PET CARE

Diagnostics

Modern medicine requires the ability to explore and define a wide range of complex medical situations. Our Laboratory has a wide array of diagnositc machines and tests which provide our clinicians support in diagnosing and managing cases. We also use regional labs which provide almost unlimited testing capabilities. Some common in house tests include:

Feline Leukemia: Blood test for usually fatal wasting viral cat disease. Can be vaccinated to protect.

Heartworm: Regular blood testing to monitor the presence of the parasite, and the effectiveness of preventative medication in controlling this blood and heart parasite spread by mosquitoes.

Fecal Intestinal Worms: Especially important in young animals to eradicate and control. Annual retesting for life in the Fall of the year advised. Has importance because of possible spread to humans, including children, in some instances.

Blood Chemistry Profile: Provides essential information for monitoring organ systems function (liver, kidneys, diabetes, pancreas), some nutritional considerations, sometimes indications of cancer.

Blood Cell Analysis, CBC: Analysis of blood cell characteristics gives us information relating to anemia, sources of and severity of infection, blood clotting ability, and blood parasites.

Feline T Cell Virus, Aids: Cats, similar to Aids in humans, is fatal. Usually spread by bite wounds. No vaccine for this one. Does NOT affect humans.

Fungal Culture: Skin ringworm, Most common in young stressed animals, may spread to man, Often asked to perform when family members are diagnosed with ringworm.

Cytology: Examination of cells from lumps, fluids and tissues. Gives information regarding sources of infection, inflammation and evidence of cancer.

Urine Analysis: Provides information regarding kidney function and possible infection and or cancer involving the urinary tract.

Blood Clotting Ability: Especially important in suspected cases of rat poisoning. Used to evaluate the cause of anemia.

Skin Scraping: Used to diagnose skin parasites, mange and some sources of skin infection.