LABORATORY TESTING
IN DOGS & CATS
Accurate & Fast Results for Better Care for Your Pet
of Modern Veterinary Medicine
Laboratory diagnostics is one of the most important tools for making an accurate diagnosis in dogs and cats. In many cases, clinical examination and symptoms alone are not enough.
At VET-F Clinic, we perform a wide range of laboratory tests that help to find the cause of the disease, quickly and accurately.
All results are stored in the patient’s file and are available at each subsequent visit, as well as at any time upon request.
Laboratory Diagnostics
Laboratory diagnostics include testing blood, biological secretions, and cells to assess:
- general health;
- organ function;
- presence of infection or inflammation;
- hormonal balance;
- metabolic disorders.
It is key for early detection of diseases and monitoring treatment.
A complete blood count is a basic routine test that provides information about red and white blood cells and platelets. Key indicators: erythrocytes, leukocytes (number and type), hematocrit. It is used in almost all patients with suspected disease. It is recommended for every adult patient (over 6 years of age) at least once a year, along with a routine examination or during a vaccination visit.
Biochemical testing evaluates the function of the main organs. It helps assess the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, and overall metabolic status. It is recommended as a preventive examination for pets over 6 years of age.
SDMA is a sensitive marker for the early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It detects reduced kidney function associated with a decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). It is recommended as a preventive examination for pets over 6 years of age.
Blood test to diagnose pancreatitis in dogs and cats by measuring lipase enzymes. Helps to differentiate pancreatitis from other gastrointestinal diseases.
Indicates average blood sugar over the past 2-3 weeks. Used for diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes. Unlike measuring glucose alone, fructosamine is not affected by stress-induced hyperglycemia.
T4 – thyroid hormone measurement is an accurate and reliable test for diagnosing hyperthyroidism in cats or hypothyroidism in dogs. When starting therapy, it is also a marker for monitoring the condition.
TSH – is measured in dogs with hypothyroidism (low T4), to differentiate between primary or secondary disease (pituitary gland tumor).
Screening test for Cushing’s Disease in dogs. Evaluates the cortisol response after administration of dexamethasone.
A hormone test in dogs to determine ovulation and the optimal time for breeding to achieve the best chance of pregnancy.
Markers for inflammation and generalized infection in dogs and cats. They provide information on whether a certain condition is inflammatory or not. They are often used to monitor inflammation during treatment.
Measurement and assessment of vital minerals such as potassium, sodium, chlorine. Most common in critically ill patients.
Asses immunity against life-threatening diseases – parvovirus, distemper, panleukopenia. The goal is to determine the animal’s immune status against these diseases.
Evaluation of liver function. Also used in suspected portosystemic shunt in small breed dogs.
A blood biomarker for assessing heart health in dogs and cats – specifically for detecting heart disease, screening high-risk breeds, and differentiating between cardiac and respiratory issues.
cTnI (troponin I) is a highly specific biomarker indicating cardiac injury in dogs and cats; such injury leads to the release of cardiac TnI into the bloodstream, where its concentration correlates with the extent of the damage.
For diagnosing portosystemic shunt or hepatic encephalopathy.
A test to measure fibrin degradation products, used as an indicator of increased clotting (hypercoagulation) and clot breakdown in dogs. High levels (>2000 ng/ml) often indicate thromboembolic disorders, including disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
Used before a blood transfusion to determine the blood types of the donor and recipient.
Cross-matching in blood transfusions is important for determining blood compatibility between a donor and recipient. It is done under a microscope and is a quick way to confirm or rule out compatibility.
Used to diagnose various diseases or to check for abnormalities in red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelet counts.
Often used in sick animals. A sample is taken from an organ – a fine needle biopsy or fluid from the abdominal, thoracic cavity and joints. Most often we look for the type and number of cells to guide us to the correct diagnosis.
For microbiology, histopathology, and specialized analyses, we collaborate with an external laboratory – LABOKLIN.
Laboratory diagnostics are the basis of accurate veterinary medicine. They allow for a correct diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment.
If your pet has symptoms or would like a preventive examination, contact VET-F Clinic today.
