Microscopy is a diagnostic method that uses microscopes to observe and analyse specimens too small to be seen with the naked eye. Microscopes allow the veterinarian to study the structure, composition, and behaviour of any lumps or abnormalities in your pet’s body.
At Dr Paws Vet Care, our in-house laboratory, equipped with a cutting-edge microscope, plays a pivotal role in achieving accurate diagnoses for your pet. This allows our veterinarian to conduct an on-the-spot examination of various samples, which enables quick preliminary assessments.
In cases where lumps on your pet raise concerns, a fine needle aspirate of the lumps can be conducted. This technique involves inserting a fine needle to procure a small sample from the lump, which is then examined under the microscope. This enables us to identify any abnormal cell formations that may suggest the presence of cancer.
Microscopy can also be used to scrutinise fluid samples from thoracic or abdominal cavities to look for cancer cells, inflammatory cells or infectious agents. Additionally, microscopy thoroughly examines urine samples and can identify different urinary crystals, white blood cells or cancerous cells.
Microscopy helps detect infections and cancerous cells in your pets.
How does Microscopy work?
Microscopy helps magnify a specimen beyond the range of human vision. There are various types of microscopes, each designed for specific applications. Light microscopes use visible light to illuminate specimens, and lenses magnify the image for observation.
In contrast, electron microscopes utilise a beam of electrons with shorter wavelengths for higher resolution. Confocal microscopes use lasers to scan specimens, which helps provide clearer images by eliminating out-of-focus light. Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM) utilise a sharp tip for scanning surfaces, which provides detailed topographical information.
Scanning Tunneling Microscopes (STM) measure tunneling current between a tip and specimen for atomic-scale resolution. Regardless of the type, microscopy enables the examination of samples at a microscopic or even nanoscopic level, which helps veterinarians diagnose the presence of any abnormalities in your pets.
What are the benefits of Microscopy?
Early disease detection
Precise diagnosis and identification of infections
Efficient in monitoring treatment progress
Efficient on-site diagnostics
Improved surgical planning
Microscopy helps detect diseases in your pet at early stages.
What conditions can Microscopy diagnose?
Microscopy is a diagnostic tool used to identify and understand various conditions in pets. Once a condition is diagnosed through microscopy, appropriate treatment plans can be developed. Here are some conditions that microscopy can help diagnose in pets:
Infections: microscopy allows veterinarians to identify and characterise microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, which cause infections in pets.
Cancer: microscopic examination of tissues helps in the early detection and characterisation of cancerous cells or tumours.
Inflammatory conditions: microscopy can reveal cellular changes that indicate inflammation in different tissues and help identify and address inflammatory conditions in pets.
Parasitic infections: microscopy is essential for identifying various parasites, including worms, mites, and other ectoparasites, which helps develop targeted parasite control strategies.
Urinary tract issues: a microscopic examination of urine samples can detect signs of urinary tract infections, crystals, or abnormal cells, which can help diagnose and manage urinary conditions.
Skin disorders:skin scrapings examined under a microscope can reveal the presence of mites, fungal infections, or other factors that contribute to skin disorders in pets.
Microscopy can help identify and understand various conditions in pets.
Blood disorders:blood smears analysed through microscopy provide information about the number and appearance of blood cells, which helps diagnose blood-related disorders.
Gastrointestinal conditions: a microscopic examination of faecal samples can aid in identifying parasites, bacteria, or other factors that cause gastrointestinal issues in pets.
Respiratory diseases: examining respiratory samples can help diagnose infections, assess the presence of abnormal cells, and develop a treatment plan for respiratory conditions.
Joint disorders: a microscopic analysis of joint fluid can assist in diagnosing joint-related conditions, such as arthritis or infections.
Ear infections: a microscopic examination is also used to examine ear swabs to identify the causes of ear infections in pets, including bacteria, yeast, or parasites.
However, while microscopy is a highly effective diagnostic tool, treating these conditions often involves a combination of medications, surgery, and other interventions according to each pet's specific needs.
What results can be expected from Microscopy?
By opting for microscopy for your pet, you can get detailed insights into their health. The examination may reveal the presence of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, or parasites, providing a clear understanding of any infections affecting your pet.
When you bring your pet to Dr Paws Vet Care for microscopy, your veterinarian will first conduct a thorough examination and discuss your pet's medical history and any specific concerns you may have.
If microscopy is deemed necessary, our in-house laboratory, equipped with an advanced microscopes, ensures you receive timely and accurate results. Whether analysing blood smears, fine needle aspirates from lumps, or urine samples, microscopy will be utilised to get the finer details of your pet’s health.
Throughout the process, we prioritise transparency and effective communication and keep you informed about the procedure, the expected results, and any recommended follow-up actions.
How many Microscopy sessions are needed?
The number of treatment sessions involving microscopy for your pet depends upon the specific diagnosis of their health condition. Usually, a single microscopic session is enough to gather samples and establish a diagnosis.
If ongoing monitoring is necessary, follow-up sessions may be recommended to track treatment progress or identify any changes. Clear communication with your veterinarian is crucial to understanding the recommended schedule for check-ups, follow-up microscopy sessions, and any necessary treatments to ensure optimal care and well-being of your pet.
If you are concerned about your pet’s well-being, please schedule an appointment with Dr Paws Vet Care for an efficient diagnosis and a proper treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions
How often should my pet undergo microscopy at Dr Paws Vet Care?
The frequency of microscopy sessions depends on your pet's health needs. Your veterinarian will recommend an appropriate schedule for microscopy after the initial checkup session.
Can microscopy at Dr Paws Vet Care directly treat my pet's health issues?
Microscopy is a diagnostic tool, not a treatment. It provides detailed insights into your pet's health and helps develop a personalised treatment plan, including medications, surgery, or other interventions.
How much does a microscopy session for my pet at Dr Paws Vet Care cost?
The cost can vary based on the type of microscopy needed and the specific diagnostic requirements for your pet. Our staff will provide a detailed estimate during your consultation, taking into account the necessary tests and examinations.
Mon,Tue,Wed,Fri & Sat 10:00am - 8:00pm | Last appointment at 7:30pm Closed for lunch 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Closed on Thursdays, Sundays & Public Holidays (Ample roadside parking available)
