Endocrine Diagnostic Service
The Endocrine Diagnostic Service at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine was established in the 1970’s as one of the first hormone testing labs in the U.S. catering specifically to veterinarians. The lab established methods to accurately measure a variety of hormones in animals of veterinary importance. Over the years, the lab, in addition to its primary mission of service to veterinarians, has been active in research in development of new and better methods to diagnose and treat endocrine disease. We offer measurement of hormones related to thyroid (Total T4, free T4 by dialysis, canine TSH, thyroglobulin autoantibody), adrenal (cortisol, endogenous ACTH) function. The lab uses the Immulite analyzer and radioimmunoassay methods. Finally, we offer interpretation of results provided by a veterinary endocrinologist and consultation with specialists in internal medicine, dermatology, and theriogenology located in our teaching hospitals.
Hours and Contact Information
The Service is closed during Auburn University Holidays: Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the period from Christmas through January 1st. The phone is attended to from 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE ON OUR VOICE MAIL. We will respond to questions as soon as possible. Also, we will respond to email questions related to the Endocrine Service.
All contact information (including for submitting samples by U.S. Mail, UPS, or Federal Express) can be found on the right side of this page.
Tests Offered
- Thyroid: Total T4, Free T4 by dialysis, Canine TSH, Thyroglobulin Autoantibody, Thyroid Profiles (Canine and Feline)
- Adrenal: Cortisol (ACTH Response, Dexamethasone Suppression)
- Other Tests: Fructosamine
Sample Collection
| Test |
Serum
(red top) |
EDTA Plasma
(purple top) |
Comments |
| T4 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
| Cortisol |
Yes |
Yes |
Ship cold
(if serum) |
| Free T4 |
Yes |
No |
|
| TSH |
Yes |
No |
|
| Endogenous ACTH |
No |
Yes |
Recommend trasylol (aprotinin)
No hemolysis
Ship cold |
Generally, avoid heparin
Endocrine Diagnostic Services originally established methods to accurately measure hormones in animals and currently researches new and better methods to diagnose and treat endocrine disease.
