Bloodwork
In House
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
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 that have symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, or loss of appetite. If your dog needs surgery, a CBC can also detect bleeding disorders or other unseen abnormalities. Specifically, a CBC provides detailed information on white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.
Blood Chemistry
Blood chemistries, or blood serum tests, evaluate a pet's organ function. These tests are important for evaluating the health of older pets, pets with vomiting, diarrhea, or toxin exposure, as well as pets receiving long-term medications and general health before anesthesia.
Thyroid
The thyroid gland is located near the trachea (windpipe), just below the larynx (voice box). It is a paired gland that is responsible for the production of thyroid hormones. The major thyroid hormone that is produced by the thyroid gland is thyroxine (T4). Thyroid hormones have far-reaching effects on the body, controlling the body's metabolic rate. In some severe cases the thyroid can be removed in cats surgically.
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. If the results come back with the cortisol level is abnormal your pet will need to have treatment.
Clotting Time
Electrolytes we look at are sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, phosphorus and calcium, as they are involved in most of the body's daily functions. For example, electrolytes are required for proper nerve conduction, for heart and skeletal muscle contraction, for maintenance of proper hydration status, and for maintenance of proper blood pH.
Glucose Monitoring
The main 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.
Dog Cat
Normal 80-120 Normal 80-150
Would need special food: 120-300 Would need special food: 150-500
Needs insulin 300+ Needs insulin 500+
Needs sugar >80 Needs sugar >80
Electrolites
Electrolytes are involved in most of the body's daily functions. For example, electrolytes are required for proper nerve conduction, for heart and skeletal muscle contraction, for maintenance of proper hydration status, and for maintenance of proper blood pH.
Progesterone
The progesterone test can be done every 2-3 days starting about 3-5 days into the heat. Timing of the test can be more certain if the lengths of the dog’s previous heat cycles are known. The beginning progesterone levels are typically less than 1.0 ng/ml until the day before the LH surge. The day of the LH spike, serum progesterone concentrations are 2-3 ng/ml; the day following the LH surge, the serum progesterone concentration is 3-4 ng/ml. Ovulation occurs at a progesterone level of 5 ng/ml.
Pregnancy
The blood test detects pregnancy in the the pregnant pet by measuring levels of a hormone called relaxin. This hormone is produced by the developing placenta following implantation of the embryo, and can be detected in the blood in most pregnant females as early as 22-27 days post-breeding. Best way to test for how many babies there are is either an ultrasound or radiograph (x-ray) depending how far along into the pregnancy the pet is in.
Reference Lab Testing
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 results are back, we are able to 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 off to test for what food your pet is allergic to. Results can take up to 2-3 weeks to return. Once 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 common food used in pet food. A blood sample will be sent off to test to see what your pet is allergic to in your area as well as what food your pet may be allergic to. Results can take up to 2-3 weeks to return. Once results are back, we will inform you what your pet is allergic to. For environmental, we are able to order allergy shots that will help alter your pet’s immune system. 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 5 months after it is bitten by an infected mosquito. If dog is infected with heartworms there is a treatment, but it will take some time depending on how severe the heartworms are. There are preventatives to help this from getting to your dog. Recommended for dogs every spring, and every dog in the south.