Veterinary Pathology
Ampath's veterinary services offer comprehensive diagnostic solutions tailored to the needs of various animal species.
Our state-of-the-art laboratory provides a wide range of tests, including chemistry, haematology, microbiology and allergy testing.
About Us
Welcome to Ampath's Veterinary Laboratory Service, where we take pride in delivering professional, high-quality diagnostic services. Our dedicated team of veterinary laboratory diagnosticians and skilled staff work together to provide accurate and reliable test results for:
🐶 Companion Animals
🐄 Livestock
🐦 Birds
🐠 Fish
🦎 Exotic Animals
A wide spectrum of tests are available including chemistry, haematology, molecular (PCR) and microbiology.
For any enquiries kindly contact us on veterinary@ampath.co.za
Veterinary Chemistry
Ampath’s clinical biochemistry laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art automated analysers, including Beckman Coulter and Roche Cobas instruments, ensuring high-quality diagnostic testing for both mammalian and non-mammalian species. We offer a comprehensive range of tests designed to diagnose and monitor animal health, covering markers of nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular disease.
Our services also include routine clinical chemistry and acute phase reactants. Hormone testing is available for various species to assess endocrine and reproductive function. Our laboratories operate under stringent quality control protocols to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and consistency of results—supporting Ampath’s commitment to exceptional diagnostic services.
Please refer to the Request Form section at the bottom of the page for a complete list of available tests.
Veterinary Haematology
The Sysmex XN-V-1000 is an accredited veterinary system.
An FBC (full blood count) can be performed on the following species:
-Companion animals: cat, dog, horse, rabbit, mouse, rat, hamster, guinea pig
-Production animals: sheep, goat,cattle, pigs, chickens
-Birds: ostriches, vultures
-Fish
-Reptiles
-Wildlife: antelope, rhino, elephant, cheetah, lion, camel, primates, dassie
In racehorses we also offer:
-Pre-gallop: PCV (Packed Cell Volume) also known as Haematocrit
-Post-gallop: PCV (Packed Cell Volume) also known as Haematocrit
Coagulation testing:
Ampath offers Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) for cats, dogs and horses.
Please refer to the Request Form section at the bottom ofthe page for a complete list of available tests.
Veterinary Microbiology
The Veterinary Microbiology Laboratory offers the following tests:
1. Aerobic culture (Salmonella culture included)
-Culture and identification of a wide variety of bacterial pathogens by culture in normal air atmosphere.
-Specimens: Aspirates, Exudates, Faeces, Fresh tissue, Intestinal content, Swabs in transport medium, Urine
2. Anaerobic culture
-Culture and identification of a wide variety of bacterial pathogens by culture in an atmosphere without oxygen.
-Specimen: Fresh tissue, Intestinal content, Swabs in transport medium, Faeces
3. Microaerophilic (Campylobacter) culture
-Culture and identification of a wide variety of bacterial pathogens by culture in a reduced oxygen atmosphere.
-Specimen: Caecal content, Faeces, Intestinal content, Liver
4. Salmonella enrichment
-Very small numbers of Salmonella may be present in samples of animal or environmental origin.
-An enrichment method is used to increase these small numbers of Salmonella and to suppress other bacteria that may overgrow or inhibit them.
-Specimen: Faeces, Intestinal content
5. Antibiotic sensitivity
-Determining antibiotic sensitivity of significant isolates by the disk diffusion method. '
-This method can be performed on fast growing aerobic, facultative anaerobic and anaerobic bacterial isolates.
-Specimen: Pure bacterial culture
6. Fungal culture and identification
-Culture and identification of a wide variety of fungal pathogens by culture in normal air.
-Specimen: Hair, Fresh tissue, Swab in transport medium, Skin scrapings
7. Blood culture
-Culture of blood, joint fluid or CSF in blood culture bottles followed by aerobic and/or anaerobic culture and identification.
-Specimen: Blood in heparin, blood in blood culture bottle (provided), CSF, joint fluid
8. Abortion panel
-Aerobic, anaerobic, microaerophilic and fungal culture and identification are included in this panel.
-Specimen: Fresh tissues: Placenta, Foetal organs, Stomach content, Eye lid, Ear swab
9. Smear examination
-Air dried smears of animal organs, exudates, faeces, blood can be submitted for staining and examination for pathogenic protozoa, bacteria and fungi.
-Stains offered: Gram, Modified Ziehl Neelsen, Giemsa, Carbol fuchsin and Lactophenol Cotton Blue stain.
-Specimen: Air dried smears
PAX (Pet Allergy xplorer)
Ampath now offers the first quantitative multiplex molecular component IgE assay specifically designed for dogs, cats, and horses as part of our commitment to enhancing veterinary care. This test has the potential to improve the quality of life for both pets and their owners while preventing complications.
This cutting-edge pet allergy test simultaneously detects specific IgE antibodies against over 200 allergen extracts and molecular components in a single assay. It covers allergies to inhalants, plant-based foods, animal proteins, and insect venoms, providing evidence-based drug withdrawal times for allergen-specific IgE serological testing
- No withdrawal necessary for antihistamines.
- No withdrawal necessary for oral steroids less than 1mg/kg/day for less than 8 weeks (no studies have been conducted on the withdrawal times needed for dosages higher than 1 mg/kg/day or an administration longer than 8 weeks).
- Withdrawal required for 28 days from last injection for long-acting injectable steroids.
- No withdrawal necessary for cytopoint (injectable lokivetmab). No studies have been conducted on the withdrawal times needed for dosages higher than 3.3 mg/kg or more than one injection.
- No withdrawal necessary for apoquel (oral oclacitinib). No studies have been conducted on the withdrawal times needed for dosages higher than 0,4-0,6 mg/kg/day or an administration longer than 30 days.
Test details
- Access the PAX Allergy request form below
- Once the Laboratory receives the blood sample, pet owners will be contacted to arrange payment before processing. The test will only be done once payment has been received.
- The veterinarian will receive the report within one month of payment confirmation.
- Pet owners can access their reports by contacting their veterinarian, visiting an Ampath Care Centre to print a copy, or emailing petallergy@ampath.co.za to request a digital report.
Veterinary Histology
Coming soon