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Open and Caring Seven Days a Week |
| 2451 Centreville Road | Herndon, VA 20171 |703-713-1200 | clocktower@clocktowervets.com | |
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The gradual onset of health problems in an apparently healthy pet often go unnoticed. There are many conditions, that if diagnosed early, can be completely reversed or controlled for extended periods of time.
Regular dental care, vaccinations, control of parasites and a balanced diet are important for good health care. Laboratory testing for the early detection of changes in the health status of your pet is also important.
Laboratory tests are an important means by which your veterinarian can diagnose blood disorders, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, infection, cancer, thyroid disease and other hormonal problems. The promotion of quality pet health care through a wellness program can add years of vitality and extend your pet's life.
Below is a list of the tests routinely performed at Clocktower Animal Hospital. Click on a test to view a description.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Platelets
Packed Cell Volume (PCV) Hemoglobin
MCV, MCH, MCHC, and RBC Morphology
ALT, AST, ALP, GGT
Total Bilirubin
Total Protein, Albumin, A/G Ratio & Globulin
Creatine, Phosphorus and BUN
Calcium and Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio
Glucose
Amylase and Lipase
Sodium Potassium Ratio and Potassium Chloride
CPK
T4
Complete Urinalysis
Urine Cortisol: Creatinine Ratio
Urine Culture and Sensitivity
Fecal Tests
These numbers tell how many of each type of red and white blood cells are present and whether or not they appear normal. White blood cells help fight infection. It is important to know whether the count is low, normal or high. White blood cell numbers can increase in response to inflammation and infection. In Leukemia, which is a cancer of the blood system, either the numbers of white blood cells are increased or their appearance is abnormal, or both. White blood cell numbers can decrease with severe infection or with bone marrow disorders. A CBC will analyze the counts of WBC (Neutrophils, Bands, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, and Basophils) and RBC or Red Blood Cells. RBC is evaluated with anemias and oxygenation of the blood.
Platelets help with blood clotting. It is important to make sure that these numbers remain normal or close to normal, especially in the presurgery blood test.
Tests for anemia, or low red blood cell levels. Also indicates body hydration level.
Are tests that help tell which type of anemia is present.
These are liver enzymes. These tests help indicate the health of the liver. They may also be abnormal with inflammation of the pancreas.
Total Bilirubin is a test for jaundice. Increased levels usually indicate a liver disorder (with or without concurrent disease of the pancreas) or damaged red blood cells.
Indicates protein levels. Albumin may be decreased with disorders of the intestine, kidneys, liver, or decreased nutrient intake. The globulin level may also decrease due to intestinal disease and may increase in response to inflammation.
Are tests of kidney function. They should be run in conjunction with a urinalysis for the most accurate assessment of kidney function.
Show elevated calcium levels and can be a sign of a wide variety of diseases. The most common cause is Lymphosarcoma, (a type of cancer).
Blood sugar indicates the level of Glucose Nutrients in the blood. Increased levels may indicate diabetes. In cats, elevations may occur in conjunction with stress. A subnormal level may occur with several disorders, including liver problems, severe infection, certain types of cancer, Addison's disease (a disorder of the adrenal glands), and malnutrition.
Are tests for inflammation of the pancreas.
Are important body electrolytes. It is especially important that potassium levels be monitored in sick animals and in animals with decreased kidney function or adrenal disease
CPK is a muscle enzyme. Increased levels indicate muscle injury or inflammation.
T4 is a thyroid test. In cats we look for levels above normal (hyperthyroidism) and in dogs we look for subnormal levels (hypothyroidism). This is a screening test. If the result is abnormal, more detailed thyroid testing may be necessary to determine the best course of treatment.
Urinalysis is a very important means of evaluating overall kidney function, especially when done in conjunction with blood tests. Urinalysis is also a key test for determining if there is a urinary tract infection or if there is inflammation in the urinary bladder. Urinalysis also helps to confirm, along with blood tests, whether or not an animal has diabetes (with diabetes, either sugar or both sugar and ketones are present in the urine). In a Complete Urinalysis color, appearance, Specific Gravity, Occult Blood, WBC/HPF (white blood cells), RBC/HPF (red blood cells), PH, Protein, Glucose, Ketones and Bilirubin are analyzed.
*Note: In cats over 8-10 years of age urinary tract infections, when present, are often "silent." This means that there frequently are no signs of any abnormality such as straining to urinate, urinating more frequently, or presence of blood in the urine. This is why in older cats a urine culture should be done, along with blood tests and standard urinalysis, as part of a routine health check as well as for any older cat that is ill.
Is a urine screening test for Cushing's disease in dogs (abnormal adrenal gland function).
Urine culture testing determines whether or not there is a bacterial infection in the urinary tract. Sensitivity testing determines which antibiotics will likely work best in clearing infection. By determining which bacteria are involved and which antibiotics are most indicated, we have a better chance of controlling the infection more quickly and completely.
Fecal tests are done to evaluate for presence of intestinal parasites (e.g., Giardia, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia). It is important to check periodically for parasites, especially if there is diarrhea. Parasites can cause significant intestinal problems in both animals and humans (some parasites can be transmitted from animals to humans). Tests for parasites are done routinely in animals with abnormal stools. Specific treatment is prescribed based on results.