Four Way Snap Test... Just What Is It?
By Rita Hookstead

Just like humans, during the spring and summer months, our pets are more likely to be exposed to diseases which are not as prevalent during the winter months. Four of the major diseases our pets may be at risk of getting are: Heartworm Disease, Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis. Heartworm Disease is transmitted through the mosquito. Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis are spread by either the deer tick, brown dog tick and wood tick respectively. All of these diseases can create serious illnesses in your dogs.

Due to the large number of ticks and mosquitoes in our area, we fully advocate screening for these diseases. Although your dog may not show any symptoms of having any of these diseases, it does not mean he/she is not infected with the bacteria causing these diseases.

One way to screen to determine if your dog has been exposed to any of these four diseases is take the Four Way Snap Test. The test is very simple. It requires a blood sample from your dog, taken at the time of your appointment. One blood sample can be used to run all four tests. Each of these tests is very specific for each infection. It is run in our laboratory so we can have prompt results for you and your pet.

If your dog tests positive for any of the above mentioned diseases, we have established a protocol for managing your dog. It most likely will indicate further testing and possible antibiotics. Left untreated, any of these infections can lead to a number of problems and conditions, such as kidney failure or heart disease, which can many times be irreversible and fatal.

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© Marsh View Veterinary Clinic, 2007
These articles are for your educational enjoyment. They may not be republished without the permission of Marsh View Veterinary Clinic. Please contact us at 920-326-3020 or 920-326-5738 if you have any questions.