| ___ | |
Diagnostics |
Veterinary medicine, like medicine in general, is truly an art as well as a science. Looking at scientific data alone can lead any healer astray. Accurately interpreting the scientifically acquired data requires introspection, experience and a thorough evaluation of the physical and emotional aspects of the patient. Only after combining the two… the scientific facts with the “hands on” evaluation of the entire patient, will the doctor be enabled to make a proper diagnosis. For any effective therapy to be instituted,
an accurate diagnosis must first be established. Our clinical diagnostic process
includes running one or more of the following tests to capture an accurate picture
of the patient's physical health status: Chemistry & CBC – The blood chemistry panel is a vital tool in the diagnosis of animal diseases. The most value from a chemistry panel may be obtained when combined with a urinalysis (UA) and a complete blood count (CBC). Pregnancy – This is a blood test that measures for the hormone relaxin. Relaxin levels in the blood are detectable 21-25 days after fertilization. X-Ray - X-ray technology utilizes high-energy rays that can pass through certain body tissue and create imagery vital to diagnosis and treatment. ECG – An electrocardiogram (ECG) is the test that can accurately diagnose an arrhythmia or a conduction abnormality. And an ECG will help the doctor decide when other diagnostic tests should be done, including blood pressure measurement, thoracic radiography, or even echocardiography. It is also useful as part of the preoperative work-up in older animals, for monitoring patients during and after surgery, and for evaluating the effects of cardiac drugs. Thyroid
- The thyroid gland is a paired organ that is located in the neck. It is partly
responsible for the speed of the body's metabolism. It is also involved in nerve
conduction, the skin and reproduction. Both abnormally low levels and high levels
can cause disease. Progesterone - Progesterone is a reproductive hormone that is present at different times in the female's reproductive cycle. We use progesterone levels to assess when to breed and when to perform elective ceasarian sections. Titer
- The Titer test is used to check the patient's level of immune defenses. The
term titer refers to the strength or concentration of a substance in a
solution. When testing vaccine titers in dogs, for example, a veterinarian takes
a blood sample from the dog and has the blood tested for the presence and strength
of the dog’s immunological response to a viral disease. If the dog demonstrates
satisfactory levels of vaccine titers, the dog is considered sufficiently immune
to the disease, or possessing good “immunologic memory,” and not in
need of further vaccination against the disease at that time. |
| RETURN TO SERVICES |
| ___ | |
|
Four False Flea Facts Pet Owners Need to Know! |
| ___ | |
|
Feline Heartworms...A Hidden and Deadly Threat! |
10397 N US Hwy 27 (Just 8 miles west of I-75) Ocala, Fl. 34482