Here at LBVC we believe in giving the best possible service to our patients and clients. This means getting to the bottom of any problems your pet may present with.

Often this can be determined by just a good head to tail physical examination.

Sometimes, this isn’t enough and we need further diagnostics that may include Xrays, Ultrasound (see imaging page) or Laboratory Tests. These tests are

essential in getting a diagnosis and without a diagnosis we are not able to target treatments properly or give an idea of likely outcomes.

Health Screens such as pre-anaesthetic blood tests or senior pet screens are also a great tool in ensuring problems are picked up early.

01948 662424 Whitchurch

01270 652121 Wistaston     

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In House Laboratory Tests

Blood Biochemistry Analyser

We have an in house blood analyser that can measure a variety of parameters quickly and accurately. It allows us to get a result within 15 minutes of taking the sample.

We use this machine to check for the following conditions:

1. •Liver & Kidney Problems
   

2. •Diabetes (diagnosis and monitoring)
   

3. •Protein Levels
   

This machine is essential in those situations when we need a result fast.

ELISA Test Kits

We have a number of kits to test blood and faeces for certain infectious diseases. These tests can be used to try and determine the cause of symptoms or as screening tests.

The test on the right was taken from a cat with non-specific illness and it shows that it has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) the cat equivalent of HIV.

Microscopy

From bacteria to parasites to tumour cells - microscopy helps us identify many causes of disease. We prepare and stain slides at the practice to enable us to get answers quickly. Understanding what we are dealing with in this way enables us to make the right decisions first time, enabling us to make the right treatment options.

Positive result

Urinalysis

A very common symptom seen by many owners is drinking / peeing too much or increased. This can be a sign of lots of different disorders such as cystitis, hormonal problems or kidney disease.

If you think your pet is drinking too much please measure its water intake over 24 hours so we can tell if it really is excessive or not.

Urine samples should be collected in a clean sterile container (preferably a urine sample pot from ourselves).

Cats are notoriously difficult to get urine samples from, so we can extract it directly from the bladder with a needle and syringe quickly and safely here at the surgery.

Don’t worry - it’s orange squash, not wee!

External Laboratory Tests

More comprehensive or complicated laboratory tests are sent to an external veterinary laboratory in Lancashire. Nationwide Laboratories are the leading veterinary diagnostics lab in the UK. We have a long term excellent relationship with the pathologists who provide advice and support in complicated cases. Samples sent in the morning often have results emailed the following day allowing us to get answers quickly and accurately.

We will always go through any tests and their results with owners to explain fully what needs to done and why. If you have any questions please feel free to speak to one of the vets.