Diagnostic Testing
For most patients, some degree of testing is usually indicated so that a diagnosis may be obtained. Based on history, clinical signs, physical examination findings, and previously performed test results, our veterinary specialist develops a plan for your dog or cat. The following tests may be considered:
Minimum database of complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry panel, and urinalysis.
- Specific blood and/or urine tests for internal organ dysfunction or infectious diseases.
- Fecal testing for infectious organisms.
- Digital x-rays (also called radiographs) of the area of interest (e.g. thorax and/or abdomen).
- Blood pressure monitoring and electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess the cardiovascular system.
- Ultrasound examination (or sonogram) of the abdomen, thorax, and heart (known as echocardiogram).
- Tissue samples collected by fine needle aspiration (small sample for cytology) or by biopsy (larger sample for histopathology). These procedures typically require some level of sedation and/or anesthesia.
- CT scanning (a 3D x-ray) of the area of interest (e.g. nasal passage and sinuses, brain, thorax, or abdomen).This requires anesthesia to immobilize the patient.
- Endoscopy examinations of the digestive tract, respiratory tract, and urinary tract. This requires general anesthesia to allow for visualization of “hard to reach” places, sample collection, and even foreign body retrieval.