Laboratory and Diagnostics

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In-Hospital Laboratory

Our in-house laboratory allows us to run a wide range of tests and obtain accurate results very quickly. Most in –house lab test can be done during your appointment with results before you leave. More specialized tests are sent to our outside laboratory.

Routine Blood Panels

In order to perform basic health screening for your pet; the blood panel(s) performed will be based on your pet’s age and breed. In particular, they can help detect early signs of common diseases.

Urinalysis

Performed through both our in-house and outside labs. A small sample of urine can help detect urinary issues such as infections, crystals and can help diagnose liver and kidney disease (caused by the liver containing abnormal levels of by-products from organs such as the kidneys, pancreas and liver) as well as diabetes.

FeLV/FIV Testing

Another rapid in-house blood test, this screens cats for two very serious viral infections. Feline Immunodeficiency virus and Feline Leukemia are spread from cat to cat through saliva and/or urine.

All stray cats should have 2 negative tests 3 months apart. All outdoor cats should be tested yearly.

Fecal Floats

This quick in-house test allows us to detect most internal parasites such as roundworm, hookworms, whipworm, and coccidia, which can be treated with various de-wormers. A fecal sample should be tested at least once a year.

Heartworm Testing

A rapid in-house blood test which detects the presence of adult heartworms. (Remember, heartworm disease is carried by mosquitoes). Our heartworm test also tests for Anaplasma, E. Canis and Lymes disease, which are all transmitted by ticks. This test should be done once a year, even if heartworm prevention has been used on a regular basis.

Pre-Anesthetic Blood Panels

All patients undergoing surgery have pre-anesthetic blood work performed. This is so potential problems can be picked up prior to surgery in our pet laboratory. Correspondingly, they can be dealt with according to our best understanding and experience.

Radiology

Our In-hospital digital xray machine can help in the diagnosis of many orthopedic, respiratory, cardiac, abdominal or other problems. Sedation may be required in some cases to allow for accurate positioning with minimal stress to the animal.

Schirmer Tear Test

This is a very simple test that detects “Dry Eye.” Dry eye is a disease in which tear production is absent or decreased. The cornea dries, and becomes painful. Loss of vision can occur. By measuring how much each eye tears with the Schirmer tear test, we can determine if dry eye disease is present.

The exact causes in individual cases may be unknown. However, typical causes include trauma, chemicals, infections, tumors, nerve degenerations, and immune reactions.