Abdominocentesis is the process of removing fluid from the abdominal cavity. The fluid is then analyzed to determine its origin and significance. Depending on the problem, the process of removing fluid may be used as a treatment as well.

A biopsy is the removal of a piece of tissue for analysis. The biopsy may be a large piece of tissue removed during surgery, a small `core' of tissue removed with a biopsy punch of needle, or simply individual cells removed by use of a small needle. Analysis of the cells is called cytology and is often done immediately in our clinic. Analysis of the pieces of tissue is called histopathology and is performed at the diagnostic lab.

Blood chemistries include a variety of tests that evaluate the many components found in the plasma or serum of the blood. Some of these components include glucose (blood sugar), proteins, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), waste products, tissue enzymes and minerals (calcium and phosphorous).These components are usually included in a group of tests referred to as a panel. There are many other components that can be measured if needed in the diagnosis of the many diseases that alter the level or presence of these components.

Blood pressure is an important piece of information in evaluating cats and dogs for many diseases. Because of the small size of the arteries of dogs and cats, it is a little more challenging than it is with humans and requires more equipment. High blood pressure (hypertension) in cats and dogs in not uncommon and can lead quickly to brain injury, heart failure and blindness. Long term, mild hypertension can lead to kidney damage. Blood pressure is also important in monitoring for low blood pressure (hypotension) in sick or traumatized patients.

Bone marrow evaluation is often used in patients with abnormalities of the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. It is also used to evaluate patients with certain types of cancer and infectious diseases. A sample of marrow is removed from a large bone (usually the hip) and evaluated by a cytologist for abnormalities of the cells that produce red cells, white cells and platelets as well as for the presence of cells that should not be in the bone marrow (cancer cells).

Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT scan) is a specialized form of an x-ray that produces a much greater detail of the internal body structures that does a regular x-ray. It is often used in veterinary medicine to look at the brain, spinal canal and nerves arising from the spinal cord. Because of their expense, CAT scans are usually found at veterinary schools and large referral practices.

Complete blood cell counts (CBC's) evaluate the cellular components of the blood (red cells, white cells and platelets). This test is important in evaluating anemia, infectious diseases and bleeding abnormalities. A CBC is usually including along with a group of blood chemistry tests in a standard test referred to as a blood `panel'.

Contrast radiology is a special form of radiology (x-rays) that uses a contrast material to highlight certain organs or tissues. The contrast material is usually a compound that contains iodine and can be injected into a vein or hollow organ (bladder) or body cavity. Barium is commonly used as a contrast material in evaluating the esophagus, stomach and intestinal tract. Air or nitrogen is also used at times to evaluate the abdominal cavity and bladder.

Bacterial cultures are used for identifying the organism that is causing the infection and for identifying which antibiotics will be effective in fighting the infection.

Cytology refers to the microscopic evaluation of cells. The most common use is the evaluation of fine needle biopsies of tumors. Cells form urine, feces, ears, mouth, and almost anywhere are often evaluated to look for and classify diseases and infections. Most of our cytology is done in our clinic by our veterinarians. However, with difficult cases or for second opinions, we often send samples to specialists at the diagnostic labs.

The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is used to evaluate the heart for abnormalities of the electrical conduction system. It can also signal changes in heart size and indicate the presence of fluid around the heart. It is most commonly used to diagnose and classify arrhythmias (irregular heart beats) and to monitor patients under anesthesia.

Endoscopy is a technique that enables veterinarians to literally see inside the body. An endoscope consists of a lens connected to glass fibers that are encased in a tube that can be inserted into body cavities, hollow organs, the nasal cavity and joints. The image is transmitted through the lens and glass fibers back to the person using the endoscope or to a camera and then to a video screen. Samples of fluid or tissues can be retrieved through the endoscopes for analysis. Surgical procedures can also be performed through the endoscope.

The ERD® test (Early Renal Disease test) is a test that checks for the presence of albumin in the urine. Albumin is a large protein found in the blood that has many functions. Its presence in the urine is the earliest indicator of injury or disease in the kidneys. In the past, we could diagnose kidney disease only after it had consumed almost two thirds of the capacity of the kidney. By that time, there was not much to be done to help the patient. The ERD® test is opening up treatment options that can slow and, in certain cases, eliminate the progression of damage in the kidneys that can lead to kidney failure. We are excited to be able to offer the ERD® test as a screening tool for early kidney disease in both cats and dogs.

Fecal exams are used to diagnose parasitic and bacterial diseases of the intestinal tract. The most common test uses a solution to separate parasite eggs from the feces, floating the eggs to a slide so that they can be identified. Other tests that can be run with fecal samples include cytological examination and cultures for certain types of disease causing bacteria. If needed, specific tests for Giardia organisms and parvovirus can also be performed from fecal material.

There are numerous types of tests that check for the presence of heartworms in the heart and lungs of dogs and cats. We use a test that checks for pieces of the adult heartworms. All dogs should be checked regularly for heartworms. Cats that are in areas that have high infestations of mosquitoes should also be tested on a regular basis

Histopathology refers to the microscopic evaluation of tissue samples. This is performed by veterinarians at diagnostic labs who have specialized in pathology. Through this evaluation of biopsy specimens, pathologists can identify cancers, inflammatory diseases and infections, aiding veterinarians in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases

Testing for infectious diseases usually is performed on blood samples. The tests typically measure antibodies produced by the patients after they have become infected.

Isotope imaging is most commonly used to determine the presence or the extent of spread of cancer tissue. This test is performed primarily at veterinary schools.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a great tool to detail structures within the body. MRI units are available from some referral centers and veterinary schools.

Thoracocentesis involves the removal of fluid from the chest cavity to allow the lungs more room to expand and to provide a sample that can be analyzed to determine its cause.

Trans-tracheal aspirates are used to obtain fluid from the trachea and upper bronchi for cultures and cytology to determine the cause of many lung problems.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to give a detailed image of the architecture of tissues and is unmatched in its ability to image moving tissue such as the heart. It is an extremely valuable and affordable tool that complements other diagnostic tools such as x-rays. Ultrasound also allows veterinarians to accurately biopsy suspect areas of internal organs, often providing a diagnosis that, in the past, required exploratory surgery.

There are many individual tests that are included on a urinalysis. Not only is the urinalysis important in diagnosing kidney and bladder diseases, there are also many diseases of other systems (such as diabetes) that can be diagnosed with a urinalysis.

Radiographs (x-rays) are used to image the internal structures of the body. It is by far the most commonly used imaging tool that veterinarians have and is the primary tool used for imaging the heart, lung, liver, kidney, spleen, stomach, intestines, bladder, prostate and skeletal system.