Laboratory Services
We offer an in-house laboratory service performing some routine tests for diagnosis and monitoring of conditions, these include:
Equine general blood profile
We are able to run a general blood profile in house giving you results rapidly. If any further tests are required these can be sent to our external lab.
A general profile is divided into two components:
Haematology
The study of the morphology and physiology of blood is referred to as haematology. The diagnosis of anaemia, bacterial and viral infections can be supported using haematological assessment.
Biochemical serum analysis
This can aid diagnosis of various pathologies such as liver disease, renal malfunction, weight loss and increased muscle enzymes in tying up and myopathy cases.
Skin scrapes/hair plucks
Microscopic examination for the presence of ectoparasites and dermatophytes can be carried out on skin scrapings and hair plucks to aid diagnosis and determine an etiology of skin lesions.
Worm egg counts
Worm egg counts can be carried out routinely to utilise targeted worming programmes, meaning horses can be wormed as required rather than on a standardised programme. Nematode eggs and larvae can be identified. Parasitic burden can cause weight loss and recurrent colic. It is also possible to test faecal samples for the presence of sand.
Joint (synovial) tap and peritoneal fluid analysis
If infection is suspected in a joint or tendon sheath it is possible to obtain a fluid sample (using an aseptic technique) and determine if sepsis is present. We analyse peritoneal fluid in the same way for peritonitis cases or as a diagnostic aid in colics.
Urinalysis
Pathological changes in patient urine can be diagnosed using standard urinalysis. This can determine pH, protein content, bilirubin, glucose, the presence of pigments and bilirubin.
More complex tests such as; Endocrinology (Equine Metabolic Syndrome, Cushing’s, PPID), infectious disease, histopathology, culture & sensitivity cytology and microbiology are sent to external laboratories.
