Why Diagnostic Tests Are Important For Your Pet
When your dog or cat has a health problem, our veterinarians at Bierzoo Veterinary Centres use 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 their limbs may signal an issue that is not visible on the surface. In these cases, a veterinarian 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
Bierzoo Veterinary Centres in Ponferrada offer many different diagnostic tests such as:
- CT: Computed Tomography, known as CT is a technique of Advanced Diagnostic Imaging. We are one of the pioneers and veterans in the use of this technique with more than seven years working with the most advanced technology. Our current equipment, a General Electric Revolution ACT, 16-slice, allows studies with high scanning speed, reducing study time and promoting maximum image quality and patient safety. Moreover, combined with the use of a contrast injector, it allows further adjustment of exposure times and improves vascular studies in giant breeds.
- 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. Very useful in gynaecology for detecting renal, hepatic, pancreatic problems, visualisation of intra-abdominal masses and more.
- Fibroendoscope: very useful for the extraction of foreign bodies ingested by the animal and to visualise the interior of the digestive tract and to be able to take biopsy samples quickly and safely.
These tests are important tools that can help your veterinarian keep your cat or dog healthy throughout its life.
