Your veterinarian will perform a full clinical examination of your pet and discuss his clinical history and recent behaviour with you. If your rabbit has been suffering from a chronic cough the veterinarian will listen carefully to your dog’s lungs during respiration and expiration. As there a range of chronic conditions that can cause similar symptoms a number of tests may be required. Your veterinarian may choose to do the following diagnostic tests:
Radiography of your pet’s thorax
Your pet may require sedation for this procedure to be performed. Your veterinarian may be able to visualise signs of infection due to cysts formed in the lungs that may appear as consolidation or calcifying nodules, particularly in severe, heavy infections. Radiographs will also rule out chronic heart disease or other cardiovascular diseases that may have presented with a deep, chronic cough.
Tracheal wash
This may show signs of eggs under microscopic investigation. These eggs are very distinctive in size and shape.
Fecal flotation test
This will be done with a small amount of stool sample from your pet, you may be asked to collect this from home. This may show evidence of infection through visible eggs.
Hematology, biochemistry, and ultrasound may also be ordered.