Laboratory and Diagnostics

Our laboratory capabilities include complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry profile, thyroid testing (total T4), Activated Clotting Time (ACT) testing, urinalysis, culture and sensitivity, fecal sample analysis, and ear, skin, and tumor cytology.  

A CBC gives valuable information about an animal’s red blood cell and white blood cell count along with platelets. This is used to help determine if there are any signs of anemia, dehydration, infections, or clotting disorder present.

A blood chemistry profile provides information about the function of the major internal organs, including the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, glucose level, and electrolytes. This information can be invaluable when an animal is sick or in screening pets before routine surgeries to determine if there are any underlying problems present.

Some animals may indicate either a thyroid hormone deficiency or excess, which can be checked by performing a thyroid test. This test can help determine if thyroid medications are needed as well as, monitor thyroid levels for those already on medication.

Some pets may have signs of a bleeding disorder, which can be identified by measuring the time it takes for their blood to clot or the Activated Clotting Time (ACT).

A urinalysis can provide information about the function of the kidneys, a urinary tract infection, and the potential for urinary stone formation by checking for crystals. If an abnormality is found a urine culture may be performed to determine the most appropriate antibiotic to use.

A fecal sample analysis will provide valuable information regarding numerous intestinal parasites and overgrowths of certain types of bacteria that can lead to diarrhea.

If an animal has an ear problem, skin lesion, or tumor, these can be analyzed by collecting a sample and examining it under a microscope to look for infection, parasites, and types of cells present. This can then help to determine what medication should be used or if a tumor should be removed surgically.

 Dogs that are going to be used for breeding should have their hips and elbows radiographed (x-rayed) for dysplasia. Dysplasia is a disorder in which the elbow and/or hip joints are not formed normally and are prone to arthritis and degenerative joint disease.

These conditions can be devastating and painful as they become advanced. In early stages, there are often no physical signs of lameness and only by taking x-rays will a problem be found. These diseases are hereditary and will be passed on to future generations, so if problems are seen on x-rays, these dogs should not be used for breeding.

For this reason, x-rays of potential breeding dogs should be taken when the dog is fully mature at 2 years of age. These X-rays should be submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) where they will be given a rating of excellent, good, fair, or poor/dysplastic.

When you bring your dog in for x-rays please bring your dog’s registration papers which should include their registered name, number, and date of birth. You will also need to have the registration numbers of the parents.   Your dog will need to be microchipped to apply. This can be done at the time of x-rays. Some dogs may need sedation to obtain adequate X-rays.