Our laboratory plays a vital role in maintaining the health and well being of your cat. Our technicians routinely perform a wide variety of blood and urine profiles with specific attention to the diseases that affect animals. For the critically ill pet, a blood chemistry and hematology profile are completed within 15-20 minutes. These sensitive instruments offer highly accurate results and are used to diagnose or monitor the following :

• Pre-anesthetic risk
• Liver function
• Blood count
• Clotting function
• Kidney function
• Hydration
• Infection
• Thyroid Function
• Anemia
• Electrolytes
• Blood sugar

All cats receive a pre-anesthetic blood profile prior to any surgical procedure. These panels reduce the risk of anesthesia by screening for preexisting conditions that are not apparent on the pet’s physical examination.

Other common tests that are performed include:

Urinalysis- This is a comprehensive test of a pet’s urine. It requires a dipstick to be evaluated, concentration of the urine recorded, and the sample spun for 10 - 15 minutes. Then the sediment of the spun urine is stained and evaluated by an experienced veterinary technician under the microscope. This test is used to detect infections, crystals, and diseases such as diabetes and kidney failure.

Fungal culture- Small pieces of skin scales or hairs are collected and laced on a special culture medium. These tests are evaluated every three days for three weeks. A specific growth or color change of the medium is then confirmed by microscopic examination. This test is commonly used to detect ring worm.

Cytology- Ear swabs, skin swabs, and needle aspirates are just a few of the things we stain and evaluate under the microscope. Ear cytology slides are evaluated for the presence or absence of mites, bacteria or yeast helping us to select the right medication for the ear infection. Needle aspirate slides of cysts or masses are evaluated for atypical cells that may indicate a fungal infection or cancer.

Fecal analysis- A flotation technique is used to evaluate the presence of roundworms, hookworms, and coccidia in our patients. This technique allows us to find eggs of these worms even if they are present in a low number. A gram stain and direct fecal test are commonly done in our patients with diarrhea. We use these test to look for an overgrowth of bacteria or other protozoan parasites.

Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus- These tests are performed using a highly accurate testing system called a SNAP test. With only 3 drops of blood and 10 minutes, we can test your cat for two very serious illnesses. These diseases are much like “AIDS” in people and can result in immunosuppression, cancer, and death.

More advanced tests are sent out to a veterinary exclusive laboratory. Idexx Veterinary Laboratory offers comprehensive panels and all special tests typically within 24 hours. Biopsy samples are routinely reported within 3 - 4 days. Board certified internists and pathologists are available for consultation.