Laboratory Testing

Our in-house laboratory facilities provide for serum chemistry, hematology, serology, urinalysis and parasite testing.  We also utilize commercial veterinary laboratories for specialized diagnostics and consultations.

Lab tests are an important tool for assessing your pet's health.  Blood testing is done for many reasons, such as before surgery, during an illness, and to serve as base lines during different stages of life (junior health profiles, adult health profiles, and senior health profiles).

The following is a brief description of each test and what information it provides for us:

CBC: provides detailed information on red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), 
          and platelets.  RBC could indicate anemia (low RBCs).  WBC counts could 
          indicate infection, inflammation, stress, or even leukemia.  Platelet numbers 
          could indicate bleeding disorders.

Electrolytes: looks at the levels of Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), and Chloride (Cl). 
          Electrolytes are important when evaluating vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, 
          and heart- related symptoms.

T4 and Free T4: High levels can indicate hyperthyroidism.  Low levels can indicate 
           hypothyroidism.

Serum Chemistry: provides detailed information on 12 blood chemistries that indicate internal
          organ function like liver, kidney, and pancreas.

1. Albumin (ALB)- Protein produced by the liver, present at certain levels could indicate liver, kidney or intestinal disease.
2. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)- Enzyme, present at  certain levels could indicate liver disease or injury.
3. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP)- Enzyme,  present at certain levels could indicate liver disease or Cushing's disease.
4. Amylase (AMLY)- Enzyme, present at certain levels could indicate pancreatic disease.
5. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)- Enzyme, present at certain levels could indicate kidney disease, liver disease, and dehydration.
6. Calcium (Ca)- Present at certain levels could indicate some types of tumors, parathyroid gland disease and kidney disease.
7. Cholesterol (CHOL)-Present at certain levels could indicate hypothyroidism, liver disease, and kidney disease.
8. Creatinine (CREA)-Present at certain levels could indicate kidney disease, urinary tract obstruction, and dehydration.
9.  Blood Glucose (GLU)-Present at certain levels could indicate diabetes, stress, liver disease, infection, and certain tumors. 
10. Phosphorus (PHOS)-Present at certain levels could indicate kidney disease.
11. Total Bilirubin (TBIL)-Present at certain levels could indicate liver disease and anemia.
12. Total Protein (TP)-Present at certain levels could indicate dehydration, liver disease, kidney disease, intestinal disease.
             
Urinalysis: Evaluates the function and health of the urinary system.  It measures the color, clarity, and concentration of the urine.  Urinalysis is used to detect abnormalities in the urine such as glucose, protein, blood and blood cells.  It is useful in diagnosing urinary tract infection, kidney disease, diabetes, and dehydration.

Fecal Analysis: This test is used to detect intestinal parasites (worms), and protozoan infection (coccidia and giardia).  Fecal analysis is important because these infections can cause serious health problems for your pet, but can also be passed to humans.

Heartworm/ Lyme/ E. canis/ Anaplasmosis Testing: Our in-house testing  allows us to detect, diagnose and begin treatment for Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplosmosis (tick borne diseases), as well as Heartworm infection (mosquito borne infection).  This is a blood test.

FELV/ FIV Testing: An in- house blood test is used to screen for/ diagnose Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.  Because these diseases are passed from cat to cat through casual contact, this test is strongly recommended for any kitten/ cat before being introduced to other felines in your home.