Answers you can trust, when minutes matter.

At The inFURmary in Scripps Ranch, San Diego, we combine specialty-level insight with advanced veterinary diagnostic tools to find what’s going on, fast, without the corporate-hospital price tag.

Fast, in-house veterinary testing

Our on-site lab turns worry into information within minutes, not days. That speed matters when your pet’s health is changing or you’re waiting for results that guide next steps.

We can evaluate organ function, hydration, and infection risk in one visit using bloodwork, chemistry panels, urinalysis, and more. Heartworm and tick-borne disease testing are also done on-site, along with hormone testing for thyroid and adrenal conditions.

Our goal? Clarity to guide next steps for your pet. If something looks off, we can act immediately: adjust treatment, confirm findings, or bring in a specialist for review.

Specialized, send-out testing

Some questions need deeper investigation. For those, we partner with trusted reference labs for advanced testing. This includes everything from cancer diagnostics to allergy and endocrine panels.

Even when tests go out, your case stays anchored right here at the inFURmary. Results come straight back to our team, and Dr. Johnson or one of our other veterinarians reviews them personally before creating or adjusting your plan. Our approach is collaborative, not fragmented.

Diagnostic Imaging

Digital X-rays

When we need a closer look, our digital X-rays capture high-resolution images instantly, revealing what physical exams can’t. They help us assess bones, joints, lungs, and internal organs quickly and safely.

Digital imaging offers clear detail with minimal radiation exposure, and many pets don’t need sedation. Whether your cat or dog has a swallowed toy, a limp that won’t quit, or pre-surgical screening, we can diagnose and discuss next steps before you even leave our veterinary practice.

Veterinary ultrasound

Ultrasound technology lets us watch your pet’s internal organs in motion, seeing things an X-ray can’t. It’s painless, non-invasive, and can often be done without anesthesia or sedation.

We use ultrasound to examine the abdomen, heart, and other soft-tissue structures, often in combination with X-rays for a complete picture. For urgent cases, you’ll get results right away; for full ultrasounds, we partner with an internal medicine specialist to perform the ultrasound and interpret the results.

Why diagnostics matter for your pet

At The inFURmary, diagnostics aren’t about running every test under the sun, they’re about asking the right question first. Because Dr. Johnson is a boarded specialist in general practice, our team approaches each case with advanced reasoning and a clear sense of purpose.

That means fewer unnecessary tests, faster results, and treatment plans that actually make sense for your pet and for you.

Common Questions About Pet Diagnostics

Diagnostics aren’t treatment. Instead, they’re how we find out what’s actually happening. Think of them as medical detective work. Tests help us rule things out, confirm what’s real, and decide what matters most. Once we know the “why,” we can treat your cat or dog confidently instead of guessing or overprescribing. It’s about accuracy, not excess.

Because pets are experts at hiding pain and illness. Bloodwork, imaging, and other diagnostics show us what’s going on inside—before you see anything outside. Catching small changes early keeps your pet feeling good longer and saves you from dealing with emergencies later.

It depends on the question we’re trying to answer.
  • Blood and urine tests tell us how the organs are working and whether there’s infection or inflammation.
  • Digital X-rays reveal bones, joints, lungs, and internal structures.
  • Ultrasound shows soft tissues and organs in motion—great for abdominal and heart evaluations.
Each tool gives us a different angle on your pet’s health so we can build a clear, accurate picture.

Our honest answer? It depends. Sometimes these diagnostics give us a clear “aha” moment right away. Other times, ultrasounds and X-rays help us narrow down what could be happening to your pet to one or two issues instead of our team guessing at many issues. We’ll always talk through why we suggest diagnostics in your pet’s case, and how they’ll help us arrive at an answer or find the best next step forward.

Because good data costs money, and bad data costs more. Our lab and imaging equipment are hospital-grade, giving you same-day results that are clear and actionable. Each test includes the time and expertise to interpret results correctly. Our approach isn’t about upselling, it’s about not missing something that matters.

Yes. Most diagnostics are painless and low risk. X-rays use very little radiation, and ultrasounds use only sound waves. We only sedate if your pet’s anxiety or movement could affect accuracy. Everything we do is designed to get answers safely and gently.

For most healthy pets, once a year is enough—usually during their wellness visit. Senior pets, or those with chronic issues, benefit from testing every six months. Regular diagnostics help us stay ahead of age-related changes before they turn into something serious.

Right here at The inFURmary in Scripps Ranch, San Diego! We perform veterinary ultrasounds on-site, often during the same visit as your exam, with results available immediately. If needed, we collaborate with board-certified specialists to review images, so you get advanced-level care without leaving your neighborhood.