United Veterinary Clinic has the ability to run comprehensive haematology and biochemistry blood profiles in-house. 

In House haematology blood tests allow us to examine your pet's white blood cell count, red blood cell count and platelet counts. 

In house biochemistry blood tests allow us to examine 

• protein levels
• electrolytes
• liver profiles
• kidney profiles

We are equipped with both Abaxis and Idexx Procyte Machines.

At United Veterinary Clinic, the Canine 4Dx SNAP Test is used to screen and detect for heartworm infection. The SNAP test has a high sensitivity to detect even low worm burden infections. A blood smear and buffy coat examination are also performed to identify microfilariae (baby heartworms). A small amount of blood is needed, the tests are run in-house and results are out within 10 minutes.

What is heartworm?
Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal infection caused by a blood-borne parasite known as Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis). Larvae (immature heartworms) circulate within the blood vessels of infected dogs. As they reach the dog’s heart, they mature into adult heartworms and reproduce, obstructing blood flow and circulation, resulting in heart failure and possible death.

How is heartworm transmitted?
Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes via mosquito bites. When a dog is bitten by an infected mosquito, immature larvae are deposited into the dog's bloodstream. Over the course of 2-3 months, these larvae mature into adult worms and eventually migrate to the dog's heart and lungs vessels. The adult heartworms begin reproducing, completing a full life cycle.
What are the clinical signs of heartworm infection?

The severity of clinical signs depends on several factors such as the worm burden, location of the worms and the duration of the heartworm infection.

• chronic coughing
• shortness of breath, excessive panting
•  lethargy, generalized weakness
• exercise intolerance, reduced stamina
• reduced appetite, weight loss
• pale gum (mucous membrane) color
• collapse or loss of consciousness during exercise and hyperexcitability *in severe cases*

How can one prevent heartworm infection?

Heartworm disease is present and endemic to Singapore. Due to our tropical climate, mosquitoes are prevalent too. As such all dogs residing in Singapore are at a great risk.

Heartworm prevention is necessary to maintain the well-being of your dog. If your dog is less than 6 months of age, please commence heartworm prevention for life. Preventatives are available in oral, topical or injectable forms.

Click here to read more on heartworm disease

United Veterinary Clinic does have the capability of running an in-house tick fever PCR panel. 

Our PCR panel includes testing for the following tick fever parasites:

• Babesia spp. 
• Babesia gibsoni 
• Ehrlichia canis

Unlike external laboratory testing, we are able to get tick fever PCR results within 2 hours. This allows us the great benefit of ensuring our patients are treated correctly and early for tick fever. 

Click here to read more on tick fever and what it can do to your pet. 

The allergen-specific IgE antibody test is a blood test used to help diagnose an allergy to a specific substance or substances for an animal that presents with acute or chronic allergy-like symptoms. This is especially true if symptoms are recurrent and tied to triggers, such as exposures to a specific food or environmental condition.

Other tests exist that expose the animal to varying amounts of allergenic substances and measures the level of responses. Many of these tests can be affected by skin conditions such as eczema and medications such as anti-histamines. With some tests, there is also the potential for severe reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis. The allergen-specific test may be used as an alternative to these tests, as the test is performed using blood and not on the animal.

The allergy blood test measures the level of antibody produced in the blood in response to an allergen. The level of specific IgE to an allergen in the blood does not describe the severity of the reaction.

A blood sample is collected, and the cellular components removed. The serum is then sent to the lab where levels of antibody to specific food and regional allergens are measured. The results take 2-3 months to return. Using these results, changes to your pet’s lifestyle can be made to minimize contact with the offending allergens.

The allergen-specific IgE antibody test is usually indicated when your pet has signs or symptoms that suggest an allergy to one or more substances. These signs and symptoms may include:

• Hives
• Dermatitis
• Red itchy eyes
• Coughing
• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Vomiting
•  Diarrhea

The allergen-specific IgE antibody test may also be performed to monitor immunotherapy (desensitization) or to see if your pet has outgrown an allergy. It can only be used in a general way, however, as the level of IgE present does not correlate to the severity of an allergic reaction and an animal that has outgrown an allergy may have a positive IgE for many years afterward.