Some of the most common basic tests performed by a veterinarian, veterinary technician, or laboratory personnel are discussed below. Tests may be performed at your veterinarians office or clinic, samples may be sent out to a laboratory, or you may be asked to take your pet to a special test facility. The Veterinarian Just as your physician will check your vital signs, weight, and other conditions when you visit the doctor, your veterinarian will also want to check vital signs and obtain basic medical information about your pet. In addition to checking your pets weight, looking at your pets eyes, checking its ears, routine examination of the mouth and teeth, and observing the pets movements, there are other simple tests that are often performed. The veterinarian will use a stethoscope to listen for abnormal heart, lung, or digestive system sounds that may indicate problems with these organs. The veterinarian may gently press on the pets gums with a finger and then release the pressure to determine how long it takes for the capillaries in the gums to refill. A longer than normal capillary refill time may indicate that the pet is going into, or is already in, shock. Long refill times also occur in certain heart diseases. The color of the gums can also indicate problems such as jaundice (a sign of liver disease), shock, or anemia. Veterinarians use their hands to check for the size and location of internal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and urinary bladder. This is called abdominal palpation. They will also check for enlargement of lymph nodes located throughout the body. Specialized Tests If your pet has a specific problem at the time of the examination, the veterinarian may perform additional tests that are not generally part of a routine physical examination. For example, examination of a dog with suspected vision problems might include tests that assess overall vision, examination with an ophthalmoscope (an instrument that allows the veterinarian to assess the interior portions of the eye)
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 14:19:47 +0000