Seeing Clearly – So Your Pet Can Thrive
We go beyond routine exams to provide the most accurate picture of your pet's health. Using cutting-edge imaging and expert specialist interpretation, we detect problems earlier and design more effective treatment plans — giving your cat or dog the best possible outcome.
At Lincoln Ave Cat & Dog Hospital, we believe the right diagnosis is the foundation of exceptional care. That's why we've invested in state-of-the-art in-house diagnostic tools — including high-resolution digital X-rays, abdominal and cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography), and comprehensive laboratory testing — to capture the clearest, most detailed images and results possible right here in our hospital. Our experienced veterinarians use these advanced technologies to uncover even subtle heart conditions, hidden abdominal issues, organ abnormalities, and other concerns quickly and accurately. This in-house approach means faster answers, less stress for your pet, and a seamless path to treatment — all delivered with the compassion and expertise you expect from your trusted local team in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Our Advanced Diagnostic Services
Echocardiography (Cardiac Ultrasound)
Our non-invasive echocardiograms give a detailed, real-time view of your pet's heart — including valve function, chamber size, blood flow, and pumping efficiency. This gold-standard test is essential for diagnosing heart murmurs, cardiomyopathy, congenital defects, and other cardiac conditions in dogs and cats before symptoms become severe.
Advanced Digital Radiology (X-Rays)
High-resolution digital X-rays allow us to capture exceptionally clear images of bones, chest, abdomen, and spine — with results available instantly. Digital technology means lower radiation exposure, faster processing, and the ability to share images easily with specialists when needed.
Abdominal & Soft-Tissue Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a safe, radiation-free way to examine internal organs including the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, intestines, and thyroid in real time. No anesthesia is typically required, making it comfortable for most pets while helping us identify tumors, stones, fluid buildup, organ enlargement, and other abnormalities early.
Comprehensive Laboratory Diagnostics
We offer fast in-house bloodwork, urinalysis, and cytology, plus access to an extensive menu of specialized tests through our trusted national reference laboratory. This partnership ensures rapid, accurate results even for the most complex panels.
Coming 2026 – Animal Hospital of Fairfield
Our Sister Facility – Next-Level Imaging Is Almost Here
We're excited to announce that our sister hospital, Animal Hospital of Fairfield, will soon open with on-site CT scanning and MRI capabilities.
These powerful cross-sectional imaging technologies will take veterinary diagnostics in our community to an entirely new level, allowing earlier detection of:
- Brain and spinal conditions
- Nasal and ear disease
- Complex orthopedic issues
- Cancer staging and surgical planning
- And much more — with unmatched detail and precision
Best of all, the same compassionate Lincoln Ave team you already know and trust will coordinate your pet's care — seamlessly connecting today's advanced diagnostics with tomorrow's gold-standard imaging. Stay tuned — the future of pet diagnostics in essex county, Fairfield, New Jersey.
Concerned about your pet's health? Let's get answers.
Schedule an advanced diagnostic consultation today. Most imaging and lab results are available within 24–48 hours, so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Advanced veterinary diagnostics for cats and dogs – Lincoln Ave Cat & Dog Hospital, Fairlawn, New Jersey.
FAQs
An echocardiogram (also called a cardiac ultrasound or "echo") is a safe, non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed, real-time pictures of your pet's heart. It shows heart chamber size, valve function, blood flow, and pumping strength. We often recommend it if your pet has a heart murmur, signs of heart disease (like coughing, fatigue, or breathing issues), or a breed predisposition to cardiac conditions. It's the gold standard for diagnosing heart problems early in dogs and cats.
No — both echocardiograms and general ultrasounds are completely painless and non-invasive. Your pet may feel cool gel on their fur and gentle pressure from the probe, but most find it comfortable. We work gently to keep your pet relaxed, and many doze off during the procedure.
Most pets do not require sedation for echocardiograms, abdominal ultrasounds, or digital X-rays. We only consider mild sedation if your pet is very anxious or wiggly, to ensure the best image quality and their comfort. We'll discuss this with you beforehand.
- Echocardiograms: Typically 20–40 minutes.
- Abdominal or soft-tissue ultrasounds: 20–45 minutes.
- Digital X-rays: Usually just 5–15 minutes. The entire visit (including setup and review) is often under an hour, and many results are available quickly.
For most echocardiograms and chest X-rays, no special prep is needed. For abdominal ultrasounds, we may ask you to withhold food for 8–12 hours (water is usually okay) to get clearer images of organs like the liver, kidneys, or bladder. We'll give specific instructions when scheduling.
We capture high-quality images in-house using advanced digital equipment. For complex cases, every relevant study (echocardiograms, X-rays, ultrasounds) is reviewed by board-certified veterinary radiologists through our partnership with a leading national veterinary laboratory. This brings specialist-level expertise to your pet's care without needing a separate referral appointment.
Digital X-rays excel at viewing bones, lungs, heart size, and foreign objects, with instant high-resolution results and lower radiation. Ultrasound provides detailed, real-time views of soft tissues, organs, blood flow, and the heart (via echocardiogram) — it's especially useful for abdominal issues, pregnancies, or heart function where X-rays fall short. We often use both together for a complete picture.
Yes — all our advanced diagnostics are very safe. Ultrasounds and echocardiograms use harmless sound waves (no radiation). Digital X-rays use minimal, controlled radiation — far less than in human medicine — and we take every precaution to protect your pet.
Routine digital X-rays and in-house labs often provide same-day results. Ultrasounds and echocardiograms may take a bit longer if specialist review is involved, but most receive expert interpretation within 24–48 hours. We'll call or message you promptly with findings and next steps.
We're excited that our sister hospital, Animal Hospital of Fairfield (opening 2026), will offer on-site CT and MRI. These provide 3D, cross-sectional views for even more precise diagnosis of complex issues (e.g., brain, spine, or tumors). We'll coordinate seamlessly so your pet gets the highest level of care from the team you trust.
If your question isn't answered here, feel free to call us at (973) 427-0990 — we're happy to explain anything about your pet's advanced diagnostics!