Our Bozeman vet clinic is proud to offer the following in-house laboratory services for your four-legged friends.
Complete Blood Count
A complete blood count tells us the number of your pet’s red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Numbers that fall below or above the normal range can help diagnose anemia, infection, inflammation, neoplasia (cancer), auto-immune disease, mineral deficiencies, and bone marrow disease, and more.
Full Chemistry Panel
A full chemistry panel provides information about the vital organs in your pet’s body. It can inform us of decreased function or organ damage, and is crucial when forming a treatment plan for sick patients. It is also used to evaluate a patient’s ability to undergo anesthesia and whether certain medications can be given safely. Chemistry panels help diagnose liver, kidney, intestinal, endocrine (hormonal) and pancreatic diseases, in addition to others.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are essential for normal cellular and organ functioning, and both deficiencies and excesses can be life-threatening. Measuring electrolytes allows us to supplement as needed, or provide therapeutics to decrease harmfully elevated levels. For example, urethral obstruction in cats (“blocked” cat) can cause very elevated potassium levels leading to possibly fatal decrease in heart rate.
Blood Glucose
Blood glucose measures the amount of sugar in your pet’s blood. Normal levels are required to provide adequate energy for metabolism. A low blood sugar level can result in weakness and seizures. An elevated blood sugar level, such as occurs with Diabetes Mellitus, results in symptoms such as excess water consumption and urination, excessive appetite, and keto-acidosis (a life threatening condition, not a dieting strategy).
Urine Tests
Analyzing a urine sample provides information about kidney function, Diabetes, crystals in your pet’s urine (which may indicate presence of bladder stones), urinary infections, and other diseases of the urinary system. Many diseases of the urinary tract cause identical symptoms, and a urinalysis allows us to identify the particular problem.
Fecal Tests
A fecal test is done to look for the shedding of eggs from intestinal parasites. Pets with intestinal parasites may or may not show clinical signs such as loose stool or the presence of blood/mucous in the stool. Fecal analysis also allows us to evaluate the intestinal biome for deficiencies of healthy bacteria or overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
Parvovirus Test
Parvovirus is a very infectious and life-threatening intestinal virus that can be seen in puppies or unvaccinated dogs. It is extremely contagious and the shed virus can live in the environment for months. Symptoms of Parvo include vomiting followed by severe diarrhea, leading to dehydration, low blood sugar, and secondary bacterial infections. Any puppy that is experiencing these symptoms should be tested for Parvo immediately.
Giardia Test
Giardia is a microscopic protozoan that infects the intestinal tract and can cause diarrhea. Some pets, however, are asymptomatic so a Giardia test can be performed if there is concern about possible exposure. Giardia can be acquired from infected water sources and is also zoonotic, meaning that you can catch Giardia from your pet!
Feline Leukemia Virus & Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Testing
Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus are diseases that are contagious between cats. Any cat that spends time outdoors and may have exposure to other cats should be tested for these diseases and vaccinated. There is no cure for FeLV and FIV, and both will lead to declining health with limited treatment options.
Cytology Testing
Cytology involves looking at your pet’s fluids or tissue samples under the microscope. Examination of ear discharge allows us to determine the presence of an ear infection, and differentiate between bacterial or fungal infections. Determining the cause of infection allows us to select the appropriate medication. Signs of ear infection include malodorous ear discharge, reddened ear canals, head shaking, scratching at the ears, drooping of the ear, and head tilt. Examination of tissue aspirates can diagnose cancer, and evaluation of blood cells can identify toxicity, parasites, and other abnormalities.
Ocular Tests
Ocular tests include tear production levels (Schirmer Tear Test), corneal ulcer detection (Fluorescein stain), intra-ocular pressure (Glaucoma test), and retinal disease.
Heartworm Tests
Heartworm disease is a parasitic condition that is transmitted by mosquitoes, and results in worms residing in the chambers of a pet’s heart and in the lungs. The disease can be fatal, and treatment is a lengthy, expensive, and difficult process. Heartworm is preventable, and it is recommended that all dogs be on heartworm prevention year round.