Diagnostics & Lab Testing

Why diagnostics matter

Diagnostic testing helps us look “under the surface” of your pet’s health. Many conditions—especially early kidney disease, infections, or organ changes—don’t show obvious symptoms right away.

These tests are especially important before anesthesia or surgery to make sure your pet can safely handle the procedure.

In-House Testing (Same-Day Results)

These tests are performed right here in the hospital, so we can get results quickly—often within minutes.

What this is best for:

  • Sick pets who need immediate answers
  • Pre-surgical screening
  • Monitoring ongoing conditions
  • Same-day treatment decisions

Common In-House Tests

Bloodwork

  • CBC (Complete Blood Count)
    Checks red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
    → Helps detect infection, inflammation, anemia
  • Chemistry Panels (Chem10, Chem17)
    Evaluate organ function (liver, kidneys, blood sugar, proteins)
    → Helps identify organ disease or metabolic issues
  • Electrolytes (Lytes)
    Measures sodium, potassium, chloride
    → Critical for hydration status and heart function
  • SDMA
    Early indicator of kidney disease
    → Often detects problems before traditional values change
  • T4 (Thyroid Test)
    Screens for thyroid disease
    → Common in older pets
  • NSAID Screen (NSAID Clip)
    Ensures it’s safe to use anti-inflammatory medications
    → Protects liver and kidneys

Infectious Disease Screening

  • 4DX (Dogs)
    Tests for heartworm + tick-borne diseases (Lyme, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma)
  • Feline Triple / Combo Test
    Screens for FeLV (feline leukemia) and FIV. Triple also test for heartworm.

Pros & Cons of In-House Testing

Pros

  • Fast results (minutes to hours)
  • Immediate treatment decisions
  • Convenient (no return visit needed)

Cons

  • Smaller panels (less comprehensive)
  • Slightly less detailed than full lab analysis

Reference Lab Testing (IDEXX)

These samples are sent to a specialized laboratory for more in-depth analysis.

What this is best for:

  • Routine wellness screening
  • Senior pets
  • More complex or subtle conditions
  • When a deeper diagnostic picture is needed

Canine Geriatric Wellness Panel

Designed for senior dogs to catch problems early.

Includes:

  • Comprehensive chemistry panel (Chem 27 + SDMA)
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Thyroid screening (T4)
  • Heartworm & tick disease testing (4DX with Lyme confirmation if needed)
  • Urinalysis
  • Fecal parasite screening (microscopic + antigen testing)

Why this matters:
This panel evaluates major organs, screens for infections, and checks for parasites—all in one test. It’s one of the most complete ways to assess any dogs health regardless of age.

Feline Adult Outdoor Wellness Panel

Designed for cats with higher exposure risk.

Includes:

  • Organ function testing (kidneys, liver, proteins, glucose, electrolytes)
  • SDMA (early kidney detection)
  • CBC (infection, anemia)
  • Feline leukemia/FIV testing
  • Fecal parasite screening

Why this matters:
Outdoor cats are exposed to more risks. This panel screens for disease, infection, and parasites before symptoms appear.

Pros & Cons of Send-Out Testing

Pros

  • More comprehensive and detailed
  • Better for early detection and subtle changes
  • Combines multiple tests into one panel

Cons

  • Results take longer (usually 1–3 days)
  • Requires waiting before treatment decisions in some cases

Fecal Testing (Parasite Screening)

Parasites are common—even in pets that look healthy.

In-House Fecal (Imagyst)

Uses advanced imaging and AI to detect parasites quickly.

Best for:

  • Same-day answers
  • Pets with diarrhea or urgent symptoms

Send-Out Fecal Testing (IDEXX)

Includes:

  • Microscopic exam (ova & parasites)
  • Antigen testing (detects parasites that may not show up under a microscope)

Best for:

  • Routine screening
  • Detecting hidden infections
  • More accurate, especially in low parasite loads

Pros & Cons of Fecal Options

In-House (Imagyst)
Pros:

  • Fast results
  • Great for sick pets

Cons:

  • May miss early or low-level infections

Send-Out Panels
Pros:

  • More sensitive and comprehensive
  • Detects parasites that are easy to miss

Cons:

  • Slower turnaround

How This Applies to Surgery

Before anesthesia, we often recommend bloodwork because:

  • It helps us detect hidden risks
  • It allows us to tailor anesthesia safely
  • It reduces the chance of complications

Even pets that seem healthy can have underlying issues that only show up on lab work.

Lab work isn’t just an extra step—it’s one of the most valuable tools we have to protect your pet’s health.

  • Early detection = more treatment options and better outcomes
  • Preventive testing = lower long-term costs
  • Pre-surgical testing = safer anesthesia and peace of mind

In many cases, a simple test today can prevent a much bigger problem tomorrow.