Detection of antibodies to Histoplasma capsulatum, the causative agent of histoplasmosis, by complement fixation. Starting dilution is 1:8; titer performed to endpoint using 2-fold dilutions (1:8, 1:16, 1:32, etc.).
Measurement of insulin and glucose from a fasting sample. This test is used for a diagnosis of insulinoma in dogs, cats, and ferrets and an indicator of metabolic syndrome in horses. Also used to document insulin resistance, especially in horses suspected of pituitary adenoma.
Measurement of insulin like growth factor 1 hormone (IGF-1). Results are useful in the diagnosis of acromegaly (growth hormone excess) or dwarfism (growth hormone deficiency).
Measurement of iron in feed or tissue samples by inductively-coupled plasma/mass spectrometry. A $11.25 sample preparation fee will be added to tissue and feed specimens.
Specimen
One or more of the following:
5 g fresh liver
50 mg fresh liver biopsy (at least 3 Tru-Cut samples, no fluid added)
500 g feed
Blood, serum, and urine samples are tested on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with a turnaround time of 7 days. Tissue and feed samples are tested on Mondays and Thursdays with a turnaround time of 10 days.