Top 6 Most Popular Diagnostic Procedures for Pets
Your veterinarian can reveal a lot concerning your pet’s health from a physical exam; however, there are some details that veterinarians can only find through diagnostic testing. Therefore, vets may suggest diagnostic tests for both healthy and sick animals.
Diagnostic procedures can speed up identifying the cause of disease in pets. Therefore, your pet can get treatment and restore health in less time. Here are the most common diagnostic examinations and why you should get them done regularly to guarantee your pet’s ideal wellness.
The Most Common Pet Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic testing is used to check your pet’s internal organs and systems to either find illness early on or to confirm diagnoses that have been suspected based on your pet’s symptoms. Find out why keeping your pet healthy is essential and what diagnostic examinations are typically recommended.
Urinalysis
When you come in for an appointment, you might be asked to bring a sample of your pet’s urine. This is because, like blood, urine can provide significant information concerning your pet’s health and urinary health. This includes their bladder and kidney function and condition. Ask some dog surgeons in Stockton, CA, if your pet needs surgery.
Blood Testing
Your pet’s blood can reveal many significant details regarding their health and condition. Some diseases and conditions will show signs after the animal is very ill. Nonetheless, their blood might show disease much earlier. Numerous blood tests will be conducted, including a complete blood count, blood chemistry profile, and platelet count.
Fecal Testing
Many owners must have their pets’ feces tested twice 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 cause disease and discomfort. Small pieces of the worms or their eggs can be seen when a sample is examined under a microscope, making them fairly simple to recognize.
Blood Pressure Measurement
Blood pressure should be measured in canines and cats with clinical signs or clinicopathologic changes related to the above organ systems, like acute blindness, kidney failure, and seizures, in animals with systemic diseases like sepsis, which can cause hypotension.
Skin and Ear Testing
One of the most common types of vet patient complaints is related to the skin or ears. Many are related to food or environmental allergies; however, there are many other reasons. Taking a swab or light scrape of the affected area and then looking at it under a microscopic lens can help your vet identify the problem faster and determine the most effective treatment. You can also check out veterinary radiology for more information.
Heartworm Testing
Heartworms are another type of internal parasite, but unlike other types, veterinarians can not detect them through a fecal test. This is because they reside in the blood vessels of the heart and lungs instead of the digestive system.
Heartworms, transmitted by the bite of infected insects, can be deadly. Even if your pet is on heartworm medication, frequent testing is recommended. Your pet has a better chance of recovering from heartworms if you catch the problem as soon as possible. Click here to find out more about parasite prevention.
Bottom Line
Routine preventative testing can help you monitor your pet and identify diseases and underlying issues at an early stage. When you bring your pet in for an examination, your veterinarian may suggest specific tests or treatments to identify or deal with any illness and ensure your pet’s health. Prevention is essential for your pet’s long-term health and wellness.
