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Free blood testing for adult dogs today
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Posted on Jun 12 2023
Free blood testing for adult dogs is available at the Saipan Mayor’s Animal Shelter in As Perdido today from 9:30am to 3pm, to know if your pet has heartworm, or one of several tick diseases such as Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Free blood testing for adult dogs is available at the Saipan Mayor’s Animal Shelter in As Perdido today from 9:30am to 3pm.
The tests will show if your pet has heartworm, or one of several tick diseases such as Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis. Testing will be first-come, first-serve until supplies run out.
If supplies are still available tomorrow or Wednesday, testing will continue. Bravecto and vaccinations will also be offered during this time.
This testing is part of the study in the CNMI to evaluate the prevalence of different diseases and parasites among island dogs. This study will help further understand what is making dogs sick, and to keep family pets healthy.
Lauren Cabrera, founder of Saipan Humane Society who is hosting an animal clinic until Wednesday, June 14, said, “With no resident practicing veterinarian, the CNMI has struggled to provide evidence-based care to animals residing here. Over the last few years, a lack of diagnostic testing has created a gap in knowledge regarding what diseases are actually impacting our island animals. Following a slew of strange symptoms and deaths noticed in Saipan dogs, one visiting veterinarian has decided to take action—Dr. Kris Anderson, in collaboration with Texas A&M University.”
After the conclusion of their clinic, Cabrera said they will be taking one week specifically for furthering the training of volunteers and Dog Control Staff under the tutelage of Dr. Whitney Collins. “We will be learning more advanced skills such as taking samples from skin lumps to examine under the microscope, and examining fecal and skin parasites using the microscope. This microscope donated by Brabu Pharmacy has a large screen so if we are unsure of a diagnosis, we can share it with the veterinarian even after they have left to ensure we are still providing high quality care.”
“We will also be learning basic procedures to ensure animals are still well-cared for in the absence of a veterinarian on island,” said Cabrera.
