We have a laboratory that allows us to run laboratory tests at any time with some of the results within hours of taking the sample. This allows us to reach a diagnosis much quicker in many cases, allowing us to use the results to tailor the treatment sooner for each individual.
Haematology and biochemistry results can be obtained at any time (even urgently out of hours).
Some urine tests can also be done as well as ringworm culture from skin scrapings.
Obviously microscopy is also very important for examination of blood smears, semen quality (for inseminations) and faecal egg counts.
For more complex tests, we have twice daily collections to specific external laboratories. This gives detailed results which aid in the detection of specific conditions, therefore allowing prompt treatment.
Blood samples are a very common way to diagnose several conditions of horses including myopathies (muscle damage), liver damage (e.g. ragwort poisoning) and infections.
We also use naso-pharyngeal swabs routinely in the diagnosis of respiratory disease in horses. This is particularly important for horses with Streptococcus equi equi (Strangles) and equine influenza virus.