Pet Diagnostic Testing
Diagnostic testing is a crucial element of keeping your pet healthy and happy. Read below for more information!
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING FOR PETS
At Countryside Animal Hospital, we provide all the veterinary services you need to help your pet live a healthy, happy life.
We offer diagnostic testing in case our veterinarians need to take a closer look at what’s going on internally with your pet. From heartworm and tick-borne disease tests to fecal exams, we offer an array of testing. This includes bloodwork, skin scraping, thyroid function tests, and more. We are outfitted with all the tools and equipment needed to accurately diagnose your pet and treat them accordingly.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DIAGNOSTIC TESTING FOR DOGS AND CATS
- Can aid in general health and wellness care
- Helps to identify underlying diseases, illnesses, and injuries
- Aids in treating pets for acute and chronic health issues
- Allows for more accurate diagnoses
- Can begin treating health problems before they become bigger issues
- Diagnostic testing can be performed in the comfort of our office
- Lowers morbidity and mortality rates among dogs and cats
- Safe testing methods ideal for dogs and cats of all ages
When you bring your pet in for their annual complete wellness exam, your vet may see a need to run additional laboratory tests, using a sample of your pet’s blood, urine, feces, skin, or hair. However, just because your vet asks for lab tests, doesn’t mean that you should assume something is wrong with them. Oftentimes, your veterinarian will ask for certain tests to establish the baseline of your pet’s health. That way, if they get sick, it is clear to your vet immediately that there is something deeper going on. These tests can also help your Fort Collins veterinarian diagnose any illnesses, as they can detect signs of certain illnesses and rule out others. Laboratory testing can also help us determine if a certain treatment is working for your pet, or if we need to change our methods. Finally, any pets scheduled for surgery will need diagnostic testing performed first to ensure your pet isn’t at risk for complications.
Even young and healthy pets need diagnostic testing. At Countryside Animal Hospital, we offer a variety of laboratory tests to ensure that we are giving your furry friend the best healthcare available.
TYPES OF LABORATORY TESTS
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This measures the number of red and white blood cells, as well as the platelets in the blood. This can be used to diagnose anemia, auto-immune diseases, infections, or cancers. It can also show your vet how your pet is responding to certain treatments.
- Urinalysis (UA): This helps your vet identify any substances in the urine that are unusual, such as protein, sugar, or blood. It can also help them diagnose certain illnesses such as diabetes, UTIs, dehydration, or kidney issues.
- Blood Chemistry Panel: This measures the chemical elements of your pet’s blood. This identifies how your pet’s organs are functioning and can help your vet diagnose illness.
- Heartworm And Tick-Borne Disease : We recommend annual screening for heartworms and tick diseases using a 4Dx test. If your pet tests positive for any of these diseases, we can offer medications to treat these infections.
- Fecal Exam: By examining your pet’s stool, your vet can diagnose parasites or bacterial infections.
- Skin Scraping: Using a skin sample, your vet may be able to identify any infections present.
- Thyroid Function Test: If there is evidence of a thyroid problem, your vet may need to test the thyroid function.
- Fine-Needle Aspirates: if your dog or cat has any unusual lumps or bumps, your vet may perform a biopsy to look for cancer cells.
- Feline Immunodeficiency Disease Testing: If your veterinarian has reason to believe your cat has an autoimmune disorder, they may ask for a feline immunodeficiency disease test.
Veterinary Services
Below are all of the veterinary services we offer at Countryside Animal Hospital. If you have any questions regarding our services, please feel free to call us.