The 4Dx Plus Test, from Idexx Reference Laboratories, is a blood test that can be run at Bedford South Veterinary Hospital. It is recommended to run this test annually to help prevent the following tick-borne diseases:
Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis)
Transmission: MOSQUITO
Heartworm is both treatable and preventable. However, it is a serious and deadly disease that in its early stage that may show no clinical signs. If owners run a SNAP 4Dx Plus Test annually to find infection sooner, that may not be obvious by just looking at the pet; we are able to start treatment quickly.
Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi)
Transmission: DEER TICK (Ixodes scapularis)
The SNAP 4Dx Plus Test identifies if there are responses in the body as a result of a Borrelia burgdorferi infection. This is the main parasite responsible for causing Lyme disease. This being said, it’s a negative or positive result which should be followed up with the IDEXX Laboratories Lyme Quant C6 Test. This test will tell us the level of C6 antibodies in your patient’s blood- meaning it will tell us how far along the disease has progressed.
Ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia Canis & Ehrlichia ewingii)
Transmission: LONESTAR TICK (Amblyomma americanum)
This disease can have multiple clinical signs, making diagnosis difficult. The SNAP 4Dx Plus Test tells us if Ehrlichia has been transmitted to your pet. Again, this is a positive or negative test, and further diagnostics are needed to control the infection early.
Anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum & Anaplasma platys)
Transmission: BROWN DOG TICK (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
This disease is zoonotic, meaning it can be passed to you or your other pets. It is an infection that can lead to bleeding disorders. To identify exposure to Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys, and improve patient’s future and your safety, the SNAP 4Dx Plus Test is needed.
Written by Bedford South Veterinary Hospital
