title: Ancillary diagnostic techniques for the lame patient.
abstract: The cause of lameness is usually identified through evaluation of signalment, history, and physical examination. Radiographic evaluation provides a definitive diagnosis in many cases; however, laboratory evaluation may prove useful in the characterization of certain conditions or in the prognostication of the condition. In some instances where the definitive diagnosis remains elusive, arthroscopic examination is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool that may be more affordable and available than computed tomography. This article reviews laboratory evaluation of the lame patient and arthroscopic evaluation of joint abnormalities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Manhattan, Kansas, USA. Radlinsk@vet.ksu.edu
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Radlinsky
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000662:veterinary*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002415:Cats; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004285:Dogs; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000662:veterinary; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D016482:Urinalysis / Q000662:veterinary