Diagnostic Laboratory
In House
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.
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.
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.