Diagnostic tools are essential to examining and isolating a potential medical issue with your dog or cat. At Hollywood Cat and Dog Hospital, blood tests, fecal testing, and urine testing, ultrasound scans, and x-rays are a part of our diagnostic capabilities for patients in and around West Hollywood. Two of the most common tools, blood tests, and ultrasound scans, often provide critical starting points of investigation for diagnosis.
Blood Tests
As blood is a basic component of your pet’s biological processes, examining it is a natural place to begin an investigation. Abnormal levels or readings in the blood properties guide veterinarians toward trouble areas within the body according to the nature of the abnormalities. Blood work allows our veterinarian to access information concerning your pet’s blood chemistry, complete blood count, and hormonal and chemical levels.
Blood lab work enables examination of your pet’s blood chemistry and hormonal levels by analyzing blood glucose levels, cholesterol, digestive enzymes, the efficiency of the endocrine and immune systems, electrolytes, oxygen levels, and proteins. The complete blood count focuses on red cell and white cell counts and platelet levels. Proper functioning and condition of these cells are also observed from the blood draw.
Ultrasound Scans
Ultrasound scans and x-rays are the primary non-invasive tactics used to help determine the nature of your pet’s ailment. What ultrasound scans do to reveal the condition of your pet’s internal organs and tissues, x-rays do for your pet’s bones. Ultrasound scans are typically performed after an x-ray is taken and assessed. Both types of images allow veterinary professionals to examine your pet’s internal organs, tissue, and bones to assess their conditions or to confirm or deny speculations brought up by blood test results.
Ultrasound scans are particularly helpful with pets who are expecting puppies or kittens. They can confirm pregnancy, determine the gestation of offspring, and help in emergencies like a blocked birth canal. Another specific reason for ultrasound scans is the veterinarian’s ability to observe your pet’s organs working in real-time to make sure they are functioning properly. For example, an echocardiogram is used specifically to focus on the function and relationship between the heart and its blood vessels and valves.
At times, ultrasound scans may be accompanied by a biopsy. A fine needle is used to extract a small sample from the tissue mass or organ in question on the images. Examination of the sample will either reveal the problem or lead to the next level in the progression of evaluation and diagnosis. A fecal and urine test may also be considered based on other test results.
Veterinarian in West Hollywood
For more information on the diagnostic tests we offer or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian call Hollywood Cat & Dog Hospital today at (323) 469-3000.