In House Lab

Internal Medicine is the discipline within Medicine and Surgery that deals with all the non-surgical issues that a pet might have. Common ailments that fall under Internal Medicine would be Cardiology, Respiratory Disease, Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Gastroenterology, Liver and Kidney Issues, Endocrine (Glandular) Issues like Diabetes, Cushing’s Disease or Hyperadrenocorticism, Addison’s Disease or Hypoadrenocorticism, Hypo- and Hyperthyroidism, etc. At Country Creek Animal Hospital, we are well equipped to diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent some of the common internal medicine issues that your pet may face or is challenged with.

In addition to in-house Diagnostic Imaging equipment and quick access to ultrasound services if needed, we also have a fully functioning in-house laboratory that can analyze blood, urine, and fecal samples for a timely and accurate diagnosis, as well as appropriate treatment planning and patient monitoring. The tests that can be run in-house include:

CBC (Complete Blood Count): Analyze Red and White Blood Cells as well as Platelets
Internal Organ Function Screenings: Look at and interpret metabolic functions and health of the Liver, Kidneys, Pancreas, Blood Proteins, Calcium, Phosphorus, Cholesterol, Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar), and many others
Electrolytes: Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride play very vital roles in homeostasis (the body’s natural tendency to want to maintain a natural, balanced state). Derangements in these electrolytes can be critical for most pets. We can measure and monitor these electrolytes in house with our laboratory equipment and therefore make timely adjustments to treatments for pets.
Blood Parasite Screening: In addition to Feline and Canine Heartworm disease, we can also screen for tick and flea-borne diseases in pets like Lymes disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis
Fecal Floatation: A simple test to screen pets for intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, coccidia, and giardia. We can also screen stool for overgrowths of bacteria that may cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Urinalysis with Sediment Analysis: Urine testing can be as important as blood testing in certain cases. Our in-house urinalysis includes an assessment of urine chemistries and concentration, but we also look at the urine sediment to see if there are any urinary crystals forming, etc.
Pancreatic Enzyme Testing: In particular, for pets with suspected pancreatitis, we can offer a quick test to see if specific pancreatic enzymes are elevated. Elevations in these enzymes would be consistent with a diagnosis of pancreatitis.
Parvo Virus Screening: For pets that are exhibiting signs consistent with Parvovirus infection, we can offer a patient-side test to screen for this potentially fatal disease. With a timely diagnosis, we can start supportive care and treatment in a timely manner.
Electrocardiograph (ECG or EKG): Measure and monitor heart waves for arrhythmias, heart block, assessment during CPR, anesthesia and sedation monitoring, etc.
Blood Pressure Monitoring Equipment: Accurately and easily measures blood pressure for the presence of hypo- or hypertension (Low and High Blood Pressure).
Pulse Oximetry/SpO2 Monitoring: Measures the oxygen levels in the peripheral blood. This helps us assess respiratory function, oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood cells, and any interference with normal air exchange.

We also have your standard thermometers, ophthalmoscope (eye scope), otoscope (ear scope), a microscope to assess samples of blood, urine, and stool, cytology samples from aspirates of masses, and a microbiology lab for determining fungal and bacterial growths/infections, etc.