Laboratory Diagnostics
Here at the PLC, we offer a variety of laboratory diagnostic services that help us better understand your pet's medical issues and how to treat these conditions accordingly. Most laboratory testing can be done on-site, and we can obtain results within a few hours. We are equipped with IDEXX laboratory analyzers that are programmed to detect even the slightest abnormalities in your pet's organ and body function. For the more complicated cases, we offer outside testing at a specialty lab, where we normally get results within a few weeks.
Bloodwork
Why are blood tests important for my pet?
Routine blood work gives your veterinarian insight on the organ functions of your pet. These tests help identify any potential underlying medical problem your pet may have and help the veterinarian treat the condition accordingly, sometimes before symptoms even arise.
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How quickly will I receive my pet's blood work results?
Most routine blood work is done on site at the PLC. We are equipped with IDEXX laboratory equipment to ensure we obtain results as quickly as possible. Most of our testing can offer results within a few hours. The veterinarian then has to review the results, and in case of any abnormalities, come up with the best treatment plan for your pet. You can expect results within 1-3 days of your pet coming in for bloodwork.
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My pet looks healthy.. why should I get pre-anesthetic bloodwork done?
While your pet may act or look healthy, there can always be underlying medical problems that are undetectable on the surface. When going under anesthesia, your pet is at a higher risk of complications, especially if there is an undetected medical issue. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork can help your veterinarian come up with the best anesthetic protocol for your pet, and avoid any preventable complications.
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Urine Analysis
What is the purpose of a urinalysis?
A urine analysis can aid your veterinarian in diagnosing a multitude of medical problems, such as urinary tract infections, crystals in the urine, etc. Not only can it help detect abnormalities related to the urinary system, it can also give insight on the kidney function of your pet, and even aid in the diagnosis of diabetes.
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How quickly will I receive my pet's urinalysis results?
Much like bloodwork, most urine testing can be done in clinic. We can receive results as quickly as 15-20 minutes. The vet then has to view the results, and upon any abnormalities, formulate a treatment plan. You can expect results within 1-3 days of your pet coming in for a urinalysis.
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Can I collect my own pet's urine sample?
Yes. Most urine testing can be done with a "free-catch" sample, in which case owners can easily collect a sample at home and bring it to the clinic. It is best to get a sample from your pet's first morning pee, as it is at its highest concentration and will yield the most accurate results. It is also important to note that the sample should be tested within 2 hours of collection, and be refrigerated in the meantime.
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Fecal Analysis
What is the purpose of a fecal analysis?
A fecal analysis is part of a routine wellness check and should be done at least twice a year. This series of tests allows us to ensure your pet is parasite free, and to choose the best treatment in case of discovered parasites. It gives us insight on the gut health of your pet and can even aid in the diagnostic of some viruses, such as parvo and/or giardia.
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My pet is regularly dewormed, why should I get a fecal analysis?
While most dewormers on the market cover a wide variety of worms, some parasites require additional deworming to combat an infestation. Other intestinal parasites, such as giardia and coccidia, are not preventable, therefore need medical treatment in case of infection. Pets infected with these parasites can experience gastrointestinal symptoms, or can even be asymptomatic. Routine fecal analysis can help us detect and treat these infections before symptoms appear or become more severe.cause
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How quickly will I receive my fecal analysis results?
Here at PLC, we have an in-house fecal analyzer that can detect the ova of numerous different intestinal parasites. We typically receive results within a few hours, and much like our other diagnostic testing, the veterinarian reads the report and formulates a treatment plan if required. You can normally expect results in 1-3 days.
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Cytology
What is the purpose of a cytology?
A cytology is an easy in-house test that can offer diagnostics for a variety of different issues, such as ear or skin infections, parasite identification, blood abnormalities, mass types, etc. Our microscope allows us to see different types of samples at up to 1000x bigger than what can be seen with the naked eye. This allows us to differentiate between varying cells, bacteria, yeast, ect. and offer a more detailed diagnosis and treatment for your pet.
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My pet frequently gets ear infections. Why do I need a cytology each time?
Some pets get recurring ear and skin infections, whether it be every few months, to once or twice a year. This can be particularly frustrating for pet owners as each time this issue arises again, it requires yet another vet visit. Many pet owners wonder why they cannot simply get a refill of a previous medication. An in-house cytology allows us to not only discover which type of infection we are dealing with (yeast, cocci bacteria, rod bacteria), but also the severity of the infection, which are all factors that influence the type of medication and length of treatment the veterinarian will use to treat your pet. We are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of knowing exactly which type of infection we are faced with, as exposing animals to unnecessary antibiotics can cause resistance and difficulty treating in the future. This is also why it is important to come back for any reevaluations as requested by your veterinarian, to make sure the infection is completely gone before stopping a medication.
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How quickly will I receive my cytology results?
Here at PLC, we have a team of technicians that are trained to view a variety of cytologies, and in many cases, results will be received before the end of your appointment. For more complicated cases, we may need to send the cytology samples to a specialist, which can take a few days to a few weeks.
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