In House Laboratory

Hillside Animal Hospital has a complete in-house laboratory and offers specialized lab studies for pets in their junior years and senior years at a discount when performed as part of a wellness exam. In many cases, our sophisticated instruments and diagnostic capabilities allow us to receive results within minutes. We are also able to submit tests to a local reference laboratory when necessary.

4DX Testing at Hillside Animal Hospital

At Hillside Animal Hospital, one of the essential diagnostic tools we offer is the 4DX test, a quick and reliable way to screen for several serious diseases in dogs, including heartworm disease. This test is crucial for early detection and effective treatment, ensuring your furry friends stay healthy and happy.

What is 4DX Testing?

The 4DX test is a comprehensive blood test that screens for four significant vector-borne diseases: heartworm, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. This test is highly accurate and provides results in just a few minutes, making it an invaluable part of your dog's annual wellness exam.

Diseases Covered by 4DX Testing

1. Heartworm Disease

   • Cause: Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of affected dogs.
   • Symptoms: Early stages may show no symptoms, but advanced cases can cause coughing, fatigue, weight loss, and heart failure.
   • Importance of Detection: Early detection through the 4DX test allows for timely treatment, which is crucial as heartworm disease can be fatal if left untreated

2. Lyme Disease

   • Cause: Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease is transmitted through tick bites.
   • Symptoms: Symptoms include fever, lameness, joint swelling, and kidney problems.
   • Importance of Detection: Early detection helps prevent long-term complications and allows for effective treatment

3. Ehrlichiosis

   • Cause: This bacterial infection is transmitted by ticks and affects white blood cells.
   • Symptoms: Symptoms can include fever, lethargy, weight loss, and abnormal bleeding.
   • Importance of Detection: Detecting ehrlichiosis early through the 4DX test enables prompt treatment and management

4. Anaplasmosis

   • Cause: Another tick-borne bacterial infection, anaplasmosis can affect both dogs and humans.
   • Symptoms: Symptoms may include fever, joint pain, and lethargy.
   • Importance of Detection: Early detection through the 4DX test helps catch the disease early and begin treatment promptly

Why Choose 4DX Testing?

The 4DX test is a vital part of preventive care for your dog. By screening for these four diseases with a single blood sample, we can ensure early detection and treatment, which can significantly improve your pet's prognosis and quality of life. The test is quick, efficient, and provides accurate results, making it an essential tool in maintaining your dog's health.

Schedule Your Pet's 4DX Test Today

At Hillside Animal Hospital, we are committed to providing the best care for your pets. Schedule your dog's 4DX test today to ensure they are protected from these serious diseases.

Contact us at (608) 788-3425 to make an appointment or to learn more about our comprehensive veterinary services.