When your pet is unwell or injured, they're unable to communicate the issue. A detailed physical examination and your observations of symptoms at home are crucial initial steps. If the diagnosis isn't clear from the initial evaluation, your veterinarian may suggest specific diagnostic tests, which could include:
- Laboratory Testing: This includes tests for blood counts, organ function, or infectious diseases. Blood and/or urine samples from your pet might be used for point-of-care testing or sent to reference labs. Point-of-care tests, conducted in our hospital, provide quick results for timely treatment decisions. Some tests, however, may require sending samples to external reference laboratories, particularly when in-hospital equipment can't perform the test or immediate results aren't critical.
- Imaging Techniques: X-rays or ultrasound are utilized to diagnose various conditions, such as heart and lung diseases, gastrointestinal blockages, internal organ or bone tumors, fluid accumulation in the chest or abdominal area, urinary or gallstones, reproductive issues, and bone/joint disorders. While gentle restraint is usually sufficient, sedation might be necessary in certain cases.
- Microscopic Examination: Analyzing samples like ear swabs, skin scrapings, or needle biopsies of tumors under a microscope is invaluable for diagnosing skin and ear conditions.
- Ocular Examinations: For eye issues, tests may include the Schirmer Tear Test for tear production, fluorescein stain for corneal injuries, or tonometry for measuring intra-ocular pressure.
Diagnostic tests are vital for formulating an effective treatment plan for your pet, enabling the veterinarian to accurately identify the root cause(s) and evaluate the likelihood of successful treatment. Your veterinarian will clarify the purpose of each test and help determine which are most relevant to diagnosing your pet’s condition.
