Common Lab Tests for Cats & Dogs
Routine lab testing is an important part of both preventive care and diagnosing illness. Many conditions that affect pets, like kidney disease, diabetes, or infections, don’t show obvious signs right away. Bloodwork and other lab tests help us catch problems before they become serious.
Some of the most common in-house tests we perform include:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Evaluates red and white blood cells to detect infections, inflammation, anemia, and more
Blood Chemistry Panel
Assesses organ function (liver, kidneys, pancreas), electrolyte levels, and overall health
Thyroid Testing (T4)
Screens for thyroid imbalances, most commonly hyperthyroidism in cats or hypothyroidism in dogs
Urinalysis
Evaluates kidney health and hydration status, and detects urinary infections or crystals
Fecal Testing
Screens for intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, Giardia, and more
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Used for managing diabetes or investigating symptoms like weight loss or increased thirst
Heartworm and Tick-Borne Disease Testing
Detects heartworm disease, Lyme, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis
Cytology (ear swabs, skin scrapings, masses)
Helps diagnose infections, allergies, or abnormal cell growth
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When Are Lab Tests Recommended for Pets?
Lab work isn’t just for sick pets; it’s a key part of lifelong preventive care. Our doctors recommend specific tests based on your pet’s age, health history, and any symptoms they’re experiencing. Because our lab is on-site, we can often share same-day results and start treatment right away if needed.
We may recommend lab testing during:
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Annual or semiannual wellness exams, especially for senior pets or those with chronic conditions.
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Pre-anesthetic screening to ensure your pet is healthy enough for surgery or dental procedures.
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New pet exams to establish a health baseline and screen for parasites or hidden illness.
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When your pet isn’t acting like themselves, including vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, changes in appetite, or lethargy.
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Medication monitoring to ensure long-term treatments (like arthritis medications or seizure control therapies) are working safely.
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Emergency or urgent visits, when fast answers help us take immediate action.
Fast, Focused Care
From wellness bloodwork to urgent diagnostics, our in-house lab gives us the tools to act quickly and the insights to act confidently. We know how much your pet means to you, and we believe they deserve nothing less than timely, thoughtful care backed by precision.
If you have questions about lab work or want to schedule testing for your pet, contact our team today. We’re here to help you get answers and get your pet feeling their best.