A veterinary laboratory provides important diagnostic testing for both sick and well animals. At Cayman Animal Hospital we offer a modern, in-house veterinary laboratory with state-of-the-art testing and equipment and trained personnel to interpret findings. If more specialist testing is required we use highly reputable small animal reference laboratories based in the States and UK.Why Is Lab Work Important?
In a healthy animal, we run laboratory tests during the initial wellness exam to establish baseline values for your pet. These standard tests can be completed in our own veterinary laboratory, offering results almost immediately. We may run such laboratory tests as:
- CBC (complete blood count)
- Chemistry panel (major organ function)
- Urinalysis
- Fecal exams
- Internal and External parasite assessment (Heartworm evaluation)
- Skin cell analysis
- Specialist testing for hormonal imbalances; cytology and pathology or blood clotting factors are sent overseas, along with
- Rabies Titre testing for travel purposes
- Doggie DNA
When your pet is sick, we compare new lab work to previous baseline values to determine the exact level of illness. Sometimes we may need to use lab tests throughout the treatment of a disease to measure the patient’s response to the protocol.
Laboratory tests also are used to confirm the presence of illnesses, identify developing conditions, and to rule out other diseases. This use of lab work is especially important in senior pet care, for early and accurate diagnosis of age-related diseases.
When a pet is scheduled for surgery, we use pre-surgical screening tests to determine risk of complications while under general anesthesia. Screening tests of this type may be recommended for all ages, including young and healthy pets.
Your animal companion deserves the highest quality diagnostic care – and our veterinarians are able to offer you this service with accuracy, reliability, and convenience.
