title: Ancillary tests for assessment of the ruminant digestive system.
abstract: This article reviews the ancillary tests that are available to evaluate disease and function of the gastrointestinal system. Procedures and tests such as abdominocentesis and peritoneal fluid cytology; rumen fluid analysis; abomasal pH and pepsinogen; upper digestive tract endoscopy; ultrasonography and radiology; hematologic and biochemical assessments; cytology, culture, and histopathology of aspirates; serology, liver function tests and biopsy; exploratory laparotomy; fecal examination; and microbiology are described.
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis.
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: House
authors.forename: B P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: VanMetre
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fecteau
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Craychee
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Neves
mesh_terms: D000018:Abomasum / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary; D004064:Digestive System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005766:Gastrointestinal Contents / Q000737:chemistry; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D011859:Radiography; D012417:Rumen / Q000737:chemistry; D012418:Ruminants; D014463:Ultrasonography