In-House Equine Laboratory & Diagnostic Testing
Jacksonville Equine Associates maintains a comprehensive in-house laboratory and a variety of portable, point-of-care diagnostic equipment. Our capabilities include hematology, serum chemistry, insulin and ACTH testing, cytology, microscopy, Serum Amyloid A, lactate, foal IgG, and stall-side pregnancy testing for cattle and goats. When your horse is sick or experiencing an emergency, waiting several days for laboratory results isn't always an option. Jacksonville Equine Associates maintains an in-house laboratory that allows our veterinarians to perform many important diagnostic tests quickly, helping us evaluate patients and make informed treatment decisions without waiting for samples to be processed by an outside laboratory.
We also have portable, stall-side testing capabilities that allow us to obtain valuable information while treating patients in the field.
In-House Bloodwork
Our in-house laboratory allows us to perform complete blood counts (CBCs) and serum chemistry testing with HESKA veterinary laboratory equipment, giving our veterinarians access to important diagnostic information without waiting for samples to be processed by an outside laboratory.
A CBC evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other blood parameters that can provide valuable information when investigating anemia, infection, inflammation, and systemic illness.
Serum chemistry testing provides additional information about organ function, electrolytes, proteins, glucose, and other metabolic changes that may occur with illness or disease. Having these capabilities in-house is particularly valuable for sick and emergency patients, when rapid laboratory results can help guide treatment decisions.
Stall-Side & Emergency Testing
Some diagnostic information can be obtained without returning samples to our clinic.
Our veterinarians have access to portable testing equipment that allows certain tests to be performed stall-side during farm calls and emergencies.
These capabilities include:
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Serum Amyloid A (SAA) – an inflammatory marker that can help evaluate and monitor inflammation
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Blood lactate – useful in assessing tissue perfusion and the severity of certain illnesses, particularly in emergency and critically ill patients
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Foal IgG testing – helps determine whether a newborn foal has received adequate antibodies from its mare's colostrum
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Cattle & goat pregnancy testing – rapid blood-based pregnancy testing performed stall-side
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Additional point-of-care diagnostics as indicated for the individual patient
Rapid results can be especially valuable when evaluating colic, infection, systemic illness, newborn foals, and other urgent cases.
In-House Insulin & ACTH Testing
Jacksonville Equine Associates also has the ability to perform insulin and ACTH testing in-house, allowing our veterinarians to obtain results more quickly when evaluating horses for common endocrine disorders.
These tests may be recommended when investigating conditions such as:
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Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
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Insulin dysregulation
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Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID/Cushing’s disease)
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Recurrent or unexplained laminitis
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Abnormal fat deposits or difficulty maintaining a healthy body condition
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Excessive drinking or urination
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Delayed shedding or an abnormal hair coat
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Other clinical signs suggestive of endocrine disease
Having insulin and ACTH testing available in-house can help shorten the time between evaluation, diagnosis, and development of an appropriate treatment or management plan.
Testing protocols and interpretation can vary depending on the horse, time of year, medications, feeding status, and type of test being performed. Our veterinarians will determine the appropriate testing protocol for each patient.
Cytology & Microscopic Evaluation
Our clinic is equipped with microscopes and laboratory staining supplies that allow our veterinarians to evaluate certain samples in-house.
Cytology involves examining cells under a microscope and can provide useful information when evaluating masses, wounds, skin conditions, infections, fluids, and other abnormalities.
Depending on the sample and findings, additional testing may still be recommended through a reference laboratory.
Fluid Analysis
Our veterinarians can perform or initiate evaluation of several types of body fluids depending on the patient's condition.
Fluid analysis can be an important part of diagnosing certain joint, abdominal, respiratory, reproductive, and other medical conditions.
The specific testing performed depends on the type of sample and the clinical question being investigated. Samples requiring more specialized analysis can be submitted to an outside laboratory.
Culture & Microbiology
Jacksonville Equine Associates has limited in-house microbiology capabilities, including equipment that allows us to incubate and evaluate certain bacterial cultures. When appropriate, samples may also be submitted to a reference laboratory for bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. These tests can help identify the organism responsible for an infection and determine which antimicrobial medications are most likely to be effective.
This is particularly important in cases where an infection is severe, recurrent, or has not responded as expected to previous treatment.
Reference Laboratory Testing
Not every diagnostic test can—or should—be performed in-house.
Jacksonville Equine Associates works with trusted veterinary reference laboratories for specialized testing that requires additional equipment, expertise, or confirmation.
Depending on the patient's needs, we can collect and submit samples for a wide variety of specialized diagnostic tests and interpret the results as part of your horse's overall medical evaluation.
Equine Diagnostic Testing in Northeast Florida & Southeast Georgia
Our combination of in-house laboratory equipment, portable stall-side diagnostics, and access to veterinary reference laboratories allows Jacksonville Equine Associates to provide comprehensive diagnostic testing for both routine and emergency cases.
Laboratory testing is available as part of our ambulatory veterinary services throughout Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia and at our Green Cove Springs haul-in clinic.
To schedule an appointment or speak with us about a sick or injured horse, contact Jacksonville Equine Associates at (904) 387-3330.
