Laboratory Testing
About
Laboratory testing involves conducting medical tests on samples such as blood, urine, feces, tissue, or hair to help diagnose, monitor, or prevent diseases. These tests are commonly used to evaluate organ function, detect infections, monitor chronic conditions, and identify underlying health issues that may have been suspected during your pet’s wellness exam. Laboratory tests may also be performed before surgery to ensure that your pet’s kidneys and liver are functioning properly and can safely handle anesthesia. We will only proceed with anesthesia if the test
results confirm that it is safe. After the procedure, additional laboratory tests may be conducted to monitor your pet’s response to treatment and track their recovery. That said, laboratory tests are recommended for pets of all ages, including young and healthy pets, but are especially important for senior pets to develop effective preventative care strategies.
Types of Laboratory Test
Common types of laboratory tests for pets include:
Blood test *
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) – measure the concentration of red and white blood cells, helping diagnose conditions such as anemia, or blood disorders
- Chemistry Panel – assess the function of vital organs (i.e., liver, kidney), while measuring the levels of blood sugar, protein, and electrolytes
- Thyroid Testing – assess hormonal imbalances related to the thyroid glands, helping to diagnose conditions like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
Urine Test
- Urinalysis – examines the physical and chemical properties of urine, helping to diagnose urinary tract infection, kidney diseases, or diabetes
- Urine Culture – assess the urinary tract for bacterial infections
Fecal Test
- Examines the feces to diagnose intestinal complications related to worms, protozoa, or bacteria
Parasite Testing
- Tests for internal parasites (i.e., heart worms, hookworms, and roundworms), and external parasites (i.e., fleas, ticks, mites)
Allergy Testing
- Identifies allergens that may be causing discomfort, itchiness, and inflammation in your pet.
Biopsy and Tissue Sampling
- Suspected lumps, tumours or growth are sampled for further analysis and diagnosis
Diagnostic Imaging
- Digital radiography is often used in conjunction with laboratory testing to help diagnose underlying conditions.
With these modern veterinary practices, our team is able to diagnose a range of conditions, including anemia, cancer or tumour growth (via biopsy/FNA), diabetes, various infections, hormonal imbalances, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, parasitism, and tick-borne diseases. If you have any questions or concerns about any of these conditions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to address any questions you may have regarding your pet’s health.