Cat Diagnostics & Imaging in Riverside

Accurate answers lead to better care. At Riverside Cat Hospital, our veterinarians use digital X-rays and in-house lab testing to evaluate cats and kittens in Riverside, CA quickly — often during the same visit — so treatment can begin without delay.

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Diagnostic Tools That Speed Up Answers

When your cat isn’t feeling well, fast, reliable diagnostics help our doctors find the cause. Our digital X-ray system, installed in 2021, captures clear images of the chest, abdomen, and bones to investigate everything from breathing changes to suspected injuries. Our in-house laboratory runs complete blood counts, chemistry panels, and total thyroid testing, giving us same-visit results for many common concerns. For more advanced or specialized testing, we partner with Antech, a national reference laboratory, to ensure thorough, accurate analysis.

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Why Diagnostics Matter

Finding Problems You Can’t See

Cats are masters at masking illness, so signs of a problem are often internal long before they’re visible at home. Diagnostic testing lets our veterinarians look beneath the surface — checking organ function, blood values, and internal structures — to detect conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism early.

What to Expect During Diagnostic Testing

Most diagnostics are quick and minimally stressful. A blood draw or X-ray usually takes only a few minutes, and our Cat Friendly certified team handles your cat gently throughout. When results come back, our doctors walk you through what they mean and outline the next steps clearly.
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Common Questions About Cat Diagnostics

Curious how we diagnose feline health issues? Here are answers to questions cat owners frequently ask.

What kinds of diagnostic tests does Riverside Cat Hospital offer?

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Riverside Cat Hospital offers digital X-rays and in-house laboratory testing, including complete blood counts, chemistry panels, and total thyroid screening. For more advanced or specialized analysis, we send samples to Antech, a trusted national reference lab. Together, these tools help our veterinarians diagnose feline health concerns quickly and accurately.

Why might my cat need bloodwork or X-rays?

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Bloodwork and imaging help our doctors identify problems that aren't visible during a physical exam, such as kidney or thyroid disease, infection, or an internal injury. We also use diagnostics for pre-surgical screening and to monitor cats with ongoing conditions, ensuring treatment plans stay on track over time.

How quickly will I get my cat's test results?

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Many results from our in-house lab are available during the same visit, which means our veterinarians can often discuss findings and begin treatment right away. Tests sent to our reference laboratory typically take a little longer, and we'll contact you as soon as those results arrive.

Is diagnostic testing stressful for cats?

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We keep testing as low-stress as possible. Most blood draws and X-rays are quick, and our Cat Friendly certified team uses gentle handling to keep your cat calm. Because we treat only cats, our entire approach is built around minimizing the anxiety felines often feel during a visit.