Blood tests are an important part of the diagnosing illnesses in pets when they are sick and for monitoring pets as they get older. The doctors at Anchor Animal Hospital frequently send blood samples to Idexx laboratories. Idexx laboratories are one of the best reference laboratories available and most tests results are available in 1-2 days.

In some cases, particularly when a patient is sick, test results are needed faster than 1-2 days. When rapid testing is required Anchor Animal Hospital is prepared. Anchor has a full in house laboratory suite which is integrated into our computer system to provide accuracy and streamline the testing process.

Our in-house laboratory equipment includes:

• Lasercyte CBC
  • CBC stands for complete blood count. This machine gives an accurate count of the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This is an important piece of equipment to check for anemia, elevated white blood cell counts, or low platelets. In addition our doctors can check blood smears under the microscope to further evaluate blood cells to confirm problems, evaluate shape, or to look for blood parasites.
    
    
     
• VetTest Chemistry Analyzer
  • The chemistry analyzer processes serum that has been separated from whole blood by our centrifuge. The VetTest runs this serum through a battery of tests producing accurate chemistry results which help evaluate the major internal organs.
    
    
     
• VetLyte Electrolyte Analyzer
  • The electrolyte analyzer reports produces rapid results of the sodium, potassium, and chloride levels in the blood. These electrolytes are very important in muscle, heart, and nerve function. In some cases abnormalities can require immediate treatment.
    
    
     
• SNAP 4Dx
  • The snap 4Dx is a combination test that provides rapid results for Heartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum exposure and infections. These are potentially life threatening infectious diseases for dogs. Fortunately, when diagnosed early most infections are easily treatable. We perform this test yearly on all of our canine patients as part of their routine wellness exams.
    
    
     
• SNAP FeLV/FIV
  • This is a combination test that checks cats for both feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infections. These are two common and life threatening infections of cats. Kittens are generally tested to make sure that they didn’t acquire one of these diseases from their mother. Both of these infections are transmitted from direct contact such as bite wounds, this puts outdoor cats at risk for these diseases. There is an effective vaccine for FELV; we test all cats before starting this vaccine.
     
• SNAP Parvo
  • Parvo virus is an extremely serious virus affecting dogs. It affects the GI tract and bone marrow. 25%-50% of infected dogs can die even with aggressive treatment. The Snap Parvo test provides a rapid diagnosis of the disease which allows immediate treatment. Fortunately there is a very effective vaccine for this disease so most of the time we only see it in unvaccinated dogs.
     
• SNAP cPL
  • The snap cPL is a new test to help identify and diagnose dogs with pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas which causes anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Pancreatitis can be difficult to diagnose in dogs but the SNAP cPL is a new test which increases our sensitivity to detecting this disease.

Radiology
Anchor Animal Hospital has had x-ray capability since it first opened in 1975. X-rays allow doctors to examine the internal structures of animals. Pictures obtained by x-rays are referred to as radiographs.

To produce a radiograph an x-ray beam is generated. The patient is positioned under this beam. X-rays are able to pass through soft tissue and bone so the beam generated above the patient passes through and then exposes a film placed under the patient. When this film is developed an image of the internal structure of the patient is produced.

Radiographs are an excellent way to examine bones, lungs, and the size and shape of major organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, and bladder. Foreign material such as rocks stuck in the GI tract or bladder stones can also sometimes be seen.

The doctors at Anchor Animal Hospital frequently use contrast radiography to help diagnose their patients. Contrasts material shows up well on x-rays and can help highlight areas that can’t be seen be regular x-rays alone. We are able to perform contrast studies of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, kidneys, and bladder.

Anchor Animal Hospital also performs OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) radiographs for orthopedic certification of breeding animals.