TylerYour vet can explain a lot about your pet’s health from a physical exam; however, there are some details that vets can only identify through diagnostic testing. Therefore, veterinarians might suggest diagnostic examinations for both healthy and sick pets.
Diagnostic exams can speed up identifying the cause of health problems in pets. Therefore, your pet can receive treatment and restore health in less time. Here are the most common diagnostic examinations and why you must get them done regularly to guarantee your pet’s optimal health.
The Most Popular Pet Diagnostic Examinations
Diagnostic testing is used to check your pet’s internal organs and systems to identify diseases early on or confirm diagnoses that have been suspected based on your pet’s signs. Discover why maintaining your pet healthy is essential and what diagnostic exams are typically recommended.
Urinalysis
When you come in for a consultation, you might be asked to bring a sample of your pet’s urine. This is because, like blood, urine can give important information about your pet’s urinary health. This consists of their bladder and kidney function and condition. A surgeon might conduct any necessary veterinary surgery on your pet in case they need one.
Blood Testing
Your pet’s blood can reveal many significant details regarding their health and condition. Some diseases and conditions will reveal signs once the animal is very sick. Nonetheless, their blood might reveal disease much earlier. Several blood tests will be done, including a complete blood count, blood chemistry profile, and platelet count.
Fecal Testing
Most owners are advised to have their pets’ feces tested two times a year. The main objective of this is to look for intestinal parasites like hookworms, tapeworms, and roundworms. They are parasites that stay in your pet’s digestive system and lead to disease and pain. Small pieces of the worms or their eggs can be seen when a sample is examined under a microscope, making them fairly easy to identify.
Blood Pressure Measurement
Blood pressure should be measured in dogs and felines with clinical signs or clinicopathologic changes associated with the above organ systems, including acute loss of sight, kidney failure, and seizures, in addition to in pets with systemic diseases such as sepsis, which can result in hypotension.
Skin and Ear Testing
One of the most popular types of veterinary patient problems are related to the skin or ears. Many are related to food or environmental allergies, but numerous other reasons exist. Taking a swab or light scrape of the affected area and then looking at it under a microscope can help your vet diagnose the issue faster and determine the best treatment. For more details, you can also check out veterinary radiology.
Heartworm Testing
Heartworms are another type of internal parasite, but unlike other types, vets can not discover them through a fecal exam. This is because they reside in the blood vessels of the heart and lungs rather than the digestive system.
Heartworms, transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes, can be fatal. Even if your pet is on heartworm medication, frequent testing, and dog shots are recommended. Your pet has a better chance of recovering from heartworms if you catch the problem as soon as possible.
Bottom Line
Routine preventative testing can help you check your pet and discover diseases and underlying issues early on. When you bring your pet in for a checkup, your vet might recommend specific tests or treatments to diagnose or treat any ailment and ensure your pet’s health. Prevention is necessary for your pet’s long-term health and wellness.
