Cytology is the study of cells and is used in many different ways to help diagnose what is going on with our patients. An aspirate can be taken to obtain a sample of cells inside masses or organs to help determine the disease process.
An ear cytology is used to see what kind of infection your pet may have in its ears. This cytology can help determine the severity of the infection and guide the doctor in choosing the correct medications for you pet.
Evaluation of blood cells under the microscope can give the doctor further direction in diagnosing infections and evaluation of anemia.
Fecal Gram Stain
A Fecal Gram Stain is helpful determining certain infections of the gastro-intestinal tract and is commonly performed on patients with diarrhea or loose stool. If your pet is experiencing diarrhea, please bring a sample with you to the appointment for testing.
The fecal flotation is the backbone of intestinal parasite identification. Fecal flotation is primarily used to identify the eggs of the parasites in your pet’s stool. We recommend bringing a fecal sample with you for every visit so we may check your pet for parasites or other infections.
This test is for the detection of Giardia antigens in fecal samples. Symptoms of Giardia include diarrhea, vomiting and anorexia. If your pet is experiencing diarrhea, please bring a sample with you to the appointment for potential testing.
This test is for the detection of canine parvovirus antigen in fecal samples. Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease and the result is vomiting; severe, often fatal, bloody diarrhea; and severe dehydration. It mostly affects young pets that have not been adequately immunized. See our immunizations page for more information.
The biochemical properties of the urine are tested by a urinalysis, and can help to determine the cause of a urinary tract disorder. The presence of blood or white blood cells in the urine indicates inflammation, while a change in the acid content of the urine may indicate infection. Microscopic evidence of crystals may indicate that bladder or kidney stones are present and microscopic evidence of casts (from the kidney) can be an early warning of kidney disease. The concentration of the urine can reflect kidney function and the presence of dehydration. The presence of glucose is suggestive of diabetes. Other biochemical tests can be completed and if infection is suspected, a culture of the urine will be recommended.
Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio (UPC)
The Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio measures urinary protein loss. The UPC Ratio measures urinary protein loss while automatically correcting for variations in urine volume and concentration. It is a helpful diagnostic and screening tool for evaluating kidney function in both dogs and cats.
Diagnostic Blood work
Many tests are available to monitor the progress of common diseases in our patients and is a window into the body to help assess internal organ functions, which cannot be determined based on physical examination alone. Indications of internal organ functions, such as the liver and kidney functions as well as the presence of infection or anemia can be determined. These tests are recommended on a case by case basis to determine what further treatments are necessary.
This canine combo test checks the patient for Heartworms, Lyme, Erhlichia, and Anaplasmosis. The doctor may request this test for certain symptoms your pet may present with. Any patient that is limping for an unknown reason, should have this test. For more information about these specific diseases see the explanation in the wellness testing
This in house test provides a quantitative measurement of total T4 in the dog and cat patient. This test can be used as a screening to for hypothyroidism in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats and for medication monitor on patients currently being treated for thyroid diseases. At times, a thyroid panel sent to an outside lab may be recommended for diagnosis of thyroid related conditions.
This test is used to determine pancreas-specific lipase levels in the blood. When your pet’s symptoms or bloodwork indicate the possibility of pancreatitis, the doctor may request this test to confirm or rule out pancreatitis.
This test can be used in determining endocrine diseases such as Addison’s and Cushing’s disease as well as to monitor the treatment of those diseases. The doctor may order a single Cortisol level or a series of levels (ACTH Stimulation test or Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression test) depending on your pet’s disease or symptoms.
This test can be used for dogs and cats to give a quantitative measurement of bile acids for the evaluation of liver function. Usually, two tests are required to give diagnostic information. The first sample is drawn, then the patient is fed and another test is drawn about two hours later.
This simple blood test can be used to determine pregnancy in dogs 30 days after breeding.
This in house blood test is a convenient semi-quantitative measurement of progesterone levels to help determine breeding readiness in dogs. For a more accurate progesterone test there is a send out Progesterone Level available.
Brucellosis Antibody Test
Canine brucellosis is a chronic infection with Brucella canis that causes mild to severe reproductive symptoms. The brucellosis antibody test is a common test requested for breeding dogs.