Diagnostic Laboratory Testing for Pets
Complete Blood Count
The complete blood count (CBC) gives information about your pet's white and red cell count with total platelet counts. A CBC is essential for pets with symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, or loss of appetite. A CBC can detect bleeding disorders or unseen abnormalities if your dog needs surgery. Specifically, a CBC provides detailed information on white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
Blood Chemistry
Blood biochemistries, or blood serum tests, evaluate a pet's basic organ function. These tests are essential for evaluating the health of all pets. We recommend yearly testing for all pets, but especially for older pets, pets receiving long-term medications, and any pets with ongoing health issues. We also offer in-house testing for pets with serious illness, vomiting, diarrhea, toxin exposure, or general health before anesthesia.
Thyroid
The thyroid gland is near the trachea (windpipe), just below the larynx (voice box). It is a paired gland that is responsible for the production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones have far-reaching effects on the body, controlling the body's metabolic rate, energy use, and can even affect personality.
Cortisol
A blood sample is taken and spun down to separate the serum needed to test cortisol levels. The test will take about 15 minutes, with an appointment, to determine if their levels are increased or decreased. Your pet will need treatment if the results come back with abnormal cortisol levels.
Glucose Monitoring
The primary sugar that the body makes from the food in the diet, glucose is carried through the bloodstream to provide energy to all cells in the body. Cells cannot use glucose without the help of insulin. Changes in blood glucose can indicate systemic illnesses, such as diabetes, in all animals.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are involved in most of the body's daily functions. For example, electrolytes are required for proper nerve conduction, heart and skeletal muscle contraction, hydration status, and maintenance of proper blood pH.
Vector-Borne Disease
Ticks and mosquitos carry many diseases. Most notable in our animal companions is heartworm, lyme, ehrlichia, and anaplasmosis. These diseases can have no signs, or nonspecific signs at first, but can cause serious disease. At Vital Animal Veterinary Clinic, we have one test for all four diseases - with only one blood sample needed. Ask us at your next visit to check your pet’s vector-borne disease status.
Reference Lab Testing
We can find a source for nearly any testing you need for your pet. Call us today to see how we can help.
Environmental Allergy Testing
Tests for weeds, grass, trees, and anything outside in specific regions. A blood sample will be sent off to test what your pet is allergic to in your area. Results can take up to 2-3 weeks to return. Once the results are back, we can order allergy shots that will help alter their immune system to help with their allergies.
Food Allergy Testing
Tests for common food used in pet food. A blood sample will be sent to test for what food your pet is allergic to. Results can take up to 2-3 weeks to return. Once the results are back, we will inform you what ingredients your pet is allergic to. Switching your pet's food is the only option to help with their allergies. We will assist with pointing you in the right direction for food options.
Combined Allergy Testing
Tests for common environmental plants in specific regions and tests for typical food used in pet food. A blood sample will be sent to test to see what your pet is allergic to in your area and what food your pet may be allergic to. Results can take up to 2-3 weeks to return. Once the results are back, we will inform you what your pet is allergic to. We can order allergy shots to help alter your pet's immune system for environmental. For food, there are no allergy shots; therefore, switching pet food with the correct ingredients is the only option to help with any food allergies.
DNA Testing
Testing to know exactly what breed your dog is. A blood sample will be sent off to test the past genetic history of your dog. Results can take up to 2-3 weeks to return. We will then call you with the results, and at that time, if you have questions, we will be happy to answer them.
Tick-Borne Disease
Heartworm testing is using a blood test to check a dog for heartworms. The earliest that the heartworm test can detect in the bloodstream is about five months after an infected mosquito bites it. If the dog is infected with heartworms, there is a treatment, but depending on how severe the heartworms are, it will take some time. There are preventatives to help prevent this from getting to your dog. It is recommended for dogs every spring and every dog in the south.
Ready to schedule your pet’s bloodwork service? Contact us at (605) 339-9261.