title: Ordering diagnostic tests in cardiovascular disease.
abstract: All heart patients should have an electrocardiogram, radiographs of the chest, and blood work done in addition to a complete history and physical examination. In ordering diagnostic tests, the real point is to understand the rationale for each test ordered, what information may be expected from the test, and if there is a justifiable reason for each test considering the factors involved.
authors.affiliation: California Animal Hospital, Los Angeles.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Ettinger
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002415:Cats; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004285:Dogs; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000662:veterinary; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000662:veterinary; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000662:veterinary