Experience the ease of at-home diagnostic testing, ensuring your pet's health is monitored without the hassle of a vet visit.
Diagnosing certain conditions in pets requires a thorough approach, often involving a variety of tests to ensure accurate treatment. These tests can include blood tests, urine tests, fecal tests, or fine needle aspirates.
During consultations, we can perform some of these tests on-site, while others are sent to IDEXX Laboratory at Massey University in Palmerston North. This partnership allows us to receive blood test results by the next day and results for other samples within a few days, ensuring timely and precise diagnosis.
Our comprehensive diagnostic process is designed to provide the best care for your pet. In cases where additional tests such as x-rays, ultrasounds, or biopsies are necessary, we collaborate with local clinics to offer these services. This collaborative approach ensures that your pet receives the most complete and effective care possible.
By integrating advanced diagnostic techniques with our network of local specialists, we are committed to maintaining the health and comfort of your pets, providing peace of mind for pet owners.
We’re here to listen, help, and make your pet’s journey as joyful and healthy as possible. If you have questions or want to learn more about our services, reach out anytime.
This can be carried out as part of an investigation to determine why your animal is sick or can be a wellness plan for your animal.
There are four main categories of tests that are usually carried out initially:
1. Complete blood count (CBC)
This test gives information about the different cell types in the blood. These include red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues; white blood cells, which fight infection and respond to inflammation; and platelet, which help the blood to clot. The CBC provides details about the number, size and shape of the various cell types and identifies the presence of any abnormal cells.
2. Biochemistry profile
These tests provide information about the body’s organs and tissues, and helps detect diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, endocrine disease, and other disorders. If minor abnormalities are found on the biochemistry profile, we may suggest that the tests be repeated in weeks/months. If the abnormalities are more serious, then a more extensive diagnostic workup may be recommended, including an expanded biochemistry profile and/or imaging.
3. Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a routine test that reports the microscopic and chemical properties of a pet’s urine. Urinalysis provides information about how well the kidneys are working and identifies inflammation and infection in the urinary system. It can also help detect diabetes and can be useful in the diagnosis of cancer in the urinary system.
4. Thyroid hormone testing
The thyroid gland acts like a thermostat and sets the metabolic rate of the whole body. The most common thyroid disease in dogs is hypothyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone. Hormone levels should be tested routinely in middle-aged to older dogs. Signs of hypothyroidism can be unexplained weight gain, lack of energy, recurring skin or ear infections, or hair loss on the body and tail. In older cats hyperthyroidism is more commonly seen.