Thyroid testing

Watson's Mom

Forums Enthusiast
We have an appointment Friday to talk with the vet about possibly doing thyroid testing for Watson. Is there a preferred lab to use or generally does a clinic only use a certain lab with no deviation?
 
Hi Darci,

I always ask to have the blood sample sent to Michigan State...it does by far the most comprehensive thyroid panel of any facility that I know of. It is more expensive than having it done elsewhere but far more accurate.

Trini
 
Yes, Michigan State is my vet's lab of choice for thyroid as well. They certainly helped change Colonel Underpants' life for the better. Very precise results you can trust!

(Disclaimer: I work for Michigan State University :biggrin2:)
 
I had been told either MSU or Cornell but thought I'd see which one anyone here has used in the past.

Thanks!
 
We actually saved a ton by using a vet who sends samples to MSU. I wouldn't trust anyplace else but may be prejudiced, I think every vet I've met in these parts went there.
 
I know someone who goes directly to MSU, but she lives in Michigan. My vet
is a Purdue Vet and they run the test right in the office. It takes a bit of time
until the lab work is completed.

I have great confidence in him that he is doing right by my Lil' Lady. The problem
I had, I would see the vet who was in the office. The one vet was way off the
mark on the med and to me experimenting. The vet I am seeing now has Lil'
Lady on track. I request the same vet,I call to see when he is in.

I wanted to stay on the same route and not different ideas what to do. As long
as Lil' Lady takes a pill twice a day and the right mg we are doing great.
 
My vet has been doing just a regular thyroid/blood test in house, or just sending it to the regular lab. What does Michigan do that the other labs don't? I got Gus last year at 10 years old and he was overweight and shaved due to severe matting. Since being on soloxine, he has lost 5 pounds and is growing his fur back in. Do I need to request a special test next time?
 
Blood has been drawn and will be on its way to MSU... full thyroid panel and a couple of other tests that the doc said often show a similar profile in hypothyroid dogs.

Doc said he's going to be awfully surprised if it comes back completely normal. And also that he's had a number of shelties recently who were clinical in what he called the "grey zone" that is the lower end of normal.

I knew that a full panel should be run and not just T4 but I'm really happy he explained why and how the whole feedback loop works.
 
Back
Top