COMPANION ANIMALS

We provide a competitive, quality assured clinical laboratory service for companion animals including canine, feline, avian, small mammals and exotics. Our services in this area include biochemistry, endocrinology, haematology, immunology microbiology and parasitology.

COMPANION ANIMAL TEST DIRECTORY

We are constantly adding to our testing capabilities so if you don’t see here what you are looking for, please contact us.

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY

ALBUMIN (ALB)

Principal reasons for performing the test: To investigate hepatic and renal function, the degree of hydration or protein loosing enteropathies. This test should not generally be performed in isolation because of its lack of specificity.

ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE (ALKP)

Principal reasons for performing the test: As an indicator of hepatic disease involving the biliary system.

ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE (ALT/SGPT)

Principal reasons for performing the test: To indicate hepatic damage in dogs and cats. Note: This test must not be used for liver disease detection in ruminants, horses and pigs as the enzyme activity in the liver is very low. Even in severe liver disease in these species the increase in plasma activity is minimal.

AMMONIA (NH3)

Principal reasons for performing the test: To detect a portosysthemic shunt.

AMYLASE (AMYL)

Principal reasons for performing the test: As an indicator of acute pancreatitis.

ASPARTATE TRANSAMINASE (AST/SGOT)

Usually performed for historical reasons and provides less information than other suitable tests, i.e., ALT for hepatic damage and CK for muscle lesions.

BUN / UREA

Principal reasons for performing the test: As an indicator of renal disease.

CALCIUM (Ca)

Principal reasons for performing the test: As an indication of certain neoplasias, bone disease, parathyroid disease and eclampsia.

CHOLESTEROL (CHOL)

Principal reasons for performing the test: As an indicator of hypothyroidism.

CREATINE KINASE (CK)

Principal reasons for performing the test: To identify lesions in the skeletal and cardiac muscle.

CREATININE (CREA)

Principal reasons for performing the test: As an indicator of renal disease and/ or an index of glomerular filtration rate.

GAMMA- GLUTAMYLTRANSFERASE (GGT)

Principal reasons for performing the test: As an indicator of hepatic cholestasis or neoplasia.

GLUCOSE (GLU) Principal reasons for performing the test:

To investigate carbohydrate metabolism.

INORGANIC PHOSPHATE (PHOS)

Principal reasons for performing the test: As an indicator of the severity of renal disease.

LACTATE (LACT)

Principal reasons for performing the test: To detect and monitor tissue hypoxia.

LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE (LDH)

Principal reasons for performing the test: To investigate damage to liver, cardiac or skeletal muscle.

LIPASE (LIPA)

Principal reasons for performing the test: As an indicator of acute pancreatitis.

MAGNESIUM (Mg2+)

Principal reasons for performing the test: The importance of measuring plasma magnesium concentration in dogs and cats has not been fully investigated. However, it has been established that an imbalance of the magnesium: calcium ratio can result in muscular tetany. Cattle and sheep are the only domestic animals that show clinical signs related to magnesium deficiencies.

TOTAL BILIRUBIN (TBIL)

Principal reasons for performing the test: To detect obstructive liver disease. Note: In healthy dogs and cats the concentration of total bilirubin plasma is very low. Visual inspection of the sample will indicate whether bilirubin determination is necessary. Unless the plasma is at least tinged with a yellow or brown color, nothing will be gained from measuring total bilirubin.

TOTAL PROTEIN (TP)

Principal reasons for performing the test: Total protein measurement may provide useful information when used in combination with tests to investigate hepatic and renal function, the degree of hydration, protein loosing enteropathies or gammopathies. The test is non- specific and if performed in isolation will be unlikely to provide diagnostic information.

TRIGLICERIDES(TRIG)

Principal reasons for performing the test: To detect abnormalities in lipid metabolism.

URIC ACID (URIC)

Principal reasons for performing the test: As an indicator of the severity of renal disease in avian populations (and Dalmatians). The following suggested profiles will aid in the identification of abnormalities in tissues, organs and metabolic systems in the most economical way.

YOUNG PRE-ANAESTHETIC PANEL (YPAP)

Circumstances for choice of the profile: An economical way of obtaining general health information routinely or may be used to aid in pre-surgical assessments. The YPAP includes the following six (6) chemistries: ALKP, ALT (SGPT), CREA, GLU, TP, BUN/UREA.

GENERAL HEALTH PROFILE (GHP)

Circumstances for choice of the profile: A diagnosis is not evident upon clinical examination but one or more lesions are suspected. The GHP includes the following twelve (12) chemistries: ALB, ALKP, ALT (SGPT), AMYL, Ca2+, CHOL, CREA, GLU, PHOS, TBIL, TP, BUN/UREA.

DIAGNOSTIC HEALTH PROFILE (DHP)

Circumstances for choice of the profile: To rule in/out diseases that have similar clinical presentations and to identify accompanying sequelae. The DHP includes the following twelve (12) chemistries: ALB, ALKP, ALT (SGPT), AMYL, Ca2+, CREA, GGT, GLU, LIPA, TBIL, TP, BUN/UREA.

CARDIAC HEALTH PROFILE (CHP)

Circumstances for choice of the profile: To determine the incidence and extent of damage to the heart or other muscles. The CHP includes the following three (3) chemistries: AST (SGOT), CK and LDH. It is recommended that an Electrolyte and a T4 evaluation also be done to better assess the patients condition.

ELECTROLYTES

SODIUM

Principal reasons for performing the test: To detect electrolyte imbalance when clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, polyuria, polydipsia, seizures or dehydration.

POTASSIUM

Principal reasons for performing the test: Assay is indicated where intestinal or renal disease is suspected. Measurement is essential for patients with bradycardia and cardiac arrhythmia and where hypokalaemic myopathy is a differential.

CHLORIDE

Principal reasons for performing the test: Chloride is measured concurrently with sodium and potassium and where the clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, polyuria and polydipsia.

BLOOD GASES

IONIZED CALCIUM (Ca+)

Principal reasons for performing the test: To investigate the cause of Hypercalcaemia or Hypocalcaemia and to aid in the detection of parathyroid malignancy.

pH

Principal reasons for performing the test: Evaluating the acid-base status of the patient. Disturbances in the acid-base balance may occur due to vomiting, hyperventilation, renal disease, ethylene glycol poisoning.

PARTIAL PRESSURE CARBON DIOXIDE (PCO2)

Principal reasons for performing the test: The PCO2 in arterial blood is used to assess how well the body eliminates CO2 and to evaluate the acid-base status and oxygenation of the patient.

PARTIAL PRESSURE OXYGEN (PO2)

Principal reasons for performing the test: The PO2 in arterial blood is used to assess how well the body is able to absorb oxygen in the lungs.

TOTAL HEMOGLOBIN (tHb)

Principal reasons for performing the test: As a measure of the total hemoglobin content of the blood. It is useful in the differentiation of the different causes of anaemia and in detecting renal malignancies.

OXYGEN SATURATION (SO2)

Principal reasons for performing the test: A measure of the percentage of hemoglobin that has oxygen bound to it, it is used to detect and investigate hypoxemia.

TOTAL CARBON DIOXIDE (tCO2)

Principal reasons for performing the test: To assess the acid-base status of a patient.

BICARBONATE (HCO3-)

Principal reasons for performing the test: To assess the acid-base status of a patient. HCO3- levels increase with alkalosis and decrease with acidosis.

ANION GAP

Principal reasons for performing the test: To help clarify mixed acid-base disorders such as concurrent metabolic acidosis and alkalosis. An increase in the anion gap indicates titrational metabolic acidosis and an increase in unmeasured anions such as lactic acid, ketones, salicylic acid, ethylene glycol, BUN and creatinine.

BILE ACIDS

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that incorporates SNAP Technology for the quantitative measurement of bile acids in canine or feline serum.

CANINE PANCREATIC LIPASE (cPL)

A new SNAP Test that is used for the determination of pancreas-specific lipase levels in canine serum. It is used primarily to diagnose or rule-out Pancreatitis in dogs.

CORTISOL

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that incorporates SNAP Technology for the quantitative measurement of cortisol in canine serum. The test is commonly used to diagnose Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease and to monitor treatment for both disorders.

THYROXINE (T4)

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that incorporates SNAP Technology for the quantitative measurement of cortisol in canine serum. It is especially useful for diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome and also for therapeutic monitoring.

HAEMATOLOGY

COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC)

The CBC is a cost-effective way to obtain valuable hematological information on a patient. CBCs are indicated for diagnostic evaluation of disease states, well animal screening (e.g. geriatric), and as a screening tool prior to surgery. A CBC includes total erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, RBC indices, platelet counts and WBC differential.

ACTIVATED PARTIAL THROMBOPLASTIN TIME (aPTT)

This test detects deficiencies in the intrinsic and common coagulation pathways.

PROTHROMBIN TIME (PT)

This test detects deficiencies in the extrinsic coagulation pathway.

RETICULOCYTE COUNT

A reticulocyte count is an expression of the percentage of red blood cells that are reticulocytes. This count is performed on the blood of all anemic domestic animals, except horses. Reticulocyte concentration is useful in assessing the bone marrow’s response to anemia.

CYTOLOGY

EAR CYTOLOGY

This test uses specialized stains and techniques to identify the presence of bacterial, fungal and parasitic elements in ear samples. The presence of other cellular material is also reported for a more complete assessment.

SKIN CYTOLOGY

This test uses specialized stains and techniques to identify the presence of bacterial and fungal elements in skin samples. The presence of other cellular material is also reported for a more complete assessment.

PARASITOLOGY

OVA, CYSTS AND PARASITES (Quantitative)

This test uses Standard McMaster type slides to determine fecal egg per gram (EPG) flotation in horses, sheep, cattle, goats and other ruminants. Results, therefore, may be used for quantitative checks of anthelmintic efficacy and as an indication of pasture contamination

SEROLOGY

4Dx Test for vector-borne diseases in dogs

For the detection of Dirofilaria immitis (Heartworm) antigen, antibody to Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys, antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme Disease) and antibody to Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia ewingii in canine serum, plasma or whole blood.

GIARDIA

For the detection of Giardia antigen shed in canine and feline faeces. Indicated where clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia.

PARVOVIRUS

For the detection of canine parvovirus (CPV) antigen in canine faeces.

PREGNANCY

This test is intended to determine pregnancy in the bitch, as well as to distinguish between pseudo pregnancy and gestation by measuring relaxin levels in plasma and serum.

OVUCHECK (Heat detection, Term detection)

This is a semi-quantitative test for the measurement of progesterone in a drop of plasma or serum.

This test gives reliable information which allows you to:

1. Plan mating of the bitch at the optimum time;
2. Determine the time of whelping of the bitch;
3. Investigate the causes of infertility of the bitch: anovular cycles, silent heats with normal ovulation;
4. Determine if a queen has ovulated.

FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS (FeLV)

This test is indicated for use when history and/ or clinical signs may suggest infection by FeLV or as a screening test prior to a FeLV vaccination. Cats should also be tested prior to entry into FeLV negative households or catteries.

FELINE IMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (FIV)

This test quickly identifies antibodies to FIV in infected cats. It takes less than 30 minutes to detect circulating antibodies to FIV even before clinical signs of infection are apparent.

URINALYSIS

Urinalysis is a relatively simple, rapid, and inexpensive laboratory procedure. It provides a wealth of information about the urinary tract and other body systems. Urinalysis includes a gross examination, specific gravity, biochemical analysis and sediment examination. TOXICOLOGY

PARAQUAT TEST

This test is done as a qualitative confirmation of significant paraquat ingestion. Either urine or gastric aspirate may be tested. A negative urine test should be repeated at six (6) hours post-ingestion and if this is still negative then serious sequelae are unlikely.