Diagnostic Testing |
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Blood Testing Urinalysis is laboratory evaluation of your pet's urine. Based on results of this test, your veterinarian can determine more fully your pet's hydration status, presence of urinary tract infection, urinary crystals, and kidney function. Based on these results in conjunction with physical examination and other laboratory results, treatment will be recommended if needed. Fecal examination of your pet's stool will allow detection and identification of intestinal parasites (worms) which may be afflicting your pet and may have zoonotic potential for you and your family. A stool sample is requested with your pet's annual physical examination and at any time gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea occur. The sample will first be examined grossly for adult worms. It will then be processed by flotation to allow for microscopic evaluation to identify any worm eggs. Based on these findings, appropriate de-worming medication can be prescribed for your pet as needed. Radiography, or X-rays, allows the evaluation of the internal organs of your pet's body. X-rays of various body cavities and limbs will give different information. The decision of whether X-rays are needed and which areas will be filmed will be determined based on what symptoms your pet may be exhibiting. X-rays are best for identifying structural or solid anatomical problems such as bony abnormalities or size changes. Possible reasons why your pet may need thoracic, or chest, X-rays may include breathing changes, abnormal heart function, and cancers among others. Abdominal, or belly, X-rays may be needed to rule out causes of vomiting such as foreign body ingestion, obstruction, or cancer. Abdominal X-rays may also help identify causes of diarrhea or urinary problems such as bladder stones. Pregnancy or uterine disease can also be detected with abdominal x-rays. Contrast studies may be needed in some cases to identify dynamic problems such as emptying of the stomach or urinary bladder. X-rays of your pet's limbs or spine will identify orthopedic or neurological problems such as fractures, dislocations, arthritis or vertebral disc compression among others. Various health problems involving body organs may not be visible on X-rays, for which other diagnostic testing may be needed such as ultrasound or others. Ultrasound is a diagnostic tool which allows the evaluation of the structural detail of internal organs and in some cases measurement of degree of function or dysfunction. It is better suited to evaluation of soft tissues than radiography , which is better suited to solid and bony tissues. Ultrasound of the heart is called echocardiography. It allows the visual evaluation of the heart beating and evaluation of heart chamber size and dynamics of blood flow through the heart. In conjunction with electrocardiography (ECG) , accurate diagnosis and treatment of heart disease is possible. Ultrasound of the abdomen, or belly, allows the evaluation of structural detail such as liver tissue changes which are not visible on radiographs, or X-rays, and allows the determination of mass contents as fluid filled or solid which is also not possible with X-rays. Ultrasound-guided biopsies are also possible. Pregnancy detection, fetus viability and bladder function are also among the potential important uses of ultrasound for your pet. Electrocardiography (ECG) is a test which allows evaluation of your pet's heart function. We offer a limited ECG as part of a pre-anesthetic evaluation for pets prior to undergoing anesthesia or sedation as a screening tool. ECG as a screening tool helps to identify potential risks related to planned procedures under anesthesia. We also offer a full ECG for patients who are showing heart related signs or for whom an irregular heart rate, rhythm or murmur have been detected on physical evaluation. It helps to identify the source, nature, and severity of any ongoing or newly identified heart problems. Ultrasound, or echocardiography , may be recommended as well. The MedRx Video Vetscope is a tool which allows the full examination of your pet's ears. The scope enables your veterinarian as well as you to visualize the entire ear canal on a television screen which will allow more accurate diagnosis and treatment of your pet's ear problems. Photos of abnormalities can be taken digitally and stored for comparison as the disease progresses and is treated. The scope also allows more careful complete ear flushing of animals with ear disease. Laser surgery of contents of the ear canal are is also possible with the scope which previously would have required extensive facial surgery. The scope can also be used in other diagnostic and therapeutic surgeries such as laparascopy of the abdomen among others.
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