Diagnostics and Tests
We depend on laboratory testing and results to assess the internal physical wellness of our patients. We use proactive and trend monitoring testing to better specifically direct our therapies for each individual and use testing as a safety precaution for anesthetic events and procedures. These predictive tests and therapeutic response indicators help us judge the status of your pet’s health and adjust and evaluate response to our medical, dental and surgical planning.
With an innovative DNA-based test, now we can even tell you what combination of breeds make up your very special mutt. Find out more about the Wisdom Panel™ MX Breed Analysis.
Laboratory testing can be performed in our hospital for more urgent and immediate need patients with results in about 15 minutes. Our reference laboratory is available with twice daily sample submission for more “baseline” types of testing as well as specialized testing for disorders such as hormonal, metabolic, infectious disease and vaccination titer protection status.
The Animal Animal Hospital Association recommends that dogs and cats reaching middle age should undergo baseline blood testing and urine evaluations at least annually and twice yearly for our senior "kids". Our first baseline testing is usually performed at the reproductive neutering surgery as this result is considered a healthy adult profile – even though most cats and dogs are considered adults at one year of age and fully grown at two years of age.
Other types of important routine laboratory testing can include parasite control monitoring. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) recommends twice yearly parasite testing to control parasites in our pets as well as concern for zoonotic transmission: transmitted to the other end of the clean-up committee: us!
We routinely perform cardiac evaluations in breeds predisposed to genetic or inherited diseases of the heart and monitor EKG (electrocardiograms) and blood pressure and measurements in all ages of patients that show signs of dysfunction or concern. We can have a Board Certified Specialist on the other end of the phone within an hour if the status of our patients warrant. Most results are returned within 1-2 days by electronic transmission for treatment advice and/or monitoring intervals.
At ahc we have invested in digital radiology equipment for more accurate X-ray studies so that we can reduce exposure to our patients and team members as well as have a better diagnostic image that can be easily reproduced for specialty consultations. No longer do we have copies of X-ray films developed and shipped via mail when they can be e-mailed or a simple disk can be copied for better continuity of care.
More detailed information on diagnostic testing:
The Key to a Healthy Pet is Early Detection and Prevention of Disease (PDF)