Thursday, April 18, 2019
In partnership with Idexx Lab Services, Big Lick Vet is excited to announce that we will be offering a free urinalysis to all of our patients for one-day only – Thursday, April 18th! We are working with Idexx to highlight the innovative technology of their lab analyzers – equipment used by Big Lick Vet! For example, the SediVue Dx Analyzer that we will use to provide part of your pet’s results delivers consistent, accurate results in about 3 minutes and uses technology similar to facial recognition software to identify abnormalities in a urine sample. The Idexx UA Analyzer improves results with consistent interpretation and color compensation for darkly colored samples. It also delivers results in about 80 seconds!
A urinalysis is a valuable test in both healthy and sick animals and while it is mainly used to assess the health of the kidneys and urinary system, it can also reveal information about other body systems. It includes dipstick parameters, urine specific gravity, and sediment evaluation. A urinalysis screens for and/or helps diagnose conditions such as a urinary tract infections, urinary crystals or stones, kidney disorders, liver problems, diabetes or other metabolic conditions, to name a few. Early detection of these diseases can be crucial in medical management or resolution so that you can ensure a long, healthy life for your beloved pet.
*PLEASE READ – IMPORTANT COLLECTION AND DROP-OFF INSTRUCTIONS BELOW*
Pet owners of both cats and dogs can come pick up a free urine collection kit for each of their pets. These kits will be available until the end of our Free Urinalysis Day. Each kit will include a brief form to be filled out and to bring with your pet’s urine sample. Collection of your dog’s urine can be performed during their regular potty time outside. We suggest using either the specimen cup provided in the kit, a ladle, or a Tupperware container to “free catch” your dog’s urine sample. Your urine collection kit will include a pipette for transferring the sample into a specimen cup if the sample is not already obtained using the cup.
Cat owners also have the option to collect their cat’s urine by free catch, but we also have Kit4Cat available at a cost of $5.00. Kit4Cat is a non-absorbent/water repellant litter to be used in a clean litter box without any other cat litter. It takes the place of your cat’s regular litter while you try to obtain your cat’s sample. When your cat urinates, the urine sample will not be absorbed and the pipette can be used to transfer the sample to the specimen cup.
After your dog or cat’s urine sample has been obtained, seal the specimen cup immediately and refrigerate. It is very important to refrigerate the sample if you are not able to bring it to the hospital immediately.
Samples can be dropped off between 7:30am and 4:30pm on Thursday, April 18th. If your pet’s urinalysis is normal, we will e-mail you a copy of your pet’s results. If your pet’s urinalysis is abnormal, we will call to set up a time for you to meet with your vet to discuss results and for your pet to be physically examined. Please note that physical examinations, medications, and further diagnostics are not included and must be paid at full price. Free Urinalysis Day is a one-day only event and we will not be accepting samples before or after April 18th.
