For the diagnosis of Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease) and Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s) Disease

Sample collection and submission guidelines

• Ensure the samples have clotted and centrifuge 30–120 minutes after collection.
• Separate serum into plain tubes and label tubes with the patient’s name and time of sample.
• Submit tubes containing separated serum and request form to the laboratory.

To evaluate hepatic function

Sample collection and submission guidelines

• Ensure the samples have clotted and centrifuge 30–120 minutes after collection.
• Separate serum into plain tubes and label tubes with the patient’s name and time of sample.
• Submit tubes containing separated serum and request form to the laboratory.

This test is used to detect ovarian tissue in spayed bitches not showing signs of oestrus

Sample collection and submission guidelines

• Ensure the samples have clotted and centrifuge 30–120 minutes after collection.
• Separate serum into plain tubes and label tubes with the patient’s name and time of sample.
• Submit tubes containing separated serum and request form to the laboratory.

To evaluate atypical or subclinical hyperadrenocorticism or Alopecia X in dogs

For the diagnosis of Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease)

Sample collection and submission guidelines

• Ensure the samples have clotted and centrifuge 30–120 minutes after collection.
• Separate serum into plain tubes and label tubes with the patient’s name and time of sample.
• Submit tubes containing separated serum and request form to the laboratory.

An aid to the diagnosis of cryptorchidism in dogs

Sample collection and submission guidelines

• Ensure the samples have clotted and centrifuge 30–120 minutes after collection.
• Separate serum into plain tubes and label tubes with the patient’s name and time of sample.
• Submit tubes containing separated serum and request form to the laboratory.

Test protocol to confirm the presence of functioning ovarian tissue in bitches showing signs of oestrus.

Diagnostic test for feline hyperadrenocorticism

Diagnostic test for feline hyperadrenocorticism. ACTH produces a lower peak cortisol value and the elevation is more transient in the cat compared with the dog.

Note: ACTH is not licensed for use in the cat.

1. Collect baseline blood sample (1–2 ml blood in plain/gel tube).
2. Inject ½ vial (125 μg) Synachten, intravenously.
3. Sixty minutes post injection, collect the second sample as above.
4. Ninety minutes post injection, collect the third sample as above.

Cortisol is measured in all samples (cortisol x 3).

Test Code FACT

Test protocol to confirm the presence of functioning ovarian tissue in queens not showing signs of oestrus at the time of sampling.

1. Collect baseline blood sample (2 ml blood in plain/gel tube).
2. Inject 0.40 μg Buserelin intramuscular.
3. Two hours post injection, collect the second sample as above.

Oestradiol is measured in each sample (oestradiol x 2)

Test Code OAP1

An aid to the diagnosis of cryptorchidism in cats. This test has been shown to be an aid to the diagnosis of cryptorchidism in cats.

1. Collect baseline blood sample (2 ml blood in plain/gel tube).
2. Inject 300 IU hCG (Chorulon, Intervet) intravenously.
3. Sixty minutes post injection, collect the second blood sample as above.

Testosterone is measured in each sample (testosterone x 2).

Test Code RIG

A diagnostic test for hyperadrenocorticism

A single high dose dexamethasone suppression test is recommended as a diagnostic test for hyperadrenocorticism in the cat. Results of this test should never constitute the sole evidence for the presence of this disease in cats.

1. Collect baseline blood sample (1–2 ml blood in plain/gel tube).
2. Inject soluble dexamethasone intravenously at a dose rate of 0.1 mg/kg. 
3. Four hours post injection, collect the second sample as above.
4. Eight hours post injection, collect the third sample as above.

Cortisol is measured in all samples (cortisol x 3).

Test Code DSTC

Test protocol to confirm the presence of functioning ovarian tissue in queens showing signs of oestrus. No baseline sample is required for this test

1. Inject 300 IU hCG (Chorulon, Intervet) intramuscularly during behavioural oestrus.
2. Two weeks later collect blood sample (2 ml blood in plain/gel tube).

Progesterone is measured in post hCG sample. (progesterone x 1)

Test Code PGT

Dexamethasone Supression Test is generally regarded as a suitable screening test to differentiate normal horses from those with hyperadrenocorticism. Single doses of dexamethasone given to laminitic ponies have caused no clinical problems after administration.

1. Between 16:00 and 18:00 Collect baseline blood sample (at least 1 ml of blood in plain/gel tube).
2. Inject soluble dexamethasone intramuscularly at a dosage of 0.04 mg/kg.
3. Fifteen to 19 hours post injection, collect the second sample as above.

Cortisol is measured in all samples (cortisol x 2).

Test Code EDEX

To differentiate between crytorchid animals and false rigs. In animals 3 years or older, to differentiate between crytorchid animals and false rigs (castrated males showing signs suggestive of testicular hormonal stimulation). The test is not suitable for donkeys.

• Collect a single blood sample (at least 1 ml blood in plain/gel tube).

Oestrone sulphate is measured (oestrone sulphate x 1).
Test Code OSR

A diagnostic test for hyperadrenocorticism

1. Collect baseline blood sample (2 ml blood in plain/gel tube).
2. Inject 6000 IU hCG (Chorulon, Intervet) intravenously.
3. Sixty minutes post injection, collect second blood sample as above.

Testosterone is measured in each sample (testosterone x 2).

Test Code RIG