Bacteriology

During a routine necropsy, bacterial swabs are taken from various areas of the animal including the pharynx, caecum and genitals. Swabs are also taken from any lesions or abnormalities discovered during the necropsy.

Our bacteriology laboratory is run by a professional bacteriologist with decades of experience. Using biochemical, agglutination and molecular biological techniques all isolates are identified, and any pathogenic or unusual species of bacteria are reported to our Clients.

We believe that if an organism is isolated that has the potential to cause disease in either the animals or the staff, then the client should be informed in confidence, even if the organism is not listed on the FELASA guidelines.

Colony health management can only be improved by having access to all the available information. Links to relevant references about the organism are also routinely supplied so that the Client can decide what course of action they believe is correct, and expert advice is always available.

A full range of environmental bacteriology services is also available including the screening of water, air, surfaces and consumables, including diet and bedding.

Parasitology

Surrey Diagnostics are able to examine samples from all species of animals for evidence of ectoparasites and endoparasites. Ectoparasites are looked for via direct examination of the fur and ears of rodent species, or in the case of larger species, examination of ear swabs.

The techniques used to screen for endoparasites include microscopic examination of fresh caecal and duodenal contents to look for live protozoa and helminths, and anal imprints and faecal flotations to look for eggs and cysts. If samples are sent to our consultant parasitologists for a second opinion, all charges are covered by Surrey Diagnostics.