Laboratory & Blood Work
At Natchez Trace Veterinary Services, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive laboratory and blood work services tailored to your pet’s unique requirements.
The labs we use are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, enabling us to conduct a diverse range of diagnostic tests with precision and efficiency.
From routine wellness check-ups to in-depth investigations, our services encompass allergy testing and biopsy analysis alongside standard blood work.
Our allergy testing helps identify and pinpoint specific allergens affecting your pet, allowing us to create targeted treatment plans.
Additionally, our biopsy analysis aids in diagnosing and understanding various conditions, ensuring accurate and timely interventions for your pet’s health.
We understand the importance of thorough diagnostics in maintaining your pet’s well-being.
Through our blood work analysis, we meticulously assess numerous health markers, organ function, blood cell counts, and more.
These tests serve as critical tools in identifying underlying conditions, monitoring ongoing treatments, and ensuring your pet’s optimal health.
Clear communication and guidance are paramount to us. Our experienced professionals are here to explain the significance of each test, including allergy testing and biopsy analysis, and their impact on your pet’s health.
Trust us to be your dedicated partners in your pet’s healthcare journey.
Blood Work: Catch Disease Early
Why does your pet need routine blood work?
First, the health and safety of your pet is our foremost concern. Since your pet cannot describe symptoms, we rely on blood tests to give us the answers we need, especially prior to surgery and with geriatric pets.
An animal’s instinct is to protect itself and oftentimes sick animals “hide” illness. Therefore, your pet’s appearance may be misleading.
For example, a pet with kidney disease may only show obvious signs of illness after losing 75% of kidney function. With simple blood tests, we can identify organ issues before you recognize these signs or symptoms. Sometimes, we refer to this scenario as “catching the disease early.”
Routine Blood Work (CBC, Chemistry, Electrolytes)
Hematology tests(CBC) provide information about the blood cells including red and white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells (RBC) are responsible for carrying oxygen. White blood cells (WBC) are the body’s primary means of fighting infection. Platelets play an important role in the clotting of blood. These tests can detect anemia, infection, and clotting disorders.
Blood chemistry tests provide an inside look at your pet’s vital organs. Through routine testing of blood chemistries, we can evaluate the status of your pet’s major internal organs. The kidney and liver function tests are especially important as these organs are responsible for processing and eliminating many of the pharmaceuticals and anesthetics used in practice.
Electrolyte(s) balance is also crucial to maintaining life. Certain diseases or conditions can result in electrolyte imbalances that compromise your pet’s health. For example, vomiting cats often become hypokalemia (decreased Potassium) which can ultimately lead to cardiac arrhythmias if left untreated. Through routine blood work, we can easily diagnose and treat electrolyte abnormalities that might otherwise go undetected.
Specialized Blood Work
Some pets require specialized blood work to either diagnose a disease or monitor a certain medication.
For example, dogs on thyroid medication need blood work to monitor the level of thyroid medicine. As dogs age, thyroid levels frequently continue to decline.
Any dog taking or not taking heartworm prevention should have a yearly or even more frequent test.
Pets on medications such as anti-inflammatory, thyroid, anti-seizure, blood pressure, diuretic, and urinary incontinence meds need routine blood work every 6-12 months to ensure your pet is receiving the correct dose of medication.
In the end, blood testing allows the veterinarian to assess the general health of your pet as well as monitor the health of vital organs, and prescribe the proper dose of medication.
Allergy Testing
Heska allergy testing is a diagnostic method used in veterinary medicine to identify and determine specific allergens that may be causing allergic reactions in pets.
Heska, a company specializing in veterinary diagnostic tools, offers allergy testing solutions designed to help veterinarians pinpoint the triggers of allergic reactions in dogs and cats.
The Heska allergy testing process typically involves collecting a blood sample from the pet.
The sample is then analyzed using advanced technology to detect antibodies produced by the pet’s immune system in response to various allergens.
Allergens may include environmental factors such as pollen, mold, dust mites, and specific food ingredients.
The Heska allergy test results provide a comprehensive profile of the specific allergens to which the pet is reacting.
This detailed information helps us create individualized treatment plans, which may include allergen-specific immunotherapy or targeted avoidance strategies.
One of the notable aspects of Heska allergy testing is its ability to identify a broad range of allergens, allowing for a more tailored approach to managing your pet’s allergies.
By understanding the precise triggers, we can work with you to minimize exposure to these allergens and develop effective treatment protocols to alleviate allergic symptoms and improve your pet’s quality of life.
It’s important to note that Heska allergy testing is just one tool among many in diagnosing and managing pet allergies.
We will interpret the test results in conjunction with a thorough clinical assessment to provide the most appropriate care for your pet.
Biopsy Analysis
Biopsy analysis stands as a cornerstone in veterinary medicine, offering invaluable insights into the health of our beloved animal companions.
This diagnostic procedure involves the careful collection and microscopic analysis of tissue samples from suspicious or abnormal areas in a pet’s body.
By delving into the cellular level, biopsy testing unveils a wealth of information that aids us in diagnosing a spectrum of conditions, ranging from tumors and inflammatory diseases to infections.
When a pet presents with a concerning lesion or abnormal tissue, biopsy testing becomes a pivotal step in uncovering the underlying cause.
Through this process, a small tissue sample is collected using various methods such as surgical excision, needle aspiration, or endoscopy.
Once obtained, the tissue undergoes meticulous examination by a skilled veterinary pathologist.
The intricate analysis of the tissue under a microscope allows for the identification of abnormal cells, the presence of infections, inflammatory responses, and structural changes that might be indicative of specific diseases or conditions.
The benefits of biopsy testing in veterinary care are multifaceted.
Firstly, it provides a definitive diagnosis, offering clarity to both veterinarians and pet owners regarding the nature of the pet’s ailment.
The precise diagnosis is pivotal in determining the most appropriate and effective treatment strategies tailored to the specific condition.
Additionally, biopsy results often guide prognostic assessments, helping veterinarians and pet owners understand the expected outcomes and potential risks associated with different treatment options.
Moreover, the insights gained from biopsy testing aid in the continuous monitoring and management of a pet’s health, allowing for informed decisions in their ongoing care.
Ultimately, biopsy testing serves as a fundamental tool in veterinary diagnostics, enabling comprehensive assessments and personalized treatment plans for pets.
Its ability to unravel the complexities of various health conditions contributes significantly to the well-being and quality of life of your pet.
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