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X-rays:
X-rays can show up most (but not all)
conditions affecting the bony structures of the joints, limbs and
spine, and some soft tissue structures as well. I am often asked why
vets need to heavily sedate or anaesthetize an animal for this. For
the X-ray to provide as much useful information as possible, your
pet must be still during the process. Modern anaesthetics are very
safe, and most practices now have a nurse monitoring the animal
under anaesthetics constantly. Trying to interpret a poor x-ray can
sometimes be just as dangerous as guesswork. So if your vet
recommends anaesthetizing your pet to x-ray him, there are good
reasons why this is helpful in confirming a diagnosis.
Blood samples
Blood samples are useful for looking at
for instance, increased white blood cell count for supportive
arthritis, Rheumatoid factor, and anti nuclear antibody for
auto-immune mediated arthritis's.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is of limited use as far as
the bodies bony structures go, as ultrasound waves only penetrate
the bone very shallowly.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy - a tiny camera inserted
into the joint - a little more specialized, but becoming more
prevalent these days. Can show changes in the cartilage which may
not show up in x-rays, because cartilage is not mineralised with
calcium.
Contrast radiography
Contrast radiography - a dye opaque to
x-rays is injected into the joint, and an x-ray taken. This could
show up particle of cartilage broken off from the joint surface - or
joint mice as they are otherwise known.
This is not a comprehensive list of
diagnostic techniques, but covers most of them currently used in
modern veterinary medicine. |
