Laboratory Services
Animal Medical Clinic offers a wide range of laboratory testing to serve you better!
In-House Laboratory
For sick pets, we have the ability to obtain rapid bloodwork results from our in-house laboratory. We are equipped with the following diagnostic tools for answers when time is of the essence:
- CBC (complete blood count): evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets (clotting cells). This test helps our doctors determine if a pet has anemia, dehydration, infection/inflammation, and problems with clotting cells.
- Chemistry Profile: evaluates a wide range of parameters including kidney function, liver function, protein levels, blood sugar and electrolytes.
- Urinalysis: evaluates the urine for presence of blood, white blood cells, bacteria (infection), crystals, and adequate urine concentration.
- Heartworm Test: tests for presence of an antigen (protein) produced by adult female heartworms to screen for heartworm infection.
- Fecal Flotation: screens for the presence of intestinal worms and other parasites including round worms, hook worms, whip worms, tape worms and coccidia.
- Feline Leukemia Test: tests for the presence of Feline Leukemia antigen. Feline Leukemia is a retrovirus that affects cats' immune systems and is contagious to other cats via close contact such as sharing water bowls.
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (Feline AIDS): tests for the presence of antibodies to FIV. FIV is a retrovirus that affects cats' immune systems and is contagious to other cats via bite wounds.
- Pancreatic Lipase (Pancreatitis Test): tests for the presence of an enzyme called pancreatic lipase. A positive test is suggestive of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) which causes vomiting, diarrhea, depression and poor appetite.
Wellness Laboratory Testing
Even healthy pets should have bloodwork performed on a regular basis. This helps us screen for and locate problems before they become severe. Routine labwork also serves as a good baseline measure for comparison when pets get sick. We offer comprehensive wellness packages for dogs and cats of all ages.
- For pets less than 8 years of age, we recommend a yearly complete blood count (CBC), chemistry panel, and heartworm test. This is available as a discounted package- call our office for more details!
- For pets greater than 8 years of age, we recommend a complete blood count (CBC), chemistry panel, heartworm test, urinalysis and thyroid test every 6 months. This is available as a discounted package- call our office for more details!
- For all pets, we recommend fecal testing for parasites every 6 months.
Specialty Reference Laboratory Services
Sometimes pets need tests that are a little out of the ordinary. For those cases, we work closely with several reference laboratories to provide prompt service.