Diagnostic Services
In-House Laboratory
Laboratory testing is an important component of your pet’s health care. Some diseases cannot be detected by a physical exam, and will require laboratory testing to acquire a diagnosis. Many times an animal may appear healthy until labwork has been performed.
This is especially important in birds that tend to hide their illnesses until they are very sick (or many times found dead on the bottom of their enclosure).
Routine fecal testing, checking for worms and Giardia, is important to keep your dogs and cats healthy, but also to ensure that these organisms are not transmitted to you or your children.
We have the ability to check your pet’s red cell count; evaluate blood chemistries and blood glucoses; perform a urinalysis; and test for some infectious diseases.
Additional laboratory testing may be sent to an outside laboratory.
DNA Testing
DNA Testing is also available for dogs. The Wisdom Panel DNA Test is a blood test that checks for 159 of the 161 American Kennel Club registered dogs plus eleven additional breeds. DNA testing your mixed breed dog is a fun way to learn about your dog’s genetic history and can help to explain and predict behavioral characteristics that will assist with training and behavior modification. In addition, some breeds are pre-disposed to certain health problems. By being aware of the health issues that may inflict your dog in the future, it will allow you to focus on disease prevention and early detection and ultimately improve your pet’s long term health and quality of life.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Blood pressure monitoring has the ability to detect both high and low blood pressures. Low blood pressure (hypotension) is more commonly seen in emergency situations. Monitoring your pet’s blood pressure under these circumstances helps us to better assess how stable your pet is, and assists us with choosing the appropriate type of fluid to administer IV and the rate of administration.
High blood pressure (hypertension) can occur as a result of heart disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism (in cats), etc and can be a potentially life-threatening medical problem that can result in retinal hemorrhages and strokes, amongst other things. Treatment may entail addressing the underlying disease process or using a traditional or holistic medicine that will reduce your pet’s blood pressure.
Allergy Testing
Allergies are a very common and frustrating problem in both dogs and cats. Over-vaccinating is one factor that may predispose an animal to allergies.
Allergy Testing can easily be performed by submitting a blood sample to one of our outside labs.
There are 3 panels that can be performed:
- Food Panel
- Indoor Panel
- Regional Panel
Once the results come back, modifications to diet and/or environment are performed. Allergy injections are also available if needed and are custom prepared based on the needs of your pet.