Diagnostic Testing

The ECA has the ability to perform the following laboratory tests in-house, or with outside laboratories, for our patients/clients, and for area veterinarians as needed:

• AntiThrombin Measured to detect DIC (a common and life-threatening complication of serious disease), and to assess risk of blood clots in patients with low protein levels.
• Bile Acids Measured to assess liver function.
• Blood Gas Analysis Measured to assess respiratory and metabolic balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide and the effects on blood pH.
• Blood Pressure Provides a quick and non-invasive way to estimate how well blood is circulating to the tissues.
• Blood Typing To determine blood types in dogs and cats in anticipation of transfusions.
• Buccal Mucosal Bleeding Time A test to measure coagulation parameters related to platelets, von Willebrand's disease, etc.
• Canine Borrelia Antibody Test To detect Lyme disease.
• Canine Occult Heartworm Test To detect infestation  with heartworms.
• Canine Parvo Test To detect a common and life-threatening viral intestinal disease.
• Capnography To assess expired carbon dioxide concentrations.
• Coagulation Testing Measurement of PT, APTT, and ACT to assess risk of clotting problems.
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring Cutting edge technology used to assess insulin therapy in our diabetic pets. Minimal blood sampling and patient handling leads to a happier patient and more accurate results.
• Colloid Osmometry To determine oncotic pull, a protein-related component of effective circulation. This is very important in critical patients with SIRS and low-protein levels.
• Cytology To assess cellular composition of mass lesions and fluids.
• D-Dimer Testing To aid in diagnosis of DIC.
• ECG  Allows us to visualize the electrical conductivity of the heart in order to detect any life threatening abnormalities.
• E.R.D.-Screen® A urine test that provides early detection of renal disease in dogs.
• Ethylene Glycol Test To detect exposure to antifreeze.
• FDP Testing To aid in diagnosis of DIC.
• Fecal Analysis To detect intestinal parasites.
• FIV/FeLV testing To detect presence of Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.
• Fungal Cultures To detect fungal infections of the skin.
• Fructosamine Provides a picture of the blood glucose level over a window of the 3-4 weeks prior to testing; aids in the management of diabetes.
• Giardia Antigen Testing To detect presence of this common cause for diarrhea. 
• Hematology Automated machinery measures white cell, red cell and platelet counts as part of assessment for anemia, infection and platelet disorders; a vital part of most patients' workup.
• Hemoglobin Measurement Using Hemocue machine, measures actual hemoglobin concentration (as opposed to estimating as most machines do).
• Ionized Calcium Useful in evaluation of disease of calcium regulation.
• PIVKA Testing To detect exposure to common rodent poisons and evaluate response to treatment, and to assess part of liver function in patients with advanced liver disease.
• Pulse Oximetry  Provides a non-invasive way to measure oxygen concentration in the bloodstream.
• Serum Chemistry Analyzer Measures key chemicals in the blood stream to assess organ inflammation, organ function, blood sugar, electrolytes, protein levels and other vital parameters.
• T-4 Measured to assess thyroid function in dogs and cats.
• Tonometry To detect inflammation and glaucoma of the eye, by measuring intraocular pressure (IOP).
• Urinalysis To assess kidney function and urinary tract inflammation or infection.