Illustrated Articles
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A biopsy is one of the more common diagnostic procedures performed in cats. Biopsies provide valuable insight into the type of cells in an abnormal area of skin or a skin growth and whether the growth poses a more serious health threat to your pet. Either the entire mass or a small representative section of skin is removed and submitted to a veterinary pathologist, who will perform a histopathology analysis. The pathologist will attempt to determine the nature of the lesion, identify the type of cells and their relationship to each other, as well as any evidence of malignancy.
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A biopsy is one of the more common diagnostic procedures performed in dogs. Biopsies provide valuable insight into the type of cells in an abnormal area of skin or a skin growth and whether the growth poses a more serious health threat to your pet. Either the entire mass or a small representative section of skin is removed and submitted to a veterinary pathologist, who will perform a histopathology analysis. The pathologist will attempt to determine the nature of the lesion, identify the type of cells and their relationship to each other, as well as any evidence of malignancy.
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Wellness testing, performed routinely on apparently healthy birds, screens for underlying, hidden problems. Veterinarians also use test results in conjunction with physical examination findings and the owner's account of the bird's history to diagnose illnesses. Blood tests include the complete blood count and chemistry profile. Other tests your veterinarian may use to assess your bird's health and diagnose disease are discussed.
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Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, results from decreased corticosteroid and mineralocorticoid production from the adrenal glands. This results in non-specific signs of illness that mimic many other diseases. This article outlines screening and diagnostic tests for Addison’s disease.
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Abdominal enlargement in cats may occur due to a simple cause such as obesity, pregnancy, or intestinal parasites; however, it can also be a symptom of different illnesses including heart disease, organ enlargement, cancer, FIP, trauma, and rarely hyperadrenocorticism or hypothyroidism. Identifying the cause of abdominal enlargement can take several steps starting with history and physical exam, progressing to screening tests including bloodwork and urinalysis. The CBC is assessed for signs of anemia, low platelets, or signs of inflammation. A biochemistry profile may reveal liver or kidney dysfunction, hypo- or hyperproteinemia, hypoglycemia, or other abnormalities. Urinalysis is used to fully interpret the biochemistry and check for abnormal urinary sediment. Based on the findings of the screening tests, additional diagnostics may include imaging, EKG, tissue biopsy, or fluid analysis.
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Abdominal enlargement in dogs may occur due to a simple cause such as obesity, pregnancy, or intestinal parasites; however, it can also be a sign of different illnesses including hyperadrenocorticism, hypothyroidism, heart disease, organ enlargement trauma, GDV, and cancer. Identifying the cause of abdominal enlargement can take several steps starting with history and physical exam, progressing to screening tests including bloodwork and urinalysis. The CBC is assessed for signs of anemia, low platelets, or signs of inflammation. A biochemistry profile may reveal liver or kidney dysfunction, hypo- or hyperproteinemia, hypoglycemia, or other abnormalities. Urinalysis is used to fully interpret the biochemistry and check for abnormal urinary sediment. Based on the findings of the screening tests, additional diagnostics may include imaging, EKG, tissue biopsy, or fluid analysis.
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Coughing can have many different causes, including infectious disease, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, anatomical abnormalities, or cancer. Important for the diagnosis is a thorough history, physical exam, and screening tests, outlined here. More advanced diagnostics are also summarized.
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Listlessness and inappetence are vague signs that can occur in pets for many reasons, both physical and mental. Diagnosis starts with a thorough history and physical exam and may progress to screening tests, including a complete blood test, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis, as well as additional tests. This article outlines the typical tests for listlessness and inappetence.
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Diarrhea can be a simple diagnosis or a complex one. A thorough history and physical exam may be enough to determine the cause; however, in less obvious cases, various tests may be needed. Pending the results, a treatment plan can be developed.
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Fever of unknown origin is a term used for persistent fever in pets. It has many possible causes, including infection, immune-mediated disease, and cancer. Initial steps in diagnosis are history and physical exam, followed by standard screening tests, including a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. Further testing may be indicated. This article outlines the typical tests.