Diagnostic
Laboratory
At Gamble Pet Clinic we have the ability to perform in house laboratory services which provide you with fast and accurate results. We also work with outside laboratories so that we can offer a wide range of tests for your pet.
Complete Blood Count
Some basic tests that we perform are: Complete Blood Count (CBC): This common blood test is performed on pets and people. A CBC tests for anemia, infection, inflammation, leukemia and bone marrow function. This test is essential for pets with fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, loss of appetite, or prior to surgery.
Blood Chemistry
These common blood serum tests evaluate organ function, electrolyte status, hormone levels, and more. They’re important in evaluating older pets, pets with vomiting and diarrhea or toxin exposure, pets receiving long-term medications, and overall health before anesthesia.
Thyroid Function Tests
These tests are useful in diagnosing malfunctions of the thyroid gland and are used to continually monitor pets that are receiving long term medications for thyroid problems.
Blood Pressure
Similar to people, high blood pressure in dogs and cats can lead to eye, heart, kidney, and neurological disease. Most cases of high blood pressure in dogs and cats are secondary to diseases that occur in the older population. In cats, high blood pressure is typically secondary to chronic kidney disease and thyroid disease. In dogs high blood pressure is commonly secondary to chronic kidney disease and adrenal gland disease. A blood pressure check can typically be done at the time of an exam and done similarly to how your blood pressure would be taken at your doctor’s office.
Urinalysis
A urinalysis assesses the health and function of the urinary system. It is especially important in older animals to help in early detection of kidney disease. While some serum chemistries help evaluate kidney function (BUN, Creatinine, etc.), much more information is obtained when a urinalysis is done at the same time. The urine sample is tested for several chemical components (glucose, protein, blood, and more) as well as any cells (WBC, RBC, epithelial, etc.) and crystals. A urinalysis is also used when determining whether a patient has a urinary tract infection.
Fecal Exam
Fecal exams are recommended for all puppies and kittens to check for intestinal parasites. Fecal exams are also recommended for any patient that is having diarrhea, vomiting, or is having difficulty defecating. A fecal exam can be used to look for microscopic organisms that could cause digestive tract problems, check for intestinal parasites, and look for giardia. The doctor will determine exactly what tests need to be performed.
Heartworm Test
Heartworm disease infects mainly dogs but can also be found in a wide variety of mammals including cats. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and it only takes one bite to infect your pet. Heartworm tests are necessary for all dogs prior to starting heartworm preventative, whether they live indoors or outdoors. Please contact us for testing and preventative recommendations for your dog.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Both of these viruses attack and weaken a cat’s immune system leaving them unable to fight other infections. FeLV is the number one viral infectious disease killer of cats. The disease is spread from cat to cat through bites, mutual grooming, and sharing food or water dishes and litterboxes. Kittens can also contract the virus from their mothers. FIV affects approximately 1-3% of cats in the U.S. It is spread primarily through bite wounds. There is no cure for FeLV or FIV. We highly recommend testing every kitten and adult cats before introducing them to the household. FeLV/FIV tests are also recommended for cats that have a history of bite wounds, might be feeling ill, or have not had a test in recent years.
Radiology
We have the ability to see what is happening inside your pet by using our on-site X-ray machine. At Gamble Pet Clinic we have the ability to take high quality, digital radiographs which aid our veterinarians in diagnosing medical problems with patients. By utililzing digital radiography, we are able to quickly perform radiographs which means less time for a pet to become anxious or scared. The images are high quality and able to be enhanced with the touch of a button. We can easily share images with other veterinarians if they are needed or a referral or to be reviewed by a Board Certified Radiologist.
Dr. Lowry from Mountain Vet Radiology performing an ultrasound.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a non-invasive way to examine specific internal organs. It is a very effective way to help diagnose and monitor disease in organs such as the liver, kidney, spleen, intestinal tract and heart. Ultrasound also gives veterinarians the ability to biopsy certain organs without doing surgery. We have a Board Certified Radiologist come to our practice and perform ultrasounds.