Diagnostics & Laboratory
When you place your pet in our hands, you trust us to provide the best possible medical care. That is why we may recommend certain tests when your pet is having a medical problem, scheduled for anesthesia, or taking certain medications.
Our hospital is equipped with a state of the art in-house laboratory. We have the capability of accurately and efficiently diagnosing infection, anemia, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, lyme and heartworm infection and many other conditions. Results of blood and urine testing are often available with-in the hour.
In addition we use an outside laboratory for additional tests as needed. Most of these test results are available by the next day.
In addition to our laboratory, we have the ability to take x-rays, measure blood pressure and intraocular pressures, perform an electrocardiogram (EKG) and other important diagnostic procedures.
Below are examples of tests that we can perform quickly and accurately in our clinic:
Heartworm 4DX Test
The Heartworm 4DX test checks for Heartworm infection and 3 tick-borne diseases. The tick borne diseases are Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichia. Blood can be drawn during your pet’s examimation, and the test can be run in 9 minutes while you wait.
Fecal Screenings
We recommend periodic fecal screenings for parasites such as roundworm, giardia, hookworm, tapeworm, and whip worm. Some of these can be transmitted to humans and can be very dangerous to children in particular.
Giardia Testing
Giardia is a protozoal parasite, spread by beavers, and contracted from ingesting contaminated water. Giardia can cause a variety of GI illness ranging from diarrhea to vomiting lethargy and fever. We now have a rapid test for giardia that is accurate and reliable.
Urinalysis
The urinalysis provides important information about the functioning capacity of the kidneys. In addition, the urine contains by-products from many organs and abnormal levels of these by-products can indicate disease such as liver and kidney disease or diabetes. Urine can also be examined under a microscope to determine the presence of abnormal cells, crystals or bacteria.
Blood Chemistry
- Albumin (ALB)
A protein which is produced by the liver. Reduced levels of this protein can point to chronic liver or kidney disease, intestinal disease, or intestinal parasites such as hookworm infection.
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
An enzyme that becomes elevated with liver disease or injury.
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP)
An enzyme produced by the cells lining the gall bladder and its associated ducts. Elevated levels can indicate liver disease or Cushing's syndrome.
- Amylase (AMYL)
An enzyme produced by the pancreas. The pancreas secretes amylase to aid in digestion. Elevated blood levels can indicate pancreatic and/or kidney disease.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
BUN is produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Abnormal levels can indicate dehydration, and liver and kidney abnormalities.
- Calcium (Ca2+)
Increased levels can be seen with diseases of the parathyroid gland and kidneys or as an indicator of certain types of tumors.
- Cholesterol (CHOL)
Elevated levels of cholesterol are seen in a variety of disorders including genetic disease, liver and kidney disease and hypothyroidism.
- Creatinine (CREA)
Creatinine is a by product of muscle metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease or urinary tract obstruction.
- Blood Glucose (GLU)
High levels can indicate diabetes. In cats, high levels can 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.
- Phosphorus (PROS)
Elevated phosphorus can be an indicator of kidney disease.
- Total Bilirubin (TBIL)
Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin and is a component of bile. Bilirubin is secreted by the liver into the intestinal tract. Blood bilirubin levels are useful in diagnosing anemia and problems in the bile ducts.
- Total Protein (TP)
The level of TP can detect a variety of conditions including dehydration and diseases of the liver, kidney or gastrointestinal tract.
Electrolytes
- Sodium, Potassium, Chloride (Na+, K+, CI )
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.
Hematology
- Hematocrit (HCT)
Provides information on the amount of red blood cells (RBCs) present in the blood. A low hematocrit indicates anemia.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A more complete panel of tests. A CBC provides detailed information on RBCs, white blood counts (WBCs) and platelets. The total WBC and differential (individual cell counts) can indicate infection, leukemia, stress, inflammation, or an inability to fight infection. Low platelets can indicate a bleeding problem. We might advise that surgery be delayed if anemia, infection or especially a low platelet count is present because these conditions could cause serious surgical complications.
- Morphologic Inspection
Looking at the cells through a microscope can provide information on the type of anemia or inflammation, or other abnormalities such as leukemia.
Blood Pressure Measurements
Blood pressure can be measured on cooperative awake dogs and cats in the exam room. Hyperthyroidism in cats, diabetes and kidney disease can result in elevated blood pressures which can lead to heart disease, kidney failure and or blindness.
Radiology
X-rays are a great way to look inside your pet to assess bones, joints, lungs, and abdominal structures. We take most radiographs on an inpatient basis. Many studies require sedation or light anesthesia.
OFA X-Rays
We are experienced at taking hip and elbow radiographs for submission to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. This program of screening breeding bitches for hip and elbow dysplasia has helped improve the genetics of many purebred lines.
ECG (EKG)
A portable ECG (electrocardiogram) can be used to evaluate your pet's heart for abnormal rate or rhythms as well as to diagnose some forms of heart disease. This test is a painless, noninvasive procedure which can be done in the exam room.
Tonometrey – Intraocular Pressure Check
We can check the intraocular pressure (the pressure inside the eyeball) as a screen for glaucoma in both dogs and cats. There are 42 breeds that are predisposed to glaucoma. The time to find it is before your pet's vision is affected. The blindness which results from glaucoma is irreversible. Early detection and prevention are the keys!
Refer a Friend:
Williamsburg Animal Clinic, LLC
14 Goshen Road, (Route 9)
P.O. Box 777
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Tel: 413.268.7738
Fax: 413.268.9459
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