SERVICES - ON SITE LABORATORY TESTING

Lab Services

Sometimes your pet will need specialized tests to check for problems, or to make sure their bodies can tolerate anesthesia for a procedure.

AAH is equipped to handle the majority of tests, including complete blood counts and chemistry profiles, in addition to in-house tests for infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, heartworm, feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

We use an in-house Idexx blood chemistry analyzer for individual blood tests. Translation? It means a faster diagnosis for your pet. When we need to send a sample out for further testing, we use Antech Labs – a highly respected independent lab. Antech picks up test samples twice a day and results are usually received within 24 hours (some specialized tests may take longer).

You can expect a call from your pet's doctor as soon as test results are available. If you haven't heard from the doctor within a few days, please don't hesitate to call us.

Recommended lab tests

Everyone agrees preventative care makes sense – better to address an issue before it becomes serious. Thus, we recommend the following routine tests:

Fecals

Intestinal parasites like round, hook, whip, and tapeworms are common problems. Intestinal parasites can cause weight loss and diarrhea. Some parasites, like roundworms, can infect children. A stool sample should be checked with every annual visit and when your pet is vomiting or having diarrhea. The Ashland Animal Hospital now sends all fecals to an outside lab for high speed centrifugation. This procedure is far more accurate than the test previously run.

Heartworm

Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes carrying a larval form of the heartworm parasite called microfilaria. The microfilaria develop within the mosquito until they are passed onto a susceptible host – pets. The parasite lodges itself in the heart and vessels and, if left untreated, can be fatal. A simple blood test can detect the parasite's presence before it's too late.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is only recognized in dogs, not cats. All dogs should be tested for Lyme disease. In our practice 50% or more of dogs tested are positive for Lyme disease.

Interpreting this test is controversial and we will discuss with you the implications for being both positive and negative for Lyme disease. A vaccine is available and we will discuss whether this is an appropriate vaccine for your dog. It is important to remember that 95% of dogs testing positive for Lyme will never get sick.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Feline leukemia is passed between cats by direct contact with saliva through activities such as grooming, sharing food dishes, or fighting. While there is no cure for FeLV, testing can help prevent its spread and help us to provide appropriate care and management for FeLV positive patients. [Note: A FeLV vaccine, administered annually, is available for at-risk cats and can be discussed during your pet's visit.]

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

This virus is primarily transmitted through bite wounds. Like FeLV there isn't a cure, but a blood test will significantly aid disease management.

Pre-Anesthetic

Pre-Anesthetic lab testing varies with your pet's age and the type of procedure s/he is undergoing. Your veterinarian will discuss which tests s/he recommends and the reasons for doing so.

Many of our furry friends hide their diseases well. Pre-Anesthetic testing detects many of these problems including early kidney or liver disease. Knowledge of these problems ahead of time helps us to select the appropriate anesthetic technique.