Dog, Cat, and Exotic Bloodwork, Labwork, and Parasite Checks in Antioch Tennessee

Your Antioch veterinarian has in-house laboratory services for quick, same day analysis.  This service includes ear cytology, aspirate cytology, fecal flotations, direct fecal smears, heart-worm tests, feline leukemia and FIV tests, CBC, bio-chemistry, skin cytology, skin scraping, and urinalysis, just to name a few.

Common Parasites

Your dog and cat is at risk for having several types of intestinal worms. In almost every case, only your Antioch veterinarian can diagnose these worms by special tests (fecal flotation and direct fecal smear) using a microscope. These worms include the following:

• Roundworms – Roundworms live in the intestines and can cause gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting and diarrhea. These worms are one of the few that can be seen by the naked eye if passed in the feces or if vomited up. They resemble thick, rounded strands of spaghetti.
• Hookworms – Hookworms lives in the intestines and can cause gastrointestinal upset. However, they are also voracious bloodsuckers and can cause severe anemia and even death in puppies.
• Whipworms – These worms live in the large intestines of puppies and dogs. They can cause diarrhea, flatulence, poor hair coat and occasional anemia .
• Coccidia – These parasites live in the intestines and can cause diarrhea and weight loss.
• Tapeworms – While tapeworms usually do not cause specific problems, they can cause blockage of the intestinal tract if the worm burden is high enough. The segments resemble grains of rice. Unlike the other common intestinal parasites, tapeworms are most commonly transmitted by the ingestion of a flea. Therefore, effective flea control is necessary to control tapeworm infections. Ask you Antioch veterinarian about the best and most current flea control methods.

Your pet can be infected with worms in several ways. These include orally ingesting the eggs of larvae from feces (Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, Coccidia), invasion through the skin (Hookworms), and intrauterine infection (Roundworms). Roundworms and hookworms can also pass from the mother’s milk to the nursing puppies or kittens.

Roundworms, hookworms, and some tapeworms can also infect humans. Since humans are not the normal host, infections can result in serious complications.

Talk to your Antioch veterinarian today about diagnosing and treating these intestinal parasites. 

Common Bloodwork Preformed by Your Antioch Veterinarian

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• This is the most common blood test preformed on both pets and people. A CBC gives information on hydration status, anemia, infection, the blood’s clotting ability, and the ability of the immune system to respond. Your Antioch veterinarian believes this test is essential for pets with fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, or loss of appetite. If your pet needs surgery, a CBC can detect bleeding disorders or other unseen abnormalities.

Blood Chemistries

• These common blood serum tests evaluate organ function, electrolyte status, hormone level, and more. They are very important in evaluating older pets, pets with vomiting and diarrhea or toxin exposure, pet’s receiving long-term medications, and overall health before anesthesia.