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.
Endocrine Diagnostic Service
Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology
212 Greene Hall
College of Veterinary Medicine
Auburn University, AL 36849-5518
Telephone: 334-844-5400
Fax: 334-844-5388
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.
Forms
- Endocrine Diagnostic Service Submission Form (PDF)
- Collection and Testing Information (PDF)
- Normal Values (PDF)
Resources
We no longer measure INSULIN, URINE CORTISOL/CREATININE, or T3. Also, we only accept samples for PROGESTERONE from horses. Results can be reported to you in 1 of 4 ways: email, fax, phone, or US mail. There is NO CHARGE for your first choice of how you’d like your result reported. Additional choices for results will cost $1.00 each.
- Flow Diagram: Diagnosis of Canine Cushings (PDF)
- Recommendations for Monitoring Therapy for Canine Cushings – Trilostane (Vetoryl) (PDF)
- Recommendations for Monitoring Therapy for Canine Cushings – Lysodren (PDF)
- Collection Guidelines for Endogenous ACTH (PDF)
- Fructosamine Measurement (PDF)
- Using Compound ACTH (PDF)
