Why Diagnostic Tests Are Important For Your Pet
When your dog or cat has a health problem, the vet uses a variety of techniques to get to the source of the issue. Changes in body temperature, weight, appetite and energy level can signal a problem that requires further investigation. Sensitive areas of the body or the animal’s reluctance to put weight on limbs may signal an issue that is not visible on the surface. In these cases, a veterinarian from one of our clinics may advise one or more of a variety of tests that can provide information about what’s going on inside your pet’s body. In some cases, you may not even suspect your pet has a problem, but a test will reveal a health issue in the early stages so that it can be treated before it becomes a more critical health problem.
Common Veterinary Diagnostic Tests
- Digital radiography: generates sharper images than traditional x-ray machines with lower radiation emission and shorter exposure, which allows for an improvement in the speed and quality of the images. Digital radiography allows for the X-ray to be viewed on a computer immediately.
- Ultrasound scans: these make it possible to visualise lesions in organs and other disorders.
These tests are important tools that can help your veterinarian keep your cat or dog healthy throughout its life.