Haematology:
Blood specimens are among the most commonly received samples in our laboratory. All of our blood profiles start with haematology and a differential smear. This tells us the amount of white blood cells, red blood cells and haemoglobin (oxygen carrying molecules) in the blood, along with the PCV (packed cell volume, or percentage of red blood cells). A differential smear tells us the ratio of different white blood cells; Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes and Eosinophils – abnormal ratios of each type of cell can be indicators of specific problems in your horse’s blood.
Biochemistry:
Further tests on the blood can include reading the total protein and fibrinogen levels in the blood, and also looking for increased/decreased levels of enzymes and substrates using our state-of-the-art Biolis automated biochemistry analyser. Capable of analysing multiple samples at a time, results can be produced quickly, which is especially helpful in the case of a medical emergency.
We offer a range of pre-set blood profiles here in the lab at VEH, including full/geriatric, racing fitness, liver, renal and inflammatory profiles, which are tailored for when a vet has suspicions surrounding a particular area of the body.
Serum Amyloid A Testing:
We are pleased to announce that we have been running Serum Amyloid A testing for a while now. SAA is a marker in the blood that rises quickly during an infection, allowing the vet to quickly diagnose and treat the problem before it develops into a potentially life-threatening situation. SAA is included in several of our blood profiles – if you are interested in testing your animal(s) for SAA, or any other blood tests, you can call our office to arrange a veterinary consult, or download a submission form here and present this form with your blood sample.
