Laboratory facilities

Haematology

We are able to do most blood sample analysis within are own laboratory. This can take as little as 30 minutes in urgent cases.

Red blood cell counts are done to check for anaemia.

A White blood cell count is useful in looking for inflammatory and infectious conditions. In addition the individual types of white blood cells are measured giving us further information on the nature of the infection.

Biochemistry

A wide range of parameters are measured, some of which are detailed below Again these results can be obtained in under 30 minutes when required.

We recommend annual screening for dogs and cats over 7 years of age as this enables us to detect subtle changes in internal organ function before clinical signs become apparent. This means that treatment can begin earlier and therefore is invariably more effective.

Electrolytes

These are “body salts” which can become seriously imbalanced in certain hormonal conditions as well as digestive tract abnormalities.

Urine analysis

Detailed urine analysis is a simple routine annual test performed to screen for:

• Urinary tract infection
• Bladder stones/ crystals
• Early kidney problems (Renal insufficiency)
• Liver disease
• Diabetes
• Kidney infection

Skin scrapes and ear swabs

Scrapes are taken to assist in the diagnosis of any skin disease. We are able to diagnose:

• Sarcoptic mange mite Demodectic mange
• Sarcoptic mange
• Harvest mite infestation
• Bacterial/mallasezia Yeast infection
• Bacterial infection
• Fungal infection
• Ear mite infestation

Fine needle aspirate biopsy