Center for laboratory diagnostics
The dog and cat laboratory is an important part of veterinary medicine helping to identify various diseases and health disorders, and to conduct a detailed analysis of the pet’s health status. Laboratory tests allow the Veterinarian to diagnose problems accurately and select the appropriate treatment. We provide basic information about the tests performed and situations when you have to apply for detailed laboratory diagnostics.
Main laboratory tests:
1. Blood tests:
• General blood tests (GBT): this test provides information about the number, size, and shape of blood cells. It helps detect anaemia, infections, inflammation, blood clotting disorders, and other diseases.
• Biochemical blood test: indicators of the pet’s organ function, such as the condition of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, electrolytes and glucose levels, are evaluated. This test helps diagnose diseases of internal organs and metabolic disorders.
• Hormone tests: measuring of hormone levels in the blood helps identify endocrine diseases such as thyroid disorders, Cushing’s syndrome, and diabetes mellitus.
2. Urine tests:
• General urine test: urine analysis helps evaluate kidney function, detect urinary tract infections, diabetes, kidney stones, or other urinary system problems.
• Urine culture: this test determines the presence of bacteria in the urine that can cause an infection and to determine which antibiotics will be most effective for treatment.
3. Stool tests:
• Parasite test: a stool sample is tested to detect worms, their eggs or other parasitic infections that can cause digestive disorders or other health problems:
Baermann test:
• Parasite diagnostics: the Baermann test is a specific method used to detect parasite larvae, especially lungworms (for instance, Angiostrongylus vasorum) that may be difficult to detect with other testing methods. The test is performed using a stool sample held in a special device so that the parasite larvae migrate and are collected for identification.
• Usage: this test is very useful when a parasitic infection is suspected but other diagnostic methods have not been effective. It is often used to identify respiratory parasites, but can also be applied to other parasites whose larvae are migratory.
Stool flotation test:
• Parasite diagnostics: stool flotation test is one of the simplest and most commonly used methods for detecting parasite eggs or cysts. This method relies on the ability of eggs or cysts to float in a specific solution heavier than parasite eggs allowing them to be separated and identified under a microscope.
• Usage: the flotation method is very effective in detecting various intestinal parasites such as roundworms (e.g. Toxocara spp.), flatworms, giardiasis, and other parasites. This is a necessary test when a parasitic infection is suspected or as part of a regular parasite control programme.
• Microbiological test: this test is performed to detect bacteria or viruses that can cause intestinal infections.
4. Cytological test:
• Cytological test involves examining cell samples from the skin, ears, lymph nodes, tumours, or other tissues. This test helps diagnose infections, inflammation, tumours, or other cell changes.
5. Microbiological tests:
• Bacterial and fungal cultures: these tests are performed to identify infectious agents and their sensitivity to antibiotics or antimycotics. It helps to select suitable treatment.
6. Immunological tests:
• Diagnostics of viral diseases: these tests help detect specific viral antibodies or antigens in the pet’s blood, such as feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) or canine parvovirus.
• Allergy tests: these tests determine whether a pet has allergies to certain substances (for instance, food or pollen).
7. Genetic tests:
• these tests identify genetic defects or diseases that may be inherited. This is very important for certain breeds that are at risk of genetic diseases.
Situations when it is necessary to apply for laboratory diagnostics:
1. General health check:
• regular general blood and urine tests are recommended, especially for older pets, to detect potential health problems and initiation of treatment earlier.
2. Unexplained symptoms:
• if your pet loses appetite or weight, is lethargic, vomits, has diarrhoea, or otherwise behaves abnormally, laboratory tests can help determine the cause of the symptoms.
3. Infection suspicions:
• if a bacterial, viral or fungal infection of a pet is suspected, appropriate microbiological tests must be performed to identify the causative agent accurately and select effective treatment.
4. Chronic diseases:
• the condition of pets with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, kidney failure or heart disease, must be monitored regularly with blood, urine and other tests.
5. Signs of allergy:
• if a pet is scratching frequently, has skin rashes or other signs of allergies, allergy tests will help identify allergens and select the right treatment or diet.
6. New-borns and young pets:
• young pets may be tested for parasites to ensure they are healthy and free of any hereditary or acquired diseases.
7. Appearance of tumours or skin formations:
• if you notice any new skin formations, lumps, or tumours of your pet, a cytological examination or biopsy can help determine whether they are benign or malignant.
In addition to the said laboratory tests, the Veterinarian may also suggest the following specialized tests:
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests:
• Accuracy and sensitivity: PCR testing is a highly sensitive molecular method that allows the detection of small amounts of pathogen DNA or RNA in a pet’s blood, urine, faeces, or other tissues. This test can detect infectious diseases, such as viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, even in the early stages.
• Usage: PCR tests are often used to diagnose specific infections such as feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), canine parvovirus, ehrlichiosis, borreliosis (Lyme disease), leptospirosis, etc. They are also used to detect genetic diseases or hereditary disorders.
Histopathological tests:
• Tissue tests: histopathological test is an important diagnostic tool used to examine pet tissue samples under a microscope. It allows for the identification of changes in tissue structure that may indicate various diseases, such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, infections or autoimmune disorders.
• Usage: these tests are performed when tumours, chronic diseases, or unclear tissue changes are suspected. They can provide detailed information about the nature, stage, and extent of the disease. The Veterinarian can diagnose more accurately and choose the most appropriate treatment based on histopathological tests.
Cerebrospinal fluid test:
• Diagnostics of nervous system diseases: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test is used to diagnose central nervous system (CNS) diseases such as encephalitis, meningitis, tumours, and demyelinating diseases. The test is performed by taking a small amount of fluid from the spinal canal or brain ventricles.
• Usage: CSF test is very important when the pet has neurological symptoms such as seizures, paralysis, headaches, or coordination problems. The test may identify infectious agents, inflammation, or other pathological changes that helps to diagnose the disease accurately and select the appropriate treatment.
When do you have to apply for these tests?
• In case of suspected specific infections: if your pet has symptoms indicating specific viral, bacterial, parasitic infections or nervous system disorders, PCR, Baermann, histopathology, CSF or flotation testing may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and initiate treatment.
• Nonspecific or persistent symptoms: If your pet’s health problems persist despite routine testing, these specialized tests can provide additional information required for a correct diagnosis.
Conclusion. Laboratory tests allow veterinary specialists to diagnose many diseases more accurately and quickly, thus ensuring more effective treatment for your pet. If your Veterinarian recommends these tests, it can be an important step in understanding your pet’s health and determining the most appropriate treatment - a decision.
The Centre for Laboratory Diagnostics of our clinic cooperates with other private veterinary clinics in Lithuania closely. If you wish to perform any test, you will need the referral form provided in the Annex:
Register for consultation by phone +3701288788
Head of the Centre for Laboratory Diagnostics Veterinarian Brigita Bandzevičiūtė
Doctors of Department:
Veterinarian Dovilė Grigauskaitė