6701 Johnston St
Lafayette, LA 70503
Our services
Thoracocentesis, abdominocentesis, and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirates provide answers and comfort for pets in Lafayette, often without surgery.
Welcome to Carson Animal Hospital, where our experienced veterinary team offers specialized diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that help us find answers and bring comfort to pets in Lafayette, often without the need for surgery.
Some conditions call for a closer look or a gentle, targeted treatment. Our veterinarians use in-house ultrasound and laboratory testing to perform these minimally invasive procedures safely:
Thoracocentesis is the removal of fluid or air from the chest cavity using a thin needle. It can make breathing easier for pets with fluid or air around the lungs, and the fluid collected can be analyzed to help identify the underlying cause.
Abdominocentesis is the removal of fluid from the abdomen. It helps relieve pressure and discomfort from fluid buildup, and testing the fluid gives our team valuable information about what may be causing it.
A fine needle aspirate collects a small sample of cells from a mass or internal organ using a very thin needle. With ultrasound guidance, our veterinarians can see exactly where the needle is placed, allowing us to sample internal structures accurately and with minimal discomfort. The sample is then examined to help guide a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Here's what you can expect when your pet has a specialized procedure at Carson Animal Hospital.
Our veterinary team begins with a thorough physical exam and may use ultrasound, radiographs, or bloodwork to confirm the procedure is the right next step and plan the safest approach.
A small area of fur is shaved and the skin is cleaned. Depending on your pet's needs, we may use local anesthetic or light sedation to keep them calm and comfortable.
Using ultrasound guidance when appropriate, our veterinarians carefully place a thin needle to remove fluid or collect a sample. Your pet is closely monitored throughout.
Collected fluid or cells are evaluated in our in-house lab or sent to an outside laboratory when needed. Our team reviews the results with you and discusses recommended treatment or follow-up.
These procedures help us understand what is happening inside your pet's body and can provide quick relief, often with less recovery time than surgery.
Removing fluid from the chest or abdomen can ease breathing and relieve pressure, helping your pet feel more comfortable.
Fine needle aspirates and fluid analysis can provide valuable diagnostic information without surgery, helping guide the best treatment plan.
Because these procedures use a thin needle rather than an incision, many pets recover quickly and can often go home the same day.
Contact Carson Animal Hospital if you notice any of the following:
Difficulty breathing is an emergency. If your pet is struggling to breathe, contact us right away or seek emergency care.
These procedures are performed as needed based on your pet's symptoms and diagnostic findings. Some pets with ongoing conditions may benefit from repeat fluid removal to stay comfortable. Our veterinary team will recommend a plan tailored to your pet's needs.
Carson Animal Hospital provides skilled, compassionate care for pets who need specialized procedures:
Both procedures use a thin needle to remove fluid, from the chest (thoracocentesis) or the abdomen (abdominocentesis). They can relieve discomfort or breathing difficulty, and the fluid can be tested to help find the cause.
It is a minimally invasive way to collect cells from a mass or internal organ. Ultrasound lets our veterinarians guide the needle precisely, and the sample is examined to help guide diagnosis and treatment.
Most pets do not need general anesthesia. Depending on your pet and the procedure, we may use local anesthetic or light sedation to keep them calm and comfortable.
Many pets recover quickly and can often go home the same day. Our team will provide at-home care instructions and review results with you. Questions? Call (337) 981-7998.
Call Carson Animal Hospital at (337) 981-7998 or visit us at 6701 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA 70503. We are open Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-5 PM, Saturday 7:30 AM-Noon.
To learn whether a specialized procedure is right for your pet, call Carson Animal Hospital at (337) 981-7998 or visit us at 6701 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA 70503. We are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday from 7:30 AM to 12 Noon.
Have a question about a procedure for your pet? We're happy to walk through it.
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