Laboratory services

Blood sample

Except for hormone investigations, Koira-Kissaklinikka offers complete laboratory services. If it is suspected that the patient has a dysfunction of the inner organs, an infection or a tumour, a blood sample will be taken for testing. As needed, a so-called small or a complete blood count will be taken from the sample.
Inflammatory cell and differential blood cell counts, enzyme and serum value results, and also the thyroid hormone level are known the next working day, or in urgent cases already on the same day. The clinic uses so-called rapid tests to determine cat FIV and FeLV, and also to check for Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis values.
When investigating immunological diseases, for example the ANA antibodies, rabies antibodies and Leishmaniasis-titres are assessed in Sweden and Germany, and the results arrive in about 1-2 weeks. Hormone assessments take place at the Vetlab in Tampere, as well as progesterone assessments for establishing mating and artificial insemination times. Results are already available on the next working day. Some special assessments, such as pancreas lab values may take 1-2 weeks at the Tampere Vetlab.
The pet has to fast before a blood sample is taken, because the fat in the serum interferes in many analyses and distorts results. In general it is not necessary to sedate the patient for sampling and the fast is mentioned when booking the appointment. Eventual continued care and medication are decided on based on the test results.

Urine sample

Urine tests are done for the patient, for instance when investigating the reasons for lower abdominal area pains or difficulties in urinating, when the suspects are metabolic illnesses or inflammation. From the urine sample we routinely get the urine specific gravity and do a rapid test for sugar, ketone bodies, blood, protein and nitrate content.
In the sediment test we investigate crystals and cells. The bacterial culture grows overnight in an oven and an eventual positive sample is always made, and also a sensitivity to antibiotics assessment.
Kidney stone analysis usually takes about a week. When necessary the urine sample can be sent to Vetlab for the protein/creatinine ratio assessment. Urine samples are taken from dogs without any bigger problems, but if necessary the sample may be taken at the clinic, however in this case the animal has to be sedated.

Stool sample

Stool samples may be investigated both for domestic parasites as well as for more exotic parasites especially in the case of imported dogs. The stool sample is collected by the owner at home, and a trustworthy result requires samples on three consecutive days.

Ear sample

For ear samples we use a microscope to look for eventual ear mites and for bacterial and yeast infections. Ear infection treatment is directly linked to the cause and because of this the sample is checked again for each infection. When a bacterial infection has lasted a long time, a bacterial culture of the ear is also done, of which a sensitivity to antibiotics assessment will be made.

Back and bone marrow sample

The clinic is ready to also take back and bone marrow samples. These cannot be done under sedation, but require deep narcosis.