Internal Medicine & Diagnostics in Prescott, AZ

Internal medicine and diagnostics is the work of identifying and managing diseases of the internal organs and body systems: kidneys, liver, heart, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, and immune system. Our in-house lab and digital imaging let us answer most questions the same day, so treatment can start while your pet is still in the building rather than after a multi-day wait.

Diagnostic capabilities at our hospital

• Complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel
• Urinalysis with sediment exam and culture
• Fecal flotation and giardia testing
• Heartworm and tick-borne disease panels
• Valley fever (Coccidioides) titer testing
• Thyroid (T4, free T4) and cortisol testing for endocrine disease
• Pancreatic specific lipase (cPL/fPL) testing
• Pre-anesthetic and senior wellness panels
• Digital radiology (X-rays) for chest, abdomen, and orthopedic imaging
• Diagnostic ultrasound for soft tissue and abdominal evaluation
• Cytology and fine-needle aspirates for masses and lumps
• Send-out reference lab partnerships for specialized testing and pathology review

Common conditions we diagnose and manage

• Kidney disease (acute and chronic)
• Diabetes mellitus and other endocrine disorders
• Hyperthyroidism in cats; hypothyroidism in dogs
• Cushing's disease and Addison's disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease and chronic GI issues
• Pancreatitis
• Liver disease
• Heart disease and murmurs
• Urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)
• Anemia and immune-mediated disease
• Valley fever (covered in detail below)

Valley fever in northern Arizona

Valley fever is a fungal disease caused by inhaled spores of the Coccidioides fungus. Yavapai County is squarely inside the endemic zone, and we see new cases in dogs every month, particularly in dogs that dig, hike, or spend time around disturbed soil and washes. Symptoms range from mild (cough, lethargy, decreased appetite) to serious (chronic limping from bone involvement, neurologic signs). Diagnosis is a blood titer combined with chest X-rays. Treatment is long-term oral antifungal medication, sometimes for a year or more. If you suspect Valley fever, do not wait. Early treatment makes a significant difference in outcome and cost.

What to expect at a diagnostic visit

A typical workup starts with a thorough history and physical exam. Based on what we find, Dr. Bason or Dr. Siens will recommend a focused set of tests rather than running everything at once. In-house results for blood and urine are usually available within 30 to 60 minutes. Imaging results are reviewed during your visit. We then sit down with you to walk through the findings, explain the diagnosis or differential list, and lay out a treatment plan with a written estimate. For complex cases we coordinate with veterinary internists and specialists, including the practices in Phoenix when an advanced procedure is needed.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly will I get test results?

Most in-house bloodwork is back in 30 to 60 minutes. Urinalysis, fecal, and cytology results are usually same-day. Cultures take 3 to 5 days. Send-out reference lab tests (specialized panels, biopsies) typically return in 2 to 5 business days. We will tell you the expected turnaround when we collect the sample.

Do I need to fast my pet before bloodwork?

For most routine wellness panels we ask for a 12-hour fast (no food after midnight, water is fine). This produces cleaner results, especially for chemistry values and pancreatic enzymes. If your pet eats medication with food, please give it as usual. For emergency or sick visits we run what we need regardless of fasting status.

How is Valley fever diagnosed?

A combination of clinical signs, a Valley fever titer (a blood test), chest X-rays, and sometimes additional bloodwork. A positive titer alone does not always mean active disease, and a negative titer does not always rule it out, especially early in infection. Dr. Bason interprets the titer in context with what we are seeing on the exam and imaging.

What is the difference between an X-ray and an ultrasound?

X-rays show bone and the silhouettes of organs. They are excellent for fractures, foreign bodies, bladder stones, heart size, and lung patterns. Ultrasound shows the internal architecture of soft tissue organs in real time, so it is the better tool for evaluating liver, kidneys, spleen, gallbladder, intestines, and bladder wall. Many cases benefit from both.

Can you treat my pet's chronic condition long-term?

Yes. We manage chronic kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, Cushing's, IBD, and Valley fever long-term. Most of these conditions involve a baseline workup, a treatment trial, and regular rechecks every three to six months to adjust medication. We will set you up with a written long-term plan and reminder schedule.

When do you refer to a specialist?

When a case needs equipment or expertise that lives outside a general practice (advanced echocardiography, MRI/CT, endoscopy, oncology infusions, board-certified surgery for complex cases). We have working relationships with specialty hospitals in the Phoenix area and we will coordinate the referral, send records, and stay involved in your pet's care.

What does a diagnostic workup cost?

Cost varies widely depending on what testing is needed. A basic sick-visit workup (exam, bloodwork, urinalysis) is much less than a complex case requiring imaging and send-out tests. We will always provide a written estimate before running tests so you can make an informed decision. Call (928) 771-1340 for specific pricing.

Related services: Preventative Care, Pain Management, Soft Tissue Surgery.

Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Bason, DVM. Last reviewed May 1, 2026.