Discover the reasons behind your pet's symptoms with a range of diagnostic tests. Our Brodheadsville veterinarians will guide you through these tests, helping identify the root causes of your pet's health issues.
Diagnostic Testing for Pets
While diagnostic testing is an essential part of human medical diagnosis and treatment, these tests can be even more critical when it comes to accurately diagnosing our pet's symptoms. This is because our pets are unable to tell us how they are feeling, where they are experiencing pain or discomfort, and what kind of pain they feel. Diagnostic testing can help your vet determine the cause of your pet's symptoms quickly so that treatment can get started without delay.
Below are some of the types of diagnostic testing for pets that veterinarians use when caring for the health of our pets.
Blood Tests
Blood tests play a crucial role in diagnosing health issues in pets and are commonly used by veterinarians. These tests help assess organ function, electrolyte levels, blood cell counts, and more. Whether it's your pet's routine annual checkup or if you're worried about specific symptoms they're showing, blood tests are a valuable tool for maintaining your pet's well-being. Older pets, in particular, benefit greatly from regular blood tests as they are more vulnerable to certain diseases and health conditions. The best part? These tests are quick and require only a small blood sample.
Urinalysis
Urine tests are commonly used to diagnose health issues in dogs and cats. They evaluate kidney function, urinary tract infections, and other urinary system problems. The tests require only a small urine sample and can be done quickly. Pet parents can collect the urine sample in most cases, but sometimes a veterinarian may need to obtain it directly from the bladder using a needle.
Fecal Testing
Discovering hidden intestinal parasites in dogs and cats is made easier with fecal tests. These tests involve taking a fresh stool sample of your pet to the veterinarian's office for analysis. By doing so, veterinarians can catch potential issues before symptoms appear.
Heartworm Tests
Heartworm is a very serious, typically fatal condition in pets. Many veterinarians strongly recommend annual heartworm testing for dogs and cats. Heartworm testing typically involves a blood test that detects the presence of antigens produced by adult female heartworms.
X-rays
X-rays are valuable diagnostic tools used to assess various health issues, such as bone fractures, joint problems, and respiratory concerns. They are non-invasive and quick, though pets may need sedation to remain still during the procedure. X-rays are particularly helpful for evaluating older pets or those with chronic health conditions.
Ultrasound
Veterinary ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses sound waves to produce real-time images of internal organ function. This technology is commonly used to evaluate the health of the heart, liver, and kidneys. Ultrasound is often recommended for pets with suspected heart or liver disease or for pregnant pets in order to monitor the health of developing fetuses.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a process that involves the use of a small camera attached to a flexible tube. The tube is inserted into the pet's body through an opening such as the mouth or rectum, allowing the veterinarian to examine the internal organs. Endoscopy is commonly used to evaluate gastrointestinal issues but can also be used to evaluate the respiratory system and other organs.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a diagnostic test that involves the removal of a small sample of tissue for examination. Biopsies are often recommended when a pet has a suspicious lump or growth that may be cancerous. The sample is examined under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous or benign.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the heart's electrical activity. It is often recommended for pets with heart disease or those at risk for heart disease. The non-invasive test involves attaching electrodes to the pet's chest to monitor the heart's electrical activity.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of internal organs. MRI can be used to evaluate neurological issues, but it can also be helpful when evaluating other organs. MRI is typically only available at specialist veterinary clinics and can be more expensive than other diagnostic tests. Most pets require sedation to keep them still during the procedure.
Pet Diagnostic Tests at Brodheadsville Veterinary Clinic
At Brodheadsville Veterinary Clinic in Brodheadsville, we have access to a range of advanced tools that help our team of specialist vets pinpoint the precise cause of your pet's medical issues so that we can provide you with an accurate and definitive diagnosis.
Our diagnostic imaging capabilities help us to provide more time-sensitive treatment options and to share data with your primary care veterinarian efficiently.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.