Diagnostics
When you schedule your pet for an appointment, our veterinarian will first evaluate your pet’s symptoms and perform a physical examination. However, many diseases cause similar symptoms in pets, which can make it difficult to diagnose a pet with a symptom evaluation and physical examination alone. We often need more information to accurately diagnose a pet’s illness. This is where veterinary diagnostics come in.
Veterinary diagnostics include a whole host of medical tests that allow us to evaluate your pet’s organ function, gland function, and more to determine the exact underlying cause of your pet’s illness and to provide an effective treatment.
Veterinary Diagnostic Services
In-House Laboratory
We have a complete in-house laboratory at our disposal. This allows us to get fast, accurate results back on our patient’s blood tests and urinalyses. As a result, we can often test, diagnose, and treat a patient in a single appointment.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A complete blood count, or CBC, reveals the quantity and quality of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This test helps us understand whether a pet’s fighting off an infection, has anemia, is dehydrated, and more.
Chemistry Panel
This test identifies and evaluates chemical constituents present in a pet’s blood. It’s used to evaluate a pet’s pancreas, liver, kidneys, electrolytes, blood proteins, and more. A chemistry panel helps us detect signs of liver, kidney, and cardiovascular disease, in addition to endocrine disorders like diabetes, and so much more.
Urinalysis
This test looks at a urine sample to identify several urinary tract diseases and to evaluate the function of a pet’s liver and kidneys.
Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging)
Diagnostic imaging has replaced the need for exploratory surgery. It allows us to view a patient’s internal structures to evaluate their size, shape, and placement. We offer in-house digital x-rays, which we use to diagnose a variety of diseases and medical problems as well as to evaluate the extent of an injury.
When Will My Pet Need a Diagnostic Test?
Sick and Injured Pet Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests are most commonly used to diagnose a sick or injured pet. Since many medical conditions cause similar symptoms in pets, the information gained from diagnostic testing is invaluable when it comes to pinpointing and addressing the underlying cause of illness.
Health Screening with Veterinary Diagnostics
We also use diagnostic testing to screen otherwise healthy pets for early signs of disease. This enables us to provide treatment and begin managing chronic diseases before a pet suffers symptoms.
Ask Our Parma Veterinarian About Your Pet's Results
If your pet has recently complete diagnostic tests and you’d like more information regarding the results, we welcome you to contact our veterinarian at Brookview Animal Hospital. We’ll be happy to explain your pet’s test results, answer your questions, and work with you to determine the best treatment option for your pet.
