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Test Guide

Test Guide

Testing can find Hidden Health Problems!! A blood test or lab test allows veterinarian to learn information about your pet’s which can only be found from collecting a sample of blood and having it analysed.

When the tests can be advised?

  • During semi-annual wellness exams
  • If a Pet seems not quite right
  • Pre-surgical tests
  • Start of New Medication
  • Senior wellness Packages

Important Tests and benefits:

  • Urinalysis: To evaluate urine to reveal hydration status, infections, kidney or bladder disease, diabetes and other health conditions
  • Faecal Exam: is recommended annually. It is sent to a lab and analysed for intestinal parasites, fungus, or protozoa. It is also checked for colour, consistency, as well as the presence of blood or mucus.
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): analyseand to assess features of the blood, including red and white cell count, immunity status, and the measure of haemoglobin, which is the actual substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen
  • Blood Parasites – Tick fever us a very common blood protozoan infection in companion animals. Lab performs microscopic blood smear examination as well as by molecular diagnosis ( PcR) to detect the protozoans in the blood.
  • Blood Clotting Times: To check blood for bleeding disorders
  • Blood Chemistries: Identify the status of your dog’s internal organs, and also gauge their health before anesthetizing for surgery. Some of the important tests like LIVER FUNCTION TESTS, KIDNEY FUNCTION TEST, LIPID PROFILE etc are being performed to find out underlying disease.Some of the important blood biochemistry tests are –
    • Albumin (ALB): This is a serum protein that helps evaluate hydration, haemorrhage and intestinal, liver and kidney disease
    • Alkaline phosphatase (ALKP): Elevations in this test may indicate liver damage, Cushing’s disease or active bone growth in a young dog
    • Alanine aminotansferase (ALT): This test may determine active liver damage, but does not indicate the cause
    • Amylase (AMYL): Elevations in this test indicate pancreatitis or kidney disease
    • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): Increases in this test may indicate liver, heart or skeletal muscle damage
    • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): This test determines kidney function. An increased level is called azotemia and can be caused by kidney, liver and heart disease as well as urethral obstruction, shock or dehydration
    • Calcium (Ca): Changes in the normal level of this test can indicate a variety of diseases. Tumors, hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease, and low albumin are just a few of the conditions that alter serum calcium
    • Cholesterol (CHOL): This test is used to supplement diagnosis of hypothyroidism, liver disease, Cushing’s disease and diabetes mellitus
    • Chloride (Cl): Chloride is an electrolyte that is typically lost with symptoms like vomiting or illnesses such as Addison’s disease. Elevations often indicate dehydration
    • Cortisol (CORT): Cortisol is a hormone that is measured in tests for Cushing’s disease (the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test) and Addison’s disease (ACTH stimulation test)
    • Creatinine (CREA): This test reveals kidney function and helps distinguish between kidney and non-kidney causes of elevated BUN
    • Gamma Glutamytransferase (GGT): This is an enzyme that indicates liver disease or corticosteroid excess
    • Globulin (GLOB): This is a blood protein that often increases with chronic inflammation and certain disease states
    • Glucose (GLU): Glucose is a blood sugar. Elevated levels may indicate diabetes mellitus. Low levels can cause collapse, seizures or coma
    • Potassium (K): This is an electrolyte typically lost with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or excessive urination. Increased levels may indicate kidney failure, Addison’s disease, dehydration or urethral obstruction. High levels can lead to cardiac arrest.
    • Lipase (LIP): Lipase is an enzyme that may indicate pancreatitis
    • Sodium (Na): Sodium is an electrolyte often lost with signsvomiting, diarrhoea, kidney disease and Addison’s disease. This test helps indicate hydration status
    • Phosphorus (PHOS): Elevations in this test are often associated with kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and bleeding disorders
    • Total bilirubin (TBIL): Elevations in this test may indicate liver or hemolytic disease. This test helps identify bile duct problems and certain types of anaemia
    • Total protein: This test indicates hydration status and provides additional information about the liver, kidneys and infectious diseases
  • Thyroxine (T4): Thyroxine is a thyroid hormone. Decreased levels often signal hypothyroidism in dogs and increased level hyperthyroidism in cats.
  • Cytology: We collect samples as recommended by vets to determine if infection is present. In addition, we may perform needle or core biopsy of lumps or masses on your pet’s body to look for cancer cells.
  • Specialised Test – Many times pets require specialized test to understand the reason for ill health. These tests are specific to species like canine, feline etc. To perform these specialized specific reagents, kits are being used. Some of the tests are like Canine Parvo virus infections. Canine Distemper, SNAP 4 Dx, SDMA, Feline infectious peritonitis.
  • Serum based allergy test – More information on a separate page in the website

Have a Question? Talk to Us!

If you have any questions or wish to learn more about the diagnostic provisions for companion animals, fill out our contact form or simply call 011 66 448 448.

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