BACTERIOLOGY
It is the policy of this laboratory to provide a total service with no hidden
extra costs. Culture (Aerobic and anaerobic where applicable) serological
and bio-chemical identification, of any bacteria, together with antimicrobial
sensitivities as and when necessary are all included in the quoted price.
We continually appraise the routine antibiotic sensitivity tests that are
applied and will specifically test for any antibiotic requested at no extra
charge.
Transport swabs should be used rather than dry swabs wherever possible,
as use of the latter precludes recovery of anaerobes and the more “delicate
“ bacteria.
A clinical history enables veterinary advice and comments to be made where
necessary.
FAECES
Examination for all bacterial pathogens including Salmonella, Pseudomonas,
Clostridia and Campylobacter species are routinely performed on all samples.
MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION
Faeces are examined for starch granules, fat, fibre etc., stained for bacteria
e.g. Gram, ZN., MZN., etc. and F.A.T. examination, where applicable. Cryptosporidia
and protozoal examinations are included in the faeces analysis. Skin scrapings
are examined, under U.V. light, as a KOH wet prep, KOH digest and stained
for bacteria and fungal spores.
MILK/MASTITIS
Examination for all bacterial pathogens, (mycoplasma species if history
dictates) yeasts and fungi, together with a check for inhibiting substances
(mostly antibiotics) are routinely performed on all samples.
VAGINAL/CLITORAL
SWABS
Genital pathogens are routinely checked for on all samples, including Taylorella
equigenitalis (CEMO) in horses.
FAECES ANALYSIS
Bacteriology, Microscopic Examination and Parasitology are included. Faecal
proteolytic activity is routinely assessed in dogs but not in cats. Sample
containers are available.
URINE ANALYSIS
Microscopic Examination of spun sediment, bacteriology, including count/organisms/ml,
biochemistry, specific gravity and cytology where appropriate. Note cells
do not survive well in urine and a bladder wash or catheter suction biopsy
is recommended for bladder cytology. Sample containers are available.
EMERGENCY VACCINE
When bacterial infection or warts become a herd or flock problem and the
standard commercial vaccines are not available or do not produce the desired
effect, then an Emergency Vaccine should be considered. Produced from the
actual field isolates causing the problem, killed bacterial or wart vaccines
are manufactured under Medicine Act regulations. It is necessary that each
particular case be discussed with the laboratory before submitting samples.
We handle all the paper work and apply for a specific Product licence for
the particular vaccine.
HISTOPATHOLOGY
Samples are normally processed within 24 hours of receipt, and a written
report including veterinary interpretation and prognosis is provided. For
routine histopathology, submit (approx. 1.00 -3.00 cm cubes) selected
samples in 10% buffered formal saline. For adequate fixation and good tissue
preservation, it is important to have a large volume of fixative (10:1)
to sample ratio.
| The recipe for Buffered (ph 7.0) 10% formal saline
per litre is:- |
| Formalin (40% formaldehyde soln) |
100 mls. |
| Distilled water |
900 mls. |
| Na H2 P04
2H20 |
4.5 g |
| Na 2H P04 |
6.5g |
BIOPSIES
Needle biopsies from lymph nodes, liver biopsies and skin biopsies, should
all be put in 10% formal saline as above.
For special histopathology techniques it is advisable to phone and discuss
with the laboratory first.
POST MORTEMS
Post mortems are performed Monday to Friday (not at weekends) by
prior arrangement with the Laboratory. Unexpected or poorly wrapped carcases
will be destroyed.
ACUTE PHASE
PROTEINS
These are proteins associated with acute inflammation, usually located in
the ALPHA globulins. They are useful markers of acute inflammation, especially
when antibiotics have been used and in those animals which do not mount
a significant haematological response. Most species have the same acute
phase proteins, although the magnitude of response varies between species.
| DOG |
Fibrinogen and C Reactive Protein (CRP) |
| CAT |
Fibrinogen |
| HORSE |
Fibrinogen |
| SHEEP/COW |
Haptoglobin |
| EDTA samples are required for fibrinogen while serum
or plasma is suitable for haptoglobin and CRP. |
| SPECIAL TESTING
PROTOCOLS |
| B121FOLATE/TLI |
| * |
For Canine Intestinal Malabsorption. |
| * |
Low B12 consistent with distal (ileal) pathology and/or
Exocrine Pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) or possible bacterial overgrowth. |
| * |
Low TLI Indicative of EPI. |
| * |
Low Folate consistent with proximal (jejunal) pathology
or food allergy. |
| * |
Low B12 and Folate consistent with generalised intestinal
damage malabsorption |
| * |
Raised Folate Associated with possible bacterial overgrowth. |
| von WILLEBRANDS TESTING |
| Currently tested by ELISA methods. Dogs with a high
prevalence of vWD are: |
| |
DOBERMANS |
| |
GERMAN SHEPHERDS |
| |
ROTTWEILERS |
| |
SCOTTIES |
| |
MIN SCHNAUZERS |
| |
MANCHESTER TERRIERS |
| |
RETRIEVERS |
| |
KEESHONDS |
| |
SHELTIES |
| |
DACHSHUNDS |
| |
BASSETS |
| |
POODLES |
| REQUIREMENTS |
| * |
Sodium citrate tubes. The tube must be correctly filled, as
citrate/blood ratio is critical. |
| * |
We can supply 4.5 ml and 2 ml citrate tubes, but you can make
up your own as long as the ratio citrate: blood is 1:9 i.e. 0.1 ml citrate
(0.105M sodium citrate) with 0.9 ml blood. |
| * |
Ideally centrifuge and freeze plasma.
NOTE: HAEMOLYSED OR PARTIALLY CLOTTED SAMPLES WILL BE REJECTED |
| * |
Send with an ice pack in summer by courier or express post.
Keep cool at all times avoid delays. |
| ROUTINELY do not test unhealthy
dogs, those on medication for other illness, and those recently vaccinated
(<14 days) |
| Please state if hypothyroid or on thyroid therapy. |
| * |
Do not test pregnant, or lactating bitches, or those in season
(unless there is excessive bleeding). |
| * |
These criteria do not apply if you have a clinically affected
animal. |
| * |
Ideally test puppies at 12 weeks of age, but larger breeds
may be tested from 7 1/2 weeks. |
| The minimum blood is 0.5 ml, but it is essential the ratio
citrate:blood is kept 1:9. |
|