Lab Testing

Our “state of the art” laboratory allows us to provide you with prompt diagnostic results, often during the course of your pet’s visit.

For those occasions when lab work needs to be sent out, periodic savings are offered by the lab and passed on to the client when certain procedures are "bundled."  At the present time we are able to offer a significant savings to clients of senior pets when comprehensive bloodwork is run in addition to a complete urnialysis.  We can also include Heartworm Testing making your savings even greater.  Please call us for details on this exciting promotion. 

Introducing the “AlphaTRAK” Blood Glucose Monitoring System

For a number of years, veterinarians have been able to measure the blood glucose (sugar) levels of dogs and cats using portable glucose meters. Although helpful, these monitors were made for use with human blood, and the results we received for our pets were not as accurate as we would have liked them to be. Abbott laboratories began testing a system made exclusively for dogs and cats in 2006. This “AlphaTRAK Blood Glucose Monitoring System” is unique, very accurate, convenient, and fast.

It is unique because it is made SPECIFICALLY for use with canine and feline blood. It has been developed and tested to provide very accurate blood glucose readings for dogs and cats. It has, in fact, been shown to provide results statistically equivalent to those obtained by a national veterinary laboratory. It is convenient, because accurate blood glucose can be obtained in four simple steps and, it requires the world’s smallest blood sample to do so. It is fast, in that it can provide results in less than one minute!

The benefits of using this system in the diabetic pet’s home are clear. Results are more accurate because they are obtained in a non-stressful environment. With more frequent blood glucose determinations, we can optimize treatment regimens for our patients. We now have the ability to make clinical decisions on pets based on multiple accurate results. And lastly, pet owner education and instructional materials are available from Abbot Animal Health representatives.

We at the Aurora Pet Hospital are committed to providing our patients with the best veterinary medical care possible. We are extremely pleased to be able to offer this exciting new technology for our clients with diabetic pets.

THE WISDOM PANEL

We would agree that your mixed breed dog is very unique…a few chromosomes from this breed, a few from another breed, etc., etc.. But, have you ever wondered exactly what characteristics your mixed breed dog has inherited?

We are pleased to announce the availability of a blood test, called the WISDOM Panel. This is a genetic blood test that can provide owners of mixed breed dogs with very valuable breed information.

What is the definition of a mixed breed dog?

A mixed breed dog is a cross between 2 or more dogs of different breeds.

Mixed breed dogs vary greatly in size, shape and color, and consequently, are often difficult to classify physically.

A range of possible body shapes and sizes may be seen in the appearance of mixed breed dogs that arise from their purebred ancestors, including specific head shapes, tail styles, coat lengths, colors and textures, ear types, and muzzle shapes.

The Wisdom Panel identifies the breed heritage of mixed breed dogs based on breed-specific DNA signatures.

Why do we recommend this?

Breed identification is an important first step toward understanding a dog’s genetic makeup. Their genetics often provide clues regarding the complex differences between breed, their inherent behavior, disease susceptibility and predispositions.

Knowing the breed history of a mixed breed dog may help you, the owner, understand many aspects of your dog’s behavior, and potential health problems you may be faced with in the future.

How do we do this?

Our staff member will draw a small amount of blood, and mail the sample to a laboratory for genetic analysis. Once it arrives at the lab, your mixed breed dog’s DNA will be extracted from the blood cells. The process is quite complex, but the end result is a report that lists the breeds DNA detected in the sample that make up your unique dog.

Now, the specific genetic makeup of your mixed breed dog can be answered with one simple blood test.