Laboratory

Ashbrook has laboratory facilities which can be used 24 hours a day, enabling us to run routine and emergency blood samples without delay.

The Nihon Kohden haematology machine analyses blood and other fluid such as joint fluid and peritoneal fluid (belly tap) in less than a minute. Analysis of blood with this machine gives us valuable information about the horse’s blood cells; the white blood cell giving an indication of the immune status and the red blood cells an indication of anaemia and the extent of blood loss. Quick analysis of joint fluid and peritoneal fluid is invaluable to assess emergency cases such as an infected joint or colic.

Our VetScan biochemistry machine gives us information about liver enzymes, kidney function, muscle enzymes, electrolytes and various blood proteins. Blood can be spun down and the PCV (packed cell volume) measured. This, along with analysis of plasma using a refractometer, allows us to assess hydration status and the extent of blood loss. This will be regularly checked in any sick horse that is receiving intravenous fluids or horse that has lost lots of blood.

If other more specialized tests are required, the samples will be sent to specialist laboratory.

A microscope allows us to further evaluate joint fluid, peritoneal fluid (‘belly tap’) and blood smears for abnormal cells and the presence of bacteria. It is also regularly used to perform faecal worm egg counts. Faecal Worm Egg counts are a very useful as part of a worming program and are performed routinely in our lab at Ashbrook. All that is required is a small amount of faeces, as fresh as possible, stored in the fridge. This test gives an indication of the adult redworm burden. These, along with tapeworms, are the main worms to consider in an adult horse. Not all horses are equally susceptible to worms and if there is good pasture management, worming regularly for redworms is often unnecessary. It is important to still worm for tapeworm (or do a tapeworm blood test) twice a year.