Lab Services
Sometimes your pet will need specialized tests to check for problems like heartworm or to make sure their bodies won't react negatively to anesthesia. AAH is equipped to handle the majority of tests, including: Lyme disease, heartworm, feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency, and fecal tests. 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 ward off an issue before it becomes serious. Thus, we recommend the following routine blood tests:
Fecals
Intestinal parasites like round, hook, whip, and tape worms are common problems. Intestinal parasites can cause weight loss and diarrhea. Some parasites like round worm larvae can infect children. A stool sample should be checked with every annual check up 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 used previously in the hospital.
Heartworm
Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes carrying a larval form of the heartworm parasite – microfilaria. The microfilaria develop within the mosquito until it is passed onto a susceptible host – pets. The parasite lodges itself in the heart where, if left untreated, can be fatal. A simple blood test can detect parasite's presence before it's too late.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is only recognized in dogs. 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 contreversial and we discuss with you the various options for being both positive and negative for Lyme disease. A vaccine is available and we will discuss the pros and cons for its use as well. It is importand to remember that 95% of dogs testing positive will never get sick.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Feline leukemia is passed between cats by direct contact with saliva through activities like grooming, sharing food dishes, or fighting. While there is no cure for FeLV once contracted, testing can help prevent its spread. [Note: A FeLV vaccine, administered annually, is available.]
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 pets age and the type of procedure he/she is undergoing. Your veterinarian will discuss which tests he recommends and his reasons for doing so. Many of our furry friends hide their dieases well. Pre- Anesthetic testing detects many of these problems including early kidney or liver disease. Knowing these problems ahead of time helps us select the appropriate anesthetic technique.