Tests & Procedures in Dogs

Tests & Procedures in Dogs

1.	Abdominal Radiograph (X-ray) in Dogs An abdominal radiograph is a procedure that allows your veterinarian to visualize tissue, organs and bones that lie beneath the skin.
2.	Abdominal Ultrasound in Dogs An ultrasound evaluates the internal organs of the abdomen through the use of sound waves. Ultrasound and X-rays often go hand-in-hand because ultrasound shows a motion picture of the organs as they are functioning, while X-rays are a static image.
3.	Abdominocentesis in Dogs Abdominocentesis is the procedure in which fluid is removed from the abdomen with the use of a needle. Any fluid in the abdominal cavity is considered abdnormal and a sample should be removed for evaluation.
4.	Activated Clotting Time in Dogs The activated clotting time is a test used to determine if a bleeding disorder is present. This test is often done in the veterinary office as a screening test. More sensitive tests may be needed.
5.	Aqueocentesis in Dogs Aqueocentesis is the aspiration (removal by sucking action) of aqueous humor. This fluid nourishes the lens and cornea and maintains the proper ocular pressure.
6.	Arthrocentesis in Dogs Arthrocentesis is the aspiration of fluid from a joint cavity. A needle is inserted in the joint and fluid is removed for later examination.
7.	Biochemical Profile in Dogs A biochemical profile is a blood test that assesses the function of internal organs, measures the electrolytes such as blood potassium, and identifies the levels of circulating enzymes.
8.	Blood Pressure in Dogs A blood pressure reveals the pressure within the vessels, and it is very much like getting your own pressure taken. High blood pressure and low blood pressure can lead to significant illness and often needs medical treatment.
9.	Blood Typing Blood typing is a test that determines the blood type of an animal. Like people, dogs and cats have different blood types. Since blood types do not change throughout the pet’s life, this test is only needed once.
10.	Bone Marrow Biopsy in Dogs A bone marrow biopsy is the extraction of a piece of bone marrow for microscopic examination. Bone marrow is the soft material that lines the cavity of bones and is primarily found in the center portion of bones.

11.	Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Dogs Bronchoalveolar lavage is a test in which fluid samples of the bronchus and alveoli (air sacs) are obtained. These fluid samples are then submitted for analysis to help determine the underlying cause of illness.
12.	Central Venous Pressure in Dogs Central venous pressure (CVP) is the measurement of fluid pressure in the right upper chamber of the heart or the anterior vena cava.
13.	Cerebrospinal Fluid Tap in Dogs A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap is the collection of fluid found in the subarachnoid space, surrounding the brain and spinal cord, for diagnostic purposes.
14.	Chest Radiograph (X-ray) in Dogs A chest radiograph (X-ray) is a procedure that allows your veterinarian to visualize tissue, organs and bones that lie beneath the skin of the chest cavity.
15.	Complete Blood Count (CBC) in Dogs A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test to evaluate the number of specific cells in the blood. This test is often used as a screening test for underlying infection, anemia and illness.
16.	Crossmatching Crossmatching is a test used to determine if the blood that is about to be transfused is compatible with the blood of the patient. Incompatible transfusions can result in transfusion reactions.
17.	Culture and Sensitivity in Dogs A bacterial urine culture and sensitivity is indicated to assess whether there is a bacterial infection present and what antibiotics are indicated.
18.	Cystocentesis in Dogs Collecting urine can be tricky in dogs, especially if the urine needs to collected without contamination. Cystocentesis is the procedure in which an uncontaminated urine specimen is removed from the urinary bladder using a needle.
19.	Cytology in Dogs Cytology is the evaluation of cells, either tissue or blood, under a microscope. Cytology can detect the presence of inflammation, infection, bacteria, fungi, parasites and cancer.
20.	Ear Swab Examination in Dogs An ear swab examination reveals the presence of bacteria, fungi and parasites, and dtermining the underlying cause of ear discharge, pain or itchiness can help determine appropriate treatment.

21.	Echocardiogram in Dogs (Cardiac Ultrasound) An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. This procedure evaluates the function of the heart through the use of sound waves and is most often performed by a specialist.
22.	Electrocardiogram in Dogs An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test done to record the electrical activity of the heart and is done by attaching small contact electrodes to the limbs and body.
23.	Endoscopy in Dogs An endoscope is a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the tip that is used to look at the inner lining of the throat, stomach and intestine, colon or at the respiratory passages to help diagnose and treat a variety of disorders.
24.	Fecal Examination in Dogs A fecal examination is the microscopic evaluation of feces and is recommended on all animals as part of a yearly health exam. Fecal examinations are also recommended on all puppies.
25.	Fine Needle Aspiration Lumps, bumps and strange looking areas are common in veterinary medicine. To help determine whether or not the suspicious organ or lump is a concern, a fine needle aspiration is often performed.
26.	Fluid Analysis Fluid accumulation can be caused by infection, abnormal functioning organs, viruses and even cancer. Analyzing the fluid is an important aspect of finding the cause of the fluid accumulation and developing an appropriate treatment plan.
27.	Fluorescein Stain Fluorescein is an orange stain that is applied to the cornea of the eye to determine if there is any erosion to the surface of the eye. Once the stain is applied to the eye, it turns fluorescent green.
28.	Fungal Culture Despite its name, ringworm is caused by a fungus and not a parasite. A fungal culture is often performed to determine if a skin rash or abnormality is related to ringworm and is indicated anytime there is a suspicious skin rash or lesion.
29.	Glucose Curve in Dogs A glucose curve involves multiple measurements of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. This will help your veterinarian determine the proper insulin dose and the best time to administer the drug.
30.	Glycosylated Hemoglobin Level Glycosylated hemoglobin is the product that results when high levels of glucose (sugar) are in the blood. This test gives an idea of what the blood glucose levels have been over the course of the past several days.

31.	Gonioscopy in Dogs Gonioscopy is the examination of the iridocorneal angle of the eye. The iridocorneal angle is where the base of the iris attaches to the cornea and sclera (the white, outer layer of the eyeball).
32.	Heartworm Test in Dogs A heartworm test is a blood test that evaluates your pet for the presence of the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, more commonly known as heartworm. This test is indicated when an animal shows signs of coughing or heart disease.
33.	Histopathology Histopathology is the study of tissues, as in biopsy samples and samples of abnormal tissues to determine the presence of disease and help guide further treatment. It is indicated for every lump, mass or abnormal tissue removed from an animal.
34.	Lyme Titer A Lyme test determines the presence of antibodies specific for Lyme disease. A Lyme titer is indicated anytime a tick borne illness is suspected to determine if your pet has been exposed to Lyme disease.
35.	Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Most people have heard of an MRI but are not quite sure what it is. The MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is similar to an X-ray, but it gives the most precise anatomical information on patients today.
36.	Nasal Feeding Tube in Dogs A nasal feeding tube is a device that is inserted through the nose into the esophagus or stomach for the purpose of administering fluids and nutrients.
37.	Partial Thromboplastin Time in Dogs The partial thromboplastin time is a blood test used to determine if the pet has a bleeding disorder. This test is often performed in conjuction with the prothrombin time test.
38.	Parvo Test A parvo test can help determine whether parvovirus is the cause of the dog’s illness, and the most practical method for diagnosis is the ELISA test. A parvo test is indicated in any puppy with gastrointestinal illness, regardless of vaccination status.
39.	Pericardiocentesis in Dogs Pericardiocentesis is the insertion of a needle or catheter into the pericardial sac. The sac that surrounds the heart and the bases of the great blood vessels.
40.	Phenobarbital Level in Dogs Administering the proper dose of phenobarbital is key in treating seizure disorders in dogs; the blood level must be monitored carefully to determine the amount of medication that is in the blood.

41.	Potassium Bromide Level in Dogs Potassium bromide is a drug used to control seizures. Administering the proper dose to reduce the incidence of seizures without overdosing is key. To determine the proper dose, potassium bromide blood levels must be monitored.
42.	Prothrombin Time in Dogs The prothrombin time is a blood test used to determine if the pet has a bleeding disorder. This test is often performed in conjunction with the partial thromboplastin time.
43.	Reticulocyte Count in Dogs Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells that circulate in high numbers when the body is responding to anemia. This test can help determine possible causes of the anemia and help give a prognosis for recovery.
44.	Schirmer Tear Test The Schirmer tear test can help determine if low tear production is the underlying cause or a contributing factor. Low tear production can cause significant eye inflammation and chronic eye problems.
45.	Skin Scraping A skin scraping is a commonly performed test that can help diagnose certain skin inflammations, fungal infections, and skin cancer and is quite effective in determining the presence of mites.
46.	Slide Agglutination in Dogs Slide agglutination is a blood test used to screen for immune disease, particularly immune mediated hemolytic anemia. This immune disease causes the immune system to attack and destroy red blood cells.
47.	The Importance of a Phenobarbital Blood Test Administering the proper dose of phenobarbital is key in treating seizure disorders in dogs; the blood level must be monitored carefully to determine the amount of medication that is in the blood.
48.	The Importance of Thyroid Blood Testing in Dogs A thyroid test is a blood test to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland, which produces thyroid hormone, an important hormone in the regulation and maintenance of body functions.
49.	Thoracocentesis in Dogs Thoracocentesis is a procedure done to remove fluid or excess air from the chest cavity. Fluid is analyzed to determine the underlying cause. Air is most often associated with traumatic injury.
50.	Thyroid Test in Dogs A thyroid test is a blood test to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland, which produces thyroid hormone, an important hormone in the regulation and maintenance of body functions.

51.	Tonometry in Dogs Tonometry is the measurement of pressure within the eye (called intraocular pressure) to determine if glaucoma is present.
52.	Transtracheal Aspiration in Dogs Transtracheal aspiration (TTA), also called a transtracheal wash (TTW), is the insertion of a catheter into the trachea and lower airway to collect samples from the lower airway.
53.	Urinalysis in Dogs A urinalysis is a laboratory test that evaluates urine. A urinalysis usually consists of three parts which includes looking at the physical sample, a dipstick analysis and looking at the sediment under a microscope.
54.	Urine Glucose Test for Dogs A urine glucose test is a test to determine the amount of glucose in the urine. Glucose in the urine is commonly referred to by veterinarians as “glucosuria”.
55.	Urine P:C Ratio in Dogs A urine P:C ratio, or a urine protein-creatinine ratio, is a laboratory test used to detect or monitor renal disease.
56.	Vaccine Titer in Dogs A vaccine titer reveals whether or not the animal currently has adequate protection against a disease. Low titers indicate that vaccination will be necessary to provide immune protection.
57.	What is a Gastric Lavage? Gastric lavage is a term that refers to a procedure for “pumping the stomach”.