In-house laboratory of the Idar-Oberstein Small Animal Center
At the Idar-Oberstein Small Animal Center, your pet's health and well-being are our top priority. A decisive factor for this is quick and precise diagnostics. That's why we have a modern in-house laboratory that enables us to carry out important examinations such as feces, urine and blood analyzes directly on site. We also offer titer determination for dogs and cats with VacciCheck to determine your animal's vaccination status and thus ensure optimal protection.
Why is an in-house laboratory so important?
The possibility of carrying out laboratory tests directly in the practice offers numerous advantages:
- Fast results : No long waiting times for external laboratories.
- Accurate diagnoses : Immediate treatment adjustment based on test results.
- Comfort for your animal : Less stress thanks to faster processes.
Our in-house laboratory is equipped with the latest technology to perform a wide range of tests reliably and accurately.
Fecal examinations: Health begins in the intestines
The digestive tract plays a crucial role in the overall health of dogs and cats. Fecal examinations are therefore an important part of the diagnosis.
Why are fecal exams important?
- Detect parasite infestations : Worms, giardia and other parasites can cause serious health problems.
- Diagnosing digestive disorders : Intolerances or diseases of the digestive system become visible.
- General health check : Provides information about nutrition and the immune system.
How does the stool examination work?
- Sample collection : You bring a fresh sample of your animal's feces with you.
- Analysis in the laboratory : Our specialists examine the sample for parasites, bacteria and other abnormalities.
- Results discussion : We will inform you about the results and discuss any necessary treatments.
Urine Tests: A Window to Inner Health
Your pet's urine can provide many clues about their health. Urine tests are therefore an essential part of our diagnostic offering.
What does a urine test reveal?
- Kidney function : Early detection of kidney problems.
- Urinary tract infections : detection of bacteria and inflammation.
- Metabolic diseases : Evidence of diabetes or liver problems.
- Crystals and stones : risk assessment for urinary stones.
Urinalysis procedure
- Sample collection : We will show you how to collect a urine sample or perform this on your animal.
- Laboratory analysis : The sample is analyzed for various parameters including pH, protein content and the presence of glucose or ketones.
- Diagnosis and advice : Based on the results, we discuss next steps.
Blood tests: The key to accurate diagnoses
Blood tests are essential to get an accurate picture of your pet's health. They enable early detection of diseases and monitoring of chronic conditions .
What blood tests do we offer?
- Hematology : Study of blood cells to diagnose anemias, infections and other diseases.
- Biochemistry : Analysis of organ functions such as liver, kidney and pancreas.
- Hormone tests : Diagnosis of endocrinopathies such as hypothyroidism.
- Immunological tests : Detection of antibodies against various pathogens.
Advantages of blood testing in the in-house laboratory
- Speed : Results are often available within a few hours.
- Precision : Modern devices ensure high accuracy.
- Individuality : Tests can be tailored to your animal’s specific needs.
Titer determination with VacciCheck: Tailor-made vaccination protection
Vaccinations are an essential part of preventive veterinary medicine. But how do you know whether your animal is adequately protected? With titer determination in dogs and cats with VacciCheck, we offer an innovative solution.
What is VacciCheck?
VacciCheck is a quick and reliable test procedure that measures the level of antibodies against certain diseases in your pet's blood. This way the actual vaccination status be determined.
Advantages of titer determination
- Avoiding unnecessary vaccinations : Only animals with low antibody titers are vaccinated.
- Individual health care : adapting the vaccination schedule to your animal's needs.
- Safety : Reducing the risk of vaccine reactions.
How does VacciCheck work?
- Blood collection : A small amount of blood will be collected from your animal.
- Analysis : The level of antibodies against specific pathogens is measured in the laboratory.
- Evaluation : You will receive a detailed report about your animal's vaccination status.
- Advice : Together we decide whether vaccinations may be necessary.
Why is vaccination status so important?
Adequate vaccination protection protects your animal from dangerous diseases such as distemper, parvovirus or cat disease . By determining the titer, we ensure that your animal optimally protected without putting it under unnecessary strain.
Modern technology for your animal's health
Our in-house laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art devices from Idexx , which enable quick and precise diagnostics. This includes:
- Automated Blood Analyzers : For accurate hematology and biochemistry testing.
- High-resolution microscopes : Used to examine fecal and urine samples.
- Immunoassay systems : For titer determination and detection of antigens.
The benefits for you and your animal
- Time savings : No delays caused by sending samples to external laboratories.
- Cost efficiency : Lower costs through in-house diagnostics.
- Improved treatment : Immediate adjustment of therapy based on results.
Case studies from our practice
Case 1: Unclear digestive problems in a cat
A cat was presented with chronic diarrhea . Through a fecal examination in our laboratory, we were able to detect a Giardia infestation and begin the appropriate treatment immediately.
Case 2: Kidney problems in an older dog
An older dog showed symptoms such as increased drinking and loss of appetite. A blood and urine test revealed signs of kidney failure . Thanks to the rapid diagnosis, we were able to initiate therapeutic measures immediately.
Case 3: Decision to vaccinate a puppy
A puppy was supposed to be vaccinated, but the owners were unsure about possible vaccination reactions. Using the titer determination using VacciCheck , we were able to determine that maternal antibodies were still present. Vaccination has been postponed to ensure optimal effectiveness.
Your experts at the Idar-Oberstein small animal center
Our team consists of experienced veterinarians and laboratory specialists who undergo continuous training. We attach great importance to individual support and are available to answer any questions you may have at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should a fecal exam be done?
We recommend having a fecal examination carried out at least once a year, or more often for young or free-roaming animals.
Is titer determination possible for all vaccinations?
VacciCheck measures the antibody titers against the most important core vaccinations. We would be happy to advise you individually on other vaccines.
How quickly will I receive the results?
The results are usually available on the same day, but at the latest within 24 hours.
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Conclusion
The in-house laboratory at the Idar-Oberstein Small Animal Center offers you and your animal numerous advantages. Through fast and precise diagnostics, we can detect diseases early and treat them effectively. With the titer determination using VacciCheck, we ensure tailor-made vaccination protection. Trust in our expertise and state-of-the-art technology for the health of your loved one.