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LIGHT OF LIFE
VETERINARY CLINIC
THE TESTS
Not all clinical signs exhibited by your pets are specific to a clinical disease.
Some clinical signs are generalized because every organ in the body works hand in hand to achieve an equilibrium, so any abnormality in any organs can create these non-specific clinical signs like vomiting, poor appetite, panting, pale gum, weakness and lethargy.
Clinicians cannot and should not give a diagnosis or prognosis depending simply on clinical experience or clinical exposure, without any repeatable, quantitative analysis.
All diagnostic tests, chosen at the appropriate time, are valuable and important to achieve an accurate medical diagnosis.
BLOOD TESTS
Blood tests can be considered a starting point of any medical diagnosis.
For some conditions, the vet may recommend further lists of more in-depth tests. Some diseases, in their early stages, do not show any external signs but may be reflected in the blood test results.
Theoretically, the blood test result can change rapidly in some cases. Some fluctuations in the quantitative levels can be detected every 12-24 hours.
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HAEMATOLOGY
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This checks the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets quantity and quality.
This will determine the body’s ability to circulate oxygen, fight diseases, clot blood and perform many basic functions.
BIOCHEMISTRY
This checks the various organ systems using the serum in the blood. This profile can be a single test or a panel of multiple tests.
A typical biochemistry profile includes:
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Total Proteins (Globulin & Albumin)
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Liver (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT)
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Bilirubin
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Kidney (Urea & BUN)
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Pancreas (Amylase & Lipase)
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Glucose
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Calcium & Phosphate
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Cholesterol
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Electrolytes (Potassium, Chloride, Sodium, and Bicarbonate)
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Bear in mind that the normal reference range can be different for different species, life stages and diagnostic machines.
A follow-up review is always recommended in order to keep track of your pet’s health condition.
Below is a simplified concept of blood analysis and their significance. We hope this will help you grasp the importance of a timely evaluation.
**All result interpretation should not be one dimensional but should include cross referencing and comparison of all readings obtained from all variety of tests and the physical appearance of the patient involve.
IN HOUSE TEST KITS
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, also called ELISA or EIA, is a test that detects and measures antibodies/ antigens in your pet's blood.
This type of test can be used to determine the presence of hundreds of different proteins (like antibodies) and molecules including cytokines, growth factors, markers for infectious diseases, diabetes and tumor, drugs and small molecules, etc.
They are a quick, convenient and accurate tools for the detection of certain infectious animals diseases.
The ELISA test involves taking a blood sample from your pet which will then be mixed with the chemicals that are appropriate to the disease we are testing for.
If the blood sample contains antibodies to the antigen, the two will bind together and the result indicator with have a change in colour.
Below are tests that we do:
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Heartworm
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Parvovirus
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Ehrlichia
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Distemper
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Canine Influenza
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Lyme Disease
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Anaplasma
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Total IgE
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Adenovirus 2
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Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
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Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
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Feline Herpes Virus
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Feline Calicivirus
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Giardia
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Toxoplasma IgM/total IgG
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Leishmania
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Leptospira
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Corona Virus
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Small animal cardiac troponin I test
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Small animal d-dimer test
OTHERS
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Aerobic Cultures
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Anaerobic Cultures
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Fungal Cultures
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Histopathology
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Microbiology
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Molecular Diagnostics
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Post Mortem
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Skin Allergen Tests
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Canine DNA Test
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Avian Diseases
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Avian Gender Differentiation
DIRECT MICROSCOPY
Light microscopy passes a light source through a condenser to focus it on the tiny sample and this light goes through the objective lens to magnify the image of the sample & then to the oculars, where the enlarged image is viewed by the vets or nurses.
Below are tests that we do:
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Faecal sample analysis
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Urine sample analysis
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Skin cell/sample analysis
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Fur sample analysis
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Feather sample analysis
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Cytology
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Tissue smear analysis
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Ectoparasites identification
SONOGRAPHY
Ultrasonography is the second most commonly used imaging format in veterinary practice. Ultrasonography cannot be used to scan gas-filled or bony tissues instead it is widely used to evaluate the soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system, structures and dimensions of the various internal organs.
Ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic evaluation that has no side effects, although occasionally a mild sedation has to be given to calm an anxious patient in order to capture a clearer image.
Ultrasound is also much faster and more affordable than some other advanced imaging modalities, like CT or MRI.
URINE ANALYZER
In healthy animals, very little protein can filter through into the urine because they are big molecules, unless the glomerulus structure within the kidneys are damaged
A very small amount of the smaller albumin does get filtered across the glomerulus, but nearly all of the albumin is then reabsorbed by the proximal tubule of the kidneys, so that next to no albumin is excreted in the urine either.
Microalbumin (MA) in the urine is one of the earliest diagnostic marker that can support the presence of a renal malfunction.
Persistent MA in the dog or cat does not always imply that there will be progression to advancing stages of kidney disease, although that does happen in some patients, it however suggests that the pet has some level of kidney dysfunction that may be associated with some form of systemic diseases.
Further in-depth evaluation will be recommended and biweekly reassessment of MA in the urine is essential.
This form of urinalysis is recommended for:
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Apparently healthy dogs that are ≥ 6 years old
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Apparently healthy cats that are ≥ 8 years old
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Pets with confirmed or suspected high blood pressure
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Routine and frequent screening of dogs or cats to monitor genetic kidney issues
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Pets with other chronic illnesses that may be complicated by kidney issues
OPHTHALMOLOGY
This form of urinalysis is recommended for:
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Apparently healthy dogs that are ≥ 6 years old
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Apparently healthy cats that are ≥ 8 years old
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Pets with confirmed or suspected high blood pressure
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Routine and frequent screening of dogs or cats to monitor genetic kidney issues
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Pets with other chronic illnesses that may be complicated by kidney issues
Ophthalmology is branch of medical science dealing with the structure, functions, and diseases of the eye.
An ophthalmic examination for a new patient includes:
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Obtaining a detailed clinical history
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Examination of the anterior segment of the eye - the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, anterior chamber, iris, and lens.
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Examination of the posterior segment of the eye - vitreous, retina, and optic nerve using an indirect
ophthalmoscope or a retina camera.
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Performing any additional diagnostic tests that are indicated for your pet’s eye condition, e.g. Fluorescein Eye Stain Test, Schirmer Tear Test, Tonometry to obtain IOP.
*Cases may be refer to other clinics, hospitals and facilities where we deem appropriate and necessary.
LOCATION
Blk 703 Bedok Reservoir Road
#01-3508 Singapore 470703
CONTACT
Tel: 6243 3282
(By Appointment Only)
Email: lightoflifevet@live.com.sg
OPERATING HOURS
MON & WED & SUN
5 pm to 10 pm
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THURS TO SAT
2 pm to 4 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm
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CLOSED TUES
& ALL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS