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Our in house lab is a fundamental component of our operation. Tests on blood, urine, stool, or tissue are often critical for determining either illness or health. Sulphur Springs Vet Clinic's full service, in-house lab allows us to make quicker diagnosis because we can get results quickly rather than sending samples to another lab then waiting for processing and reports. Our complete in-house laboratory means quicker treatment for your pet and faster more efficient monitoring.
Pre-surgical blood analysis provides an extra measure of safety. We use laboratory tests to check organ function and determine the best way to prepare each animal for surgery.
Labwork routinely performed on premises includes:
- Albumin (ALB) - A protein that
is produced by the liver. Reduced levels of
this protein can point to chronic liver, kidney,
or intestinal disease.
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP) -
An enzyme present in multiple tissues, including
liver and bone. Elevated levels can indicate
liver disease, Cushing's syndrome or steroid therapy.
- Amylase (AMYL) & Lipase - Enzymes produced
by the pancreas. The pancreas secretes amylase to
aid in digestion. Elevated blood levels can indicate
pancreatic disease.
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) -
An enzyme that becomes elevated with liver disease
or injury.
- Bile Acids - Test for liver function.
- Blood Glucose (GLU) - High levels
can indicate diabetes. In cats, high levels also
indicate stress, which can merely be a result of
the trip to the veterinary hospital. Low levels can
indicate liver disease, infection or certain tumors.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) -
BUN is produced by the liver and excreted by the
kidneys. Abnormally high levels can indicate kidney
disease or dehydration, and low levels can be associated
with liver disease.
- Cholesterol (CHOl) - Elevated
levels of cholesterol are seen in a variety of disorders,
including hypothyroidism, liver or kidney disease.
- Creatinine (CREA) - Creatinine
is a by-product of muscle metabolism and is excreted
by the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate
kidney disease, urinary tract obstruction or dehydration.
- Calcium (Ca2+) - Increased levels
can be seen with diseases of the parathyroid gland
and kidneys, or as an indicator of certain types
of tumors.
- Phosphorus (PHOS) - Elevated phosphorus
can be an indicator of kidney disease.
- Total Bilirubin (TBIL) - Bilirubin
is a breakdown product of hemoglobin as well as a
component of bile. Blood bibirubin levels are
useful in indicating liver disease and possibly help
characterize anemia.
- Total Protein (TP) - The level
of TP can detect a variety of conditions, including
dehydration and diseases of the liver, kidney or
intestine.
HEMATOLOGY
- Hematocrit (Hct) - Provides information
on the amount of red blood cells (RBCs) present in
the blood. A low hematocrit indicates anemia (low
red blood cells or hemoglobin).
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) - A
more complete panel of tests, a CBC provides detailed
information on red blood cell counts, white blood
cell counts and platelets. The total white blood
cell counts and individual cell counts can indicate
leukemia, stress, inflammation or an inability to
fight infection. Low platelet numbers can indicate
a bleeding problem. We might advise that surgery be delayed if anemia, inflammation or
especially a low platelet count is present because these
conditions could cause serious surgical complications.
- Morphologic Inspection (Blood smear) - Looking
at the cells through a microscope can provide information
on the type of anemia or inflammation, or other abnormalities,
such as leukemia.
ANTIGEN TEST - Checks for the presence of Giardia, a protozoa, that can cause diarrhea, and more serious symptoms, in your pet. Click to read more about Giardia.
ELECTROLYTES
- Sodium, Potassium, Chloride (Na+, K+, Cl) -
The balance of these electrolytes is vital to your
pet's health. Abnormal levels can be life-threatening.
Electrolyte tests are important in evaluating vomiting,
diarrhea, dehydration and cardiac (heart) symptoms.
T 4 (Thyroxine) - Measurement
of the level of thyroid hormone circulating in the
blood, and is helpful in identifying thyroid disease.
Thyroid disease occurs in both dogs and cats, and can
have a serious impact on health if left untreated.
Testing is especially important for cats over the age
of seven.
URINALYSIS
The urine contains by-products
from many organs, such as the kidneys, liver and pancreas.
Abnormal levels of these by-products can indicate diabetes,
liver or urinary tract disease.
- Urine Protein/Creatinine Ratio - An early indicator for kidney disease.
FECAL - Check of your pet's stool for internal parasites (worms). Click here to read more about internal parasites. Click here to read more about coccidiosis.
Sulphur Springs Vet Clinic's doctors and staff are dedicated to providing accurate and prompt results with personalized service for the health and welfare of your best friend.
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