We routinely perform diagnostic tests to help us make a diagnosis. These tests are of particular importance since animals cannot talk to us. In this last of our 3 articles on routine iagnostic tests we will touch on some special tests.

Special tests are sometimes needed because routine tests might be ambiguous, might not show a problem when in reality there is one (called a false negative), or when a test indicates there is a problem when the problem does not exist (called a false positive). In our 2nd article in our diagnostic test series we discussed the importance of interpreting routine blood panels based on history and exam findings. When the results just don’t add up to one of our doctors we rely on special tests. We will give you a few examples of the many types of special tests we use routinely.

Fecal tests for parasites

Not all parasite eggs routinely show up on the routine fecal exam. If we add certain compounds to the feces prior to analysis, for example zinc sulfate, we increase the chance of finding the parasite egg.

Tissue samples

When a growth is removed or a biopsy is performed the pathologist analyzes the tissue microscopically. To look at the structure of the cell under the microscope a stain is placed on the slide. If the tissue is normal, yet the history of the case indicates that there is a good chance a problem should be found, the tissue
is stained with special dyes and analyzed microscopically again.

Function Tests

When analyzing the liver we routinely use liver enzyme tests. They are accurate and sensitive, but not perfect. When we suspect liver disease, and your pet’s liver tests are normal on the routine blood panel, we use the bile acid’s test. It is usually best if your pet is given a meal, and the blood for this test drawn just prior to the meal, and 2 hours after eating. Being able to compare the pre and post samples adds to accuracy.

Here is a link on our Liver Page that discusses the bile acids test: http://www.lbah.com/liver.htm#Diagnosis

Hormone tests

If your dog’s thyroid test comes back low it is not always an indication that your dog has a low thyroid level. In this case we run a thyroid test by a method called Equilibrium Dialysis

If we suspect Cushing’s Disease because the Alk Phos test is increased on the routine blood panel, we might run an ACTH stimulation test, or a LDDS test. Both of these are found on our Cushing’s Page: http://www.lbah.com/canine/cushings.htm

Urine Tests

If we suspect Cushing’s based on the Alk Phos again, we can run a urine creatine:cortisol ratio. If it is positive, it may or may not indicate the disease. If this test is negative, your pet most likely does not have Cushing’s at that time. So it is used as a screening test to help eliminate the potential for this disease, and not used to diagnose it.

Viral Tests

Some diseases caused by viruses, notably the FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) virus, can be difficult to diagnose. In the case of the FIP virus, which is a type of coronavirus, a positive test result does not necessarily mean your cat has FIP. To help in this diagnosis, a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is used. You can learn more details on our FIP page: http://www.lbah.com/feline/fip.html

From the doctors at the Long Beach Animal Hospital
WWW.LBAH.COM

3816 E. Anaheim St. Long Beach, CA 90804 USA
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