Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Testing: An Overview

All pet owners want their pets to enjoy long and happy lives. This can be achieved by taking them to the vet for frequent checkups. However, diagnostic tests are needed for a veterinarian to better comprehend the pet’s health” with “to comprehend the pet’s health better. As with humans, pets’ exterior appearance may not reflect their inner state. However, effective diagnostic testing might help the vet diagnose and treat an issue before it worsens. Among the necessary diagnostic tests for your pet are the following:

Clinical Chemistry

Clinical chemistry is the study of a specimen’s chemical makeup. Other body fluids may also be investigated. Typically, the sample is the liquid fraction of the blood (serum or plasma). Clinical chemistry tests are essential for determining the health of various organs (kidneys, liver, etc.).

They can aid in the diagnosis of diseases such as diabetes and pancreatitis. These tests may also be performed to assess your pet’s therapy response.

Cytology

Cytology studies individual cells, their structure and origin, function(s), and death. Pathologists can give a veterinarian information regarding the cells in your pet’s body. Tissue or fluid samples are collected using a fine-needle biopsy, and slides are produced and stained for microscopic analysis to detect the types of cells present. 

Fluid Analysis

The fluid analysis examines body fluids besides blood (urine, joint fluid, etc.). Experts evaluating body fluids collaborate closely with other specialists to provide information about your pet’s health. Typically, fluid analysis involves looking for cells and proteins in the sample. Additionally, clinical chemistry testing for specific substances may be conducted.

Hematology

Hematology studies the blood’s biological components (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) and how they change in health and sickness. The complete blood count test is the most common blood examination. This test offers basic information on anemia, inflammation, and clotting by determining the amount and types of cells circulating in the bloodstream. If you notice any inflammation in your pet’s gums, you can look up “vet dentist near meto see if lab tests are needed. 

Histology

Histology studies the microscopic anatomy (structure) of plant and animal tissues. Pathologists specializing in histology examine small tissue samples to determine whether they are healthy or sick. Pathologists investigates the causes and effects of disease and identifies the cause of irregular tissue configurations or cells.

If your veterinarian from places like Hendersonville veterinary clinic detects cancer or other disorders that cause tissue alterations, he or she will send small tissue samples to a pathologist.

Microbiology

Microbiology studies single-celled creatures such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. In a veterinary laboratory, microbiology professionals can conduct various tests to detect signs of illness in your pets. First, growing and then identifying viruses, bacteria, and fungus is a typical method. 

Serology

Blood serum and other bodily fluids are studied in serology. Most serologic tests measure the level of antibodies (called the titer) present and reactive to a specific pathogenic bacterium. A high amount of antibodies, or an increase in their level between two samples collected a few weeks apart, indicates that your pet has been exposed to the bacterium and its immune system has developed antibodies against the infectious agent. 

Toxicology

Toxicology studies how poisons affect animals. During adog checkup, If your veterinarian suspects that your pet has been poisoned he or she will collect samples for toxicologic testing to determine the type of toxin and the extent of any potential damage. 

Conclusion

Veterinarians employ several veterinary technologies to diagnose diseases, monitor disease progression or response to medication, and screen healthy animals for underlying diseases. Most veterinary hospitals have their diagnostic laboratory stocked with various diagnostic instruments to promptly analyze your pet’s health and determine necessary treatment.When you spot unusual signs or behavior in your pets, book a schedule with a reputable clinic with these services in mind.