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- Equine & Canine
We love our dogs and horses and want them to be happy healthy!
Why do an HTMA?
The correct mineral balance is important for animal health. Biochemical, emotional and physical stressors can deplete the body of essential nutrients. Environmental toxicity and chronic health issues may result in the accumulation of toxins in tissue and disrupt normal body chemistry. Mineral imbalances in animals can present as a rough coat, flaky skin, poor growth, eating dirt, de-barking trees, tooth decay and worse. Mineral deficiencies, as well as excesses, can lead to ill health and disease.
What does it test for?
InterClinical Laboratories provides reliable clinical data on 32 nutrient and toxic minerals, 27 significant mineral ratios and a comprehensive interpretive report. Hair tissue mineral analysis is a non-invasive test that measures the levels of nutrients and toxic metals found in the hair. It can detect an excess or deficiency of nutrient minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc. It can also identify over exposure to toxic metals such as arsenic, aluminium, cadmium and lead.
The 32 Minerals
Will I know what to do with the results?
The right amount of minerals in the right ratio is the key to optimal health. Using hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) as a screening test can provide considerable information about the health of the animal, and can help prevent serious health issues by early detection. These comprehensive results give an indicator of the long term effects of diet, stress and toxic metal exposure. The report includes recommendations that can assist your Veterinarian or Animal Healthcare Practitioner in treatment.
The Analysis ReportHair Tissue Mineral Analysis
Hair tissue mineral analysis is a non-invasive test that measures the levels of nutrients and toxic metals found in the hair. It can detect an excess or deficiency of nutrient minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc. It can also identify over exposure to toxic metals such as arsenic, aluminium, cadmium and lead.
InterClinical Laboratories provides reliable clinical data on 32 nutrient and toxic minerals, 27 significant mineral ratios and a comprehensive interpretive report. Our report features detailed medical discussion of test results commenting on mineral balances, ratios, endocrine and performance indexes, areas of concern and possible contributing factors.
Minerals Tested
Nutritional minerals
Boron, Calcium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Sodium, Sulphur, Zinc
Toxic minerals
Aluminium, Arsenic, Beryllium, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, Uranium
Additional minerals
Barium, Germanium, Lithium, Nickel, Platinum, Strontium, Tin, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium
Minerals Tested for
+2 Elements – Boron & Antimony at additional charge
Sources of Toxicity
Diet, stress and exposure to heavy metals can all upset optimal mineral balances. Horses and dogs can be exposed to a variety of sources of contamination in their everyday environments.
Food, water, food containers, building materials (CCA treated wood, lead based paint), pesticides and land that has been exposed to industrial pollution can all offer exposure to heavy metals, as well as high levels of nutritional elements.
These minerals can build up over time and affect overall health.
How To Take a Hair Sample
To take the hair sample, ensure that the hair has been washed thoroughly, untreated, rinsed completely and dried. Cut the hair close to the skin, in a few small portions, and from several areas on the back of the neck. For a horse sample, cut several sections from the lower section of the mane. The area is similar for a canine sample, take several sections from above and below the collar, avoiding any area where topical treatments are applied. Cut hair as close to the skin as possible. Scissors should be high grade stainless steel or plastic to avoid contamination. The length should not be more than 5-6cm, retain the proximal (root) portion and discard the rest. This part reflects the most recent metabolic activity. The amount of hair necessary for analysis is half a gram, or approximately one tablespoon of hair, which should be placed in the sample collection envelope provided.
Ordering a Hair Analysis
We suggest that you ask your Veterinarian or Animal Healthcare Practitioner for a hair tissue mineral analysis from InterClinical Laboratories; alternatively, you can contact us directly for either a canine or equine HTMA submittal kit. Test results are usually available 10 – 15 days from the date we receive the sample.
InterClinical Laboratories provides request forms and small envelopes specifically designed for hair tests. If you wish to request a kit click below.