Diagnostic tests (laboratory tests, X-rays, ultrasound scans, cytology, etc.) are indicated when they help to confirm a clinical suspicionto rule out major problems or to choose the best treatment. They are not always necessary: often, a good medical history and a complete examination already guide the diagnosis. For this reason, it is usually most useful to start with a veterinary practice in Benissa to decide which test provides real information in your case.
What are diagnostic tests for (what they do and why they are not always needed)?
In veterinary medicine, tests help us:
-
Confirm or rule out causes (infection, inflammation, metabolic disorders).
-
Assessing the gravity and the forecast.
-
Choose safer treatments (e.g. before anaesthesia or certain drugs).
-
Make tracking of chronic diseases or treatments.
The key is indication: asking for "everything" without judgement can lead to dubious results, unnecessary costs or unhelpful decisions. In complex cases, coordination with veterinary internal medicine is often the most effective approach.
Common tests and when they are recommended
1) Full physical examination (the most important "test")
Before any analysis or imaging, the examination (auscultation, abdominal palpation, temperature, mucous membranes, hydration, pain, etc.) determines which test is appropriate and in what order. It is carried out in veterinary practice in Benissa.
2) Blood test (haemogram + biochemistry)
It is usually indicated when there is:
-
Decay, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss.
-
Persistent vomiting/diarrhoea, suspected dehydration.
-
Suspected liver, kidney, pancreatic or metabolic problems.
-
Pre-anaesthesia check (before surgery or sedation procedures).
It is also very useful for control and monitoring in veterinary internal medicine.
3) Urinalysis
Indicated before:
-
Increased drinking and urination (polydipsia/polyuria).
-
Blood in urine, painful urination, frequent urination.
-
Suspected kidney disease or urinary tract infections.
-
Management of some metabolic diseases.
4) Stool analysis
It is recommended when there is:
-
Diarrhoea (especially if it lasts more than 24-48 h or recurs).
-
Suspicion of parasites, changes in diet, mucus or bloody stools.
-
Puppies/kittens with recurrent loose stools.
It is sometimes combined with nutritional adjustments; if appropriate, support is considered from veterinary nutrition.
5) X-rays
They are usually indicated in:
-
Lameness, pain, trauma, suspected fractures or osteoarthritis.
-
Persistent cough, shortness of breath (chest).
-
Suspicion of foreign bodies, severe constipation (abdomen).
If the motive is locomotor, it integrates very well with the approach of veterinary traumatology and orthopaedics.
6) Ultrasound
Very useful for:
-
Abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, chronic diarrhoea.
-
Liver, kidney, bladder or reproductive problems.
-
Suspicion of masses, abdominal fluid or organ abnormalities.
It is often part of studies of veterinary internal medicine.
7) Cytology (puncture/impression)
Indicated when there is:
-
Skin lumps or nodules.
-
Recurrent otitis (ear cytology).
-
Skin lesions with itching, redness or crusting.
(Cytology helps to differentiate inflammation, infection, allergy or cell types and guide treatment).
8) Biopsy and histopathology
It is proposed when we need a definitive diagnosis, for example:
-
Masses that grow or change.
-
Lesions that do not respond to treatment.
-
Suspicion of specific tumour or inflammatory processes.
9) Specific tests on a case-by-case basis
-
Hormonal (thyroid, cortisol, etc.) if there is clinical suspicion.
-
Infectious tests (depending on area, symptoms and history).
-
Coagulation tests before procedures or if there is bleeding.
Warning signs: when to look "deeper".
Seek assessment if any of these signs appear:
-
Marked decline, fever, pale/yellow gums.
-
Repeated vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain.
-
Shortness of breath, persistent cough, fainting.
-
Unreasonable weight loss, increased thirst/urination.
-
Severe lameness, acute pain, trauma.
-
Seizures, disorientation or neurological changes.
In such cases, it is safest to begin with a veterinary practice in Benissa and decide on tests in a staggered manner.
How we deal with it in Benivet Benissa (protocol and clinical decision)
In Benivet Benissa we usually follow this approach:
-
Clinical history + complete examination.
-
List of probable diagnoses (differential diagnosis).
-
Test selection minimum necessary (by clinical performance).
-
Interpretation of results and treatment plan.
-
Monitoring and adjustments (especially in veterinary internal medicine).
➡️ If you come with previous reports, bring them with you: it helps us to avoid repeating tests and to decide better.
Benissa and surroundings: ask for an appointment if you have doubts
We attend families from Benissa and surrounding areas (Calpe, Teulada, Moraira and Marina Alta).
👉 Request your visit from contact Benivet Benissa and, if you want to get to know the centre, you can take a look at our veterinary facilities in Benissa.
