital imaging equipment Versana Active ultrasound machine with screen and keyboard Light blue silhouette of a palm tree with detailed, textured fronds, set against a plain, light background—perfect for a veterinarian’s office or vet-themed space. White medical laboratory equipment on cabinet counter

Our Personalized Approach to Veterinary Diagnostic Testing

Dr. Lewis and his associates take a thoughtful, methodical approach when recommending diagnostic testing for your pet companion. Rather than simply following a standard protocol often seen in larger corporate practices, Dr. Lewis uses both his physical examination findings and the history you provide to determine which tests make the most sense to start with.

For example, if a patient comes in for vomiting, every case is approached individually. A 2-year-old Labrador with a history of chewing on toys may be more likely to start with abdominal X-rays before recommending bloodwork, urine, or fecal testing. However, if the patient is a 10-year-old Schnauzer with a history of pancreatitis, Dr. Lewis may recommend a very different diagnostic approach and may not initially suggest X-rays at all.

Many times, additional tests are recommended for pets simply because a blood or urine value falls slightly outside of the normal reference range. Our veterinarians carefully interpret every test result in the context of the whole patient.

For example, if a urine sample shows a very small amount of protein, we do not automatically recommend hundreds of dollars of additional testing. Likewise, if a liver enzyme is only mildly elevated, we do not immediately suggest further diagnostics without considering the bigger picture.

We take into account your pet’s age, medical history, diet, symptoms, and overall clinical presentation to determine whether additional testing is truly necessary or whether certain values can simply be monitored and rechecked over time.

In addition to creating a personalized diagnostic plan for each patient, the team at Huntington Beach Pet Hospital understands that financial considerations can play a role in medical decision-making. Whenever possible, we try to offer testing options and help prioritize diagnostics so families can make informed decisions that fit both their pet’s needs and their budget.

We also offer discounted pricing on many diagnostic testing packages when multiple tests are recommended together. Our goal is to help make more comprehensive testing affordable for families whenever possible, and these discounts never require monthly memberships or subscription plans.

In-House Laboratory Testing and Bloodwork for Pets

We perform comprehensive in-house laboratory testing to evaluate organ function, blood cell counts, electrolytes, blood sugar, and signs of inflammation or infection. Because this pet bloodwork is performed in our hospital, we can often review results quickly and begin treatment the same day when needed.

Laboratory testing is one of the most important tools we use when evaluating pets that are vomiting, lethargic, drinking excessively, not eating well, or simply not feeling like themselves. Bloodwork often helps us detect underlying problems before they become more serious.
 Blue line art illustration of a tropical plant with long, detailed leaves, drawn with fine lines and shading on a white background—perfect décor for a veterinarian or vet’s office seeking a calming, botanical touch. A vet examines a gray kitten’s ear with an otoscope while the kitten lies on a red surface and nibbles on a treat held by another person. Tabby cat with white chest resting indoors Subtle, white line drawing of a leafy plant with long, slender leaves on a light gray background. The delicate illustration evokes a calming atmosphere, perfect for a veterinarian's office or vet clinic waiting area. A blue line drawing of a spiky-leaved plant with long, narrow leaves radiating outward, set against a light background—perfect wall art for any vet or veterinarian’s office.

Digital X-Rays and Diagnostic Imaging in Huntington Beach

Digital X-rays are one of the most common tools we use to help diagnose illness and injury. This form of diagnostic imaging allows us to evaluate bones, joints, the chest, and abdominal organs quickly and efficiently.

Pet X-rays are frequently recommended for dogs and cats that are limping, coughing, vomiting, showing signs of pain, or may have eaten something they should not have. They help us identify fractures, arthritis, intestinal blockages, heart enlargement, lung disease, and many other conditions.
 A large owl wearing glasses sits on a tree branch, reading a red book about becoming a veterinarian. Green leaves and little light blue birds surround the owl against a pale background. A blue silhouette illustration of a palm tree with detailed, textured leaves, set against a plain white background—perfect wall art for a veterinarian or vet clinic waiting room. Five wavy, white, leaf-like shapes with subtle line details are arranged vertically on a light gray background, creating an abstract design that could appeal to a veterinarian or vet with its natural, calming feel. Blue line drawing of a palm tree with multiple fan-shaped leaves extending from long stems, shown on a plain white background—perfect wall art for any veterinarian or vet clinic seeking a calming touch. Veterinarian examining small black and white dog in clinic Blue line art illustration of a spiky, bushy plant with long, slender leaves radiating outward in all directions, set against a light background—perfect for brightening up any vet or veterinarian's office.

Veterinary Ultrasound and Internal Organ Evaluation Veterinary ultrasound gives us another way to evaluate internal organs in greater detail. It is especially helpful for assessing the liver, kidneys, bladder, gastrointestinal tract, and other abdominal structures.

Pet ultrasound can help us identify fluid accumulation, masses, pregnancy, and other abnormalities that may not be fully visible on X-rays. Ultrasound is often recommended when we need more information after bloodwork or radiographs have been performed.
 A large owl wearing glasses sits on a tree branch, reading a red book about becoming a veterinarian. Green leaves and little light blue birds surround the owl against a pale background. Subtle, white line drawing of a leafy plant with long, slender leaves on a light gray background. The delicate illustration evokes a calming atmosphere, perfect for a veterinarian's office or vet clinic waiting area. Blue line drawing of a tropical plant with large, elongated leaves, featuring visible veins and detailed shading—an elegant design perfect for a veterinarian’s office or vet clinic, set against a plain white background. Tabby cat lying on white surface looking at camera A simple illustration of light blue, branching seaweed or coral, featuring long, thin stems and sparse, delicate fronds on a white background—perfect décor for a veterinarian's office or vet-themed space.

Additional Diagnostic Testing We Use

We use several additional diagnostic tools depending on your pet’s symptoms and physical examination findings.

Eye testing such as tear production measurement, corneal staining, and eye pressure evaluation helps us diagnose painful or vision-threatening eye conditions. Doppler blood pressure monitoring helps us assess pets with heart disease, kidney disease, and other systemic illnesses. Microscopic evaluation of skin, ears, and masses allows us to identify bacteria, yeast, inflammation, and abnormal cells so treatment can be chosen appropriately.
 A large owl wearing glasses sits on a tree branch, reading a red book about becoming a veterinarian. Green leaves and little light blue birds surround the owl against a pale background. A blue silhouette illustration of a palm tree with detailed, textured leaves, set against a plain white background—perfect wall art for a veterinarian or vet clinic waiting room. Five wavy, white, leaf-like shapes with subtle line details are arranged vertically on a light gray background, creating an abstract design that could appeal to a veterinarian or vet with its natural, calming feel. Blue line drawing of a palm tree with multiple fan-shaped leaves extending from long stems, shown on a plain white background—perfect wall art for any veterinarian or vet clinic seeking a calming touch. Isafe handheld device in protective foam case packaging Blue line art illustration of a spiky, bushy plant with long, slender leaves radiating outward in all directions, set against a light background—perfect for brightening up any vet or veterinarian's office.

When We Recommend Diagnostic Testing for Your Pet

Diagnostic testing is never one-size-fits-all. We choose tests based on your pet’s symptoms, physical exam findings, and medical history.

Some pets may only need simple bloodwork, while others may require X-rays, ultrasound, or a combination of tests to provide a clearer picture of what is going on. Our goal is always to recommend the right diagnostics for your pet’s specific situation—not unnecessary testing.

One of the biggest advantages of our in-house veterinary diagnostics is speed. Being able to perform testing, review results quickly, and begin treatment right away can make a meaningful difference when your pet is uncomfortable or seriously ill.
 White rectangular background with slightly wavy, uneven edges, creating a hand-drawn or casual frame effect—perfect for a friendly vet or veterinarian announcement. The center is blank with no text or images. Blue line art illustration of a tropical plant with long, detailed leaves, drawn with fine lines and shading on a white background—perfect décor for a veterinarian or vet’s office seeking a calming, botanical touch. A small, fluffy brown and white dog is being gently held by a veterinarian wearing blue medical gloves. The dog looks happy with its tongue out while its paw is being examined. Subtle, white line drawing of a leafy plant with long, slender leaves on a light gray background. The delicate illustration evokes a calming atmosphere, perfect for a veterinarian's office or vet clinic waiting area. A blue line drawing of a spiky-leaved plant with long, narrow leaves radiating outward, set against a light background—perfect wall art for any vet or veterinarian’s office.

Veterinary Diagnostic Services for Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, and Costa Mesa

We proudly provide veterinary diagnostics for dogs and cats throughout Huntington Beach and surrounding communities including Fountain Valley and Costa Mesa.

If your pet is not feeling well, our team is here to help. Please call (714) 962-3639 to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Diagnostic Testing

Many illnesses cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. Diagnostic testing helps us gather more information about what may be going on internally so we can make the most accurate diagnosis and recommend the best treatment plan.

Many blood and laboratory tests can be performed in-house, which allows us to review results the same day in many cases. This helps us move quickly when your pet is sick and treatment needs to begin promptly.

Yes. Modern digital X-rays use very low levels of radiation and are considered extremely safe for pets. They are one of the most common and valuable tools we use to help diagnose injuries and illness.

Most pets do not need sedation for routine imaging. However, mild sedation may sometimes be recommended if a pet is painful, anxious, or having difficulty remaining still so we can obtain the clearest images possible.

Laboratory testing costs can vary depending on which tests are recommended and how extensive the workup needs to be. In many cases, we offer up to a 20% discount when bloodwork is combined with urine and fecal testing as part of a laboratory package.

For younger to middle-aged pets, laboratory testing often ranges from $100 to $290, while more comprehensive senior pet testing typically ranges from $290 to $380, depending on which tests are needed.

Proudly serving pet owners in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Westminster, and surrounding Orange County communities.