In House Laboratory
We do a number of different lab tests in house. We recommend a combination test for dogs that tests for Heartworm disease, Lyme disease, Erlichia Canis & Anaplasmosis. Lyme disease, Erlichia Canis and Anaplasmosis are carried by ticks. We also offer a combination test for cats that tests for feline Leukemia and Aids, which we recommend for outdoor cats, or new kittens and cats that may have been exposed to either virus.
We perform fecal analysis to check for parasites in your pet’s feces. We can also perform complete blood counts (CBC), Electrolyte monitoring, Thyroid and Cortisol testing and several blood chemistry tests (including preanesthetic blood work) right in the hospital for quicker results. We also perform complete urinalysis and blood glucose curves in the hospital as well as much more.
Heartworm Testing
We recommend heartworm testing annually for all dogs. In accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations, heartworm preventative may not be dispensed if this test is not current within the past twelve months, and/or the dog has missed more than 1 month of heartworm prevention.
Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition if left undiagnosed or treated. It is easily prevented with the appropriate products. This test is also used to test for Erlichia Canis, Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis, all three of which are carried by ticks. Please call ahead and we can set up appointment with a technician for a blood test, which will be run while you wait.
Feline Leukemia and Aids Testing
The feline Leukemia and Immunodeficiency test, is a blood test used to detect circulating antibody and antigens for both feline Leukemia and feline Aids. These viruses can be found in normal appearing individuals or carriers.
Both of these viruses can be fatal and are found to weaken the immune status, promote anemia, and make your pet more susceptible to other illness, including neoplasia, (cancer). Before proceeding with any treatments, elective or otherwise, we recommend testing, as the results could potentially affect your outcome.
Fecal Analysis
A fecal analysis is done to examine your pet’s feces for any evidence of parasite eggs. This is a simple way of evaluating the worm burden in your pet’s local environment, as well as your pet’s immune status. Intestinal parasites are easily transmitted by fecal-oral contact and can migrate throughout the host’s body including through the liver, lungs, eyes, and even brain.
Several of the parasites we examine for are zoonotic threats, (transmissible to humans, especially children). We recommend at least annual testing for both dogs and cats. We require a recent negative fecal exam within the past six months before any individual will be admitted into our boarding facility.
Outside Laboratory
For more involved blood tests, cultures, and biopsies, we use Idexx Laboratories as our outside laboratory. Most blood results come back within 2 days so we can diagnose abnormalities or monitor medication effectiveness quicker and more efficiently.
