LABORATORY & CLINICAL ANALYSIS
The Clínica Veterinaria Mediterránea hosts a fully-equipped laboratory to support the work of the veterinary clinic in which the following procedures take place:
- Hemogram. This is a comprehensive blood test and from it we can determine if an animal suffers from anemia or variations thereof through the counting of red blood cells. If the animal is suffering or has suffered from either a bacterial, viral or parasitical infection, a white blood cell count will show this. A low white blood cell count is significant in certain pathologies. The hemogram also involves a platelet count, platelets being indispensible to coagulation.
- Biochemistry. Biochemical blood values are very diverse and range from measuring profiles which show the good or bad state of any organ such as the liver, kidney and pancreas to the testing of basic metabolic electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, etc.). Our tests also measure the quantity of important molecules such as blood glucose and hormones, which identify the functional state of the thyroid, parathyroid and the adrenals, etc.
- Tissue and sample staining. Our lab has everything necessary for all complete staining tests which can reveal the presence of bacteria in infected tissue such as skin, glands, etc. The presence of these bacteria aides greatly in the diagnosis. Stains are also useful for observing cells as in the case of cytology tests and blood parasites (Ehrlichia, Babesia, etc.).
- Cultures. The Clínica Veterinaria Mediterránea also prepares cultures, principally for fungi. Their growth and observation by microscope often confirm the diagnosis of skin-based pathologies leading to successful treatment except in the case of complications. Bacterial-based cultures are also grown in animal samples and, depending on the results, we will do an antibiogram or else select an antibiotic adequate to deal with the revealed bacteria.
- Microscopic Inspection. Our lab has two microscopes each with four lenses, with factors of magnification from 10 up till 100. By using one or the other we are able to observe the presence of parasites (fecal analysis), fungi, urinary crystals, bacteria (infections), cells (cytology), etc.
-Rapid Diagnostical Testing for Disease. The advances in veterinarian diagnostics have led to the use of these tests which, although not at 100 per cent accuracy, are still very useful for the quick diagnosis of certain dangerous diseases and illnesses in both dogs and cats; and they are without a doubt one more great clinical tool. In our clinic we test for Leishmania, Ehrlichia, Filaria, Anaplasma, Parvovirus, Feline Leukemia, Feline Immunodeficiency Syndrome, etc.
- Urinary Analysis. This involves measuring both normal and abnormal substances in the urine. It is very important, especially in cats older than seven, the presence of uretic proteins as this can be the first indication of possible renal failure; if not diagnosed in the early stages, it can be fatal for the animal. Urine density is another measurable factor, and variations in density are significant of various pathologies, some very serious. The early detection of red blood cells in the urine can suggest other pathologies. White blood cells and glucose (possible indicator of diabetes) are also indicative of particular pathological changes.
All these diagnostic tests give our veterinarians a wide range of tools in order to arrive at a diagnosis of the animals pathology; they also help them to prescribe a specific and therefore more certain treatment whose outcome, with minimal repercussions for the animal, has more chance of success. Nevertheless, there exist certain cases which demand further investigation and more complicated testing. Which is why we have collaborative agreements with other centers and hospitals which offer more specialized services, this in order not to deprive your pet of whatever care it needs. Our veterinarians will advise in these cases what is best for the animal.