1255 Niagara Street Buffalo, NY 14213
Veterinary Lab Testing in Buffalo - Why it Matters
Just like humans, animals can also suffer from various health issues. However, unlike humans, pets cannot communicate their symptoms and discomfort. This is where veterinary lab testing comes in. These tests can detect underlying health issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. Early detection of these issues can lead to prompt treatment, which can save your pet’s life.
Pet Parasite Testing in Buffalo
Intestinal parasites are a common problem in pets, and they can cause a range of health issues. These parasites can be transmitted through contaminated food, water, soil, or contact with infected animals.
Some common intestinal parasites in pets include:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Tapeworms
- Whipworms
Testing for Intestinal Parasites
Testing for intestinal parasites in pets is a simple and non-invasive process. Our veterinarians will collect a small stool sample from your pet and send it to a laboratory for analysis. The lab will check for the presence of any parasites and provide a report to our team.
When Should You Test for Intestinal Parasites?
It is recommended to test for intestinal parasites at least once a year, or more frequently if your pet has any symptoms of an infection. Puppies and kittens should be tested more frequently, as they are more susceptible to parasites.
Our Buffalo veterinarians may also recommend more frequent testing if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, has a weakened immune system, or has a history of intestinal parasites.
Signs of Parasites in Dogs and Cats
It is important to know the signs of parasites in your dog or cat so you can deworm them if needed. Some common signs of parasites include:
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dull coat
You may also notice certain worms in your pet’s stool or around their anus. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to consult with our veterinarians and start a deworming treatment.
Heartworm Testing for Dogs and Cats
Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal disease that is transmitted through mosquito bites. It is caused by a parasitic worm that lives in the heart and blood vessels of infected animals. Heartworm is most commonly found in dogs, but it can also affect cats and other animals.
How is Heartworm Testing Done?
Heartworm testing is a simple and non-invasive process. Our veterinarians will take a small blood sample from your pet and check for the presence of heartworms.
When Should You Test for Heartworm?
It is recommended to test for heartworm once a year, or more frequently if your pet has any symptoms of an infection. Our veterinarians may also recommend more frequent testing if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors.
What Are the Signs of Heartworms in Dogs?
Heartworm disease in dogs can be divided into four stages, with each stage having different symptoms. However, it is important to note that not all dogs will show signs of heartworms, especially in the early stages of the disease. This is why regular heartworm testing is crucial for early detection and treatment.
- No Visible Symptoms: In the first stage of heartworm disease, there are usually no visible symptoms. This is because the worms are still maturing and have not yet reached the heart and lungs. However, during this stage, the worms can still cause damage to the blood vessels and immune system.
- Mild Symptoms: As the worms continue to grow and multiply, they start to cause mild symptoms such as a persistent cough, fatigue, and decreased appetite. These symptoms may come and go, making it difficult for pet owners to notice them.
- Moderate Symptoms: In the third stage of heartworm disease, the worms have reached the heart and lungs, causing more severe symptoms. These may include difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and a bulging chest due to an enlarged heart. At this stage, the disease is easily detectable through a physical examination by a veterinarian.
- Severe Symptoms: If left untreated, heartworm disease can progress to the fourth and final stage, which is the most dangerous. The worms have now caused significant damage to the heart, lungs, and other organs, leading to life-threatening symptoms such as fainting, weight loss, and fluid buildup in the abdomen. At this stage, the disease is difficult to treat and may result in death.
What Are the Signs of Heartworms in Cats?
Cats are not the natural host for heartworms, which means that they are less likely to develop heartworm disease. However, if a cat does become infected, the symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening.
- Respiratory Symptoms: The most common signs of heartworms in cats are respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms are caused by the worms’ presence in the lungs and can be mistaken for asthma or other respiratory conditions.
- Vomiting and Weight Loss: Heartworms can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms in cats, including vomiting and weight loss. These symptoms may be accompanied by a decreased appetite and lethargy.
- Sudden Death: In some cases, heartworm disease in cats can be fatal without any visible symptoms. This is because the worms can cause sudden blockages in the heart and lungs, leading to sudden death.
FeLV and FIV Testing for Cats in Buffalo
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are two common viral infections that can affect cats. These viruses weaken the immune system and can make cats more susceptible to other infections and diseases.
How is FeLV and FIV Testing Done?
FeLV and FIV testing is a simple and non-invasive process. Our Buffalo, NY veterinarians will take a small blood sample from your cat and check for the presence of these viruses.
When Should You Test for Felv and Fiv?
It is recommended to test for FeLV and FIV once a year, or more frequently if your cat has any symptoms of an infection. Kittens should be tested more frequently, as they are more susceptible to these viruses. Our veterinarians may also recommend more frequent testing if your cat spends a lot of time outdoors.
FIV Symptoms in Cats
FIV is a slow-progressing virus, meaning that it can take years for symptoms to appear. In the early stages of the virus, cats may not show any symptoms at all. However, as the virus progresses, cats may start to show signs of a weakened immune system. Some common symptoms of FIV in cats include:
- Fever Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Upper respiratory infections
- Dental disease
- Chronic diarrhea
- Skin infections
- Eye infections
- Neurological issues
If left untreated, FIV can lead to more severe symptoms, such as anemia, cancer, and neurological disorders.
FeLV Symptoms in Cats
FeLV is a more aggressive virus than FIV and can progress quickly. Cats infected with FeLV may show symptoms within a few weeks or months. Some common symptoms of FeLV in cats include:
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Anemia
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Neurological issues
- Cancer
- Upper respiratory infections
FeLV can also cause a variety of secondary infections and diseases due to the weakened immune system.
Find Veterinary Laboratory Testing in Buffalo, NY
Finding veterinary laboratory testing in Buffalo, Erie County, NY is easy with our online request-an-appointment feature. Both new and existing clients seeking diagnostic testing care may request an appointment at our Buffalo vet clinic.
