Veterinary diagnostic examinations evaluate internal elements of your pet to detect any disease early on.
Most of the time, pet owners can’t tell when their pets are ill just by looking at them. Identifying that your furry companion is sick and finding out the underlying reason for their illness can be a complicated process that considers many factors – symptoms, behaviors, and how your pet’s body looks. The only way to identify these changes is to conduct veterinary diagnostic exams. Learn why diagnostic tests matter for animals.
What are Veterinary Diagnostic Examinations?
Veterinary diagnostic examinations evaluate internal elements of your pet to detect any disease early on, or to confirm unsuspected diagnoses based on symptoms that your furry friend has been presenting with. Here are some of the most prevalent veterinary diagnostic examinations to help keep your pet as healthy as possible:
Bloodwork
Although some conditions and diseases don’t appear until an animal becomes very ill, their blood can notify us that they are sick much earlier. The blood labs include a complete blood count, platelet count, and blood chemistry profile. Some of these samples will tell your vet if:
- Your pet is anemic
- They have an infection
- Their internal organs are working properly
- Their blood will clot properly
A Sample of Your Pet’s Urine
When you come for a veterinary appointment with your pet, you may be asked to complete a urinalysis. Just like blood, your pet’s urine can also offer essential health information, including the condition and function of its kidneys and bladder.
Fecal Testing
The primary purpose of fecal testing is to inspect for the presence of internal parasites, such as tapeworms and roundworms, inside your pet’s body. Unfortunately, these parasites could live in your pet’s digestive system, making them sick. However, small parts of the worms or their eggs may be passed out into your pet’s feces, making them easy to detect when a sample is placed under the microscope.
Testing for Heartworms
Heartworms are another internal parasite that cannot be detected using a fecal examination. They live in the blood vessels of the lungs and heart. Heartworms can be deadly and spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Even if your pet is taking heartworm medicine, regular testing is recommended. The sooner your veterinarian can detect heartworms, the better your pet’s outcome.
For more information about veterinary diagnostic examinations for pets, call Alexander Animal Hospital today at 410-777-8678.
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, X, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!