Laboratory Testing
Animal Laboratory Testing Services in Dallas, PA
Back Mountain Veterinary Hospital in Dallas, PA has an extensive in-house laboratory, which allows us to get results quickly, often while you wait, allowing for more accurate diagnosing and treatment of sick pets. These tests include blood chemistry for evaluation of organ function (Chem 10 and Chem 17) and complete blood counts to evaluate dehydration status, clotting ability and indications of infection (CBC).
We can monitor electrolytes and check for thyroid imbalances. (Cats are prone to hyperthyroidism while dogs are inclined towards hypothyroidism.) Urinalysis checks for blood, pH level, ketones, sugar, protein, bacteria and crystals. Canine and Feline Pancreatic Lipase tests (CPLi/FPLi) can be run to rule-out or confirm pancreatitis for our patients with severe GI upset. Our in-house phenobarbital level not only monitors therapeutic levels, but also checks for early signs of problems in the liver and kidneys from long-term phenobarbital use.
We routinely test in-house for FeLV and FIV (infectious cat diseases), Heartworm (transmitted by mosquitos), Lyme Disease, Ehrlichia and Anaplasmosis (all three are tick-borne diseases). These tests can be scheduled at your convenience and results are obtained within 10 minutes.
We can also test for the Parvovirus (Parvo) through fecal examination and rectal swabs. If you suspect that your very young or unvaccinated pet may have Parvo, due to bloody, foul-smelling, explosive diarrhea, please do not bring your pet into the waiting room. Let us know when you make the appt what you suspect and when you arrive please call us from the car or check in at the front desk without your pet. Parvo is extremely contagious! We will come out to the car to collect the rectal swab for the test.
In addition to our in-house laboratory, we work closely with several outside labs for specialized tests. Many of these send-out tests have results back to us within 24 hours and are imported directly into your pet’s medical records.
These tests include but certainly are not limited to:
- GI parasites (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, etc.)
- protozoa (coccidia and giardia) biopsies
- potassium bromide levels
- cultures and sensitivities
- ACTH tests
- LDDS tests
- cytology
- protein/creatinine ratios
- cortisol/creatinine ratios
- fluid analysis
- titers
- stone analysis
- fructosamine levels
- progesterone levels
- allergy testing