DIAGNOSTICS
The initial consultation with the Veterinary Surgeon is often the most important stage of the diagnostic work up involved in identifying a patient’s problem and deciding on which therapy is necessary. We always have a minimum of 15 minutes for each consultation to allow a full clinical examination before any decisions are made on further work up, testing or treatment.
The initial consultation with the Veterinary Surgeon is often the most important stage of the diagnostic work up involved in identifying a patient’s problem and deciding on which therapy is necessary. We always have a minimum of 15 minutes for each consultation to allow a full clinical examination before any decisions are made on further work up, testing or treatment.
The high level of equipment at our disposal within the hospital allows us to investigate many problems immediately. This reduces any potential delay in starting treatment and thus reduces the potential deterioration of a condition by obtaining a diagnosis quickly. Both you and your pet are less likely to become stressed by this prompt action. Also, having certain equipment, (described below) means that we can reduce the invasive nature of some of the work by avoiding anaesthesia or major surgery which is a benefit to the patient and owner.
Radiography (x-rays) and laboratory areas will be mentioned later in (Guided Tours). Other equipment includes:
- Ultrasound scanner (colour Doppler): allows the detailed evaluation of abdominal contents and heart function, including viewing rate and direction of blood flow, often in the fully conscious or mildly sedated patient.
- Endoscope – we have two fibre-optic scopes of different diameters. One is primarily used to visualise the inside of the bowel (stomach, duodenum, and colon) whilst the other, thinner, endoscope, called a bronchoscope, allows us to evaluate much narrower areas such as the airways in cats and small dogs.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)– checking the heart’s electronic function. Again generally done in the conscious patient – a very important point if heart disease is suspected. Often performed in conjunction with ultrasound scanning to provide a fuller picture of heart function.
- Dental X-ray Unit – when you realise that a tooth is much like an iceberg, with the majority of it invisible under the surface, there is great potential to miss damaged and thus painful roots. Avoiding dental pain in animals must be one of the most important areas that we need to deal with much more actively for their optimum welfare.
- Ophthalmic Instruments- with one of the Veterinary team holding a Certificate in Ophthalmology, it is not difficult to understand why we have a full range of very precise and accurate optical instruments. These help us view the internal and external structures of the eye, as well as measuring eye pressure (essential in the early diagnosis of glaucoma – a very painful condition of the eye). Such examination is undertaken in a purpose built quiet blackout room and on the conscious patient.