Diagnostic Laboratory Testing

Advanced Laboratory Testing for Optimal Pet Health

At Animal Care Clinic, we prioritize your pet’s health through comprehensive laboratory testing. Our in-house and external lab services provide crucial insights into your pet’s condition, allowing us to deliver timely and effective care.

In-House Laboratory Testing

1. Critical Patient Blood Work: For urgent cases, we perform critical blood tests on-site to provide immediate results. This rapid testing allows us to make quick decisions and offer prompt care.
2. Urinalysis: If your pet is showing signs of urinary issues, we conduct urinalysis in-house for swift assessment and treatment.
3. Heartworm Testing: We recommend annual heartworm testing, even if your pet is on year-round prevention. Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes, and early detection offers the best chance for successful treatment. During your annual exam, we will collect a small blood sample and run the test in-house. If you prefer not to wait for the results, we follow a “no news is good news” policy and will contact you if any issues arise.

External Laboratory Testing

1. Fecal Testing: Routine fecal analysis is essential for detecting intestinal parasites and other health issues. We stress the importance of bringing a fresh fecal sample (no older than 24 hours) to every annual exam and if your pet is experiencing gastrointestinal problems. A fresh sample ensures accurate results and helps us address potential issues effectively.
2. Advanced Diagnostics For specialized or non-urgent tests, we send samples to trusted external laboratories. These facilities use advanced equipment to deliver detailed results, typically within 1-2 business days.
3. Specialized Tests External labs can perform advanced diagnostics such as identifying abnormal blood cells or detecting parasites not visible in standard tests. They can also analyze blood smears to check for blood parasites.

Senior Pet Panels

Regular laboratory work is crucial for senior pets to monitor their health and catch potential issues early. Our comprehensive senior panels include:

• For Canines (Around 8 Years): Complete Blood Count (CBC), Biochemistry panel, Thyroid function test (T4), Urinalysis, 4DX Heartworm test, and Fecal exam.
• For Felines: CBC, Biochemistry panel, Thyroid function test (T4), Urinalysis, ProBNP (a marker for heart disease), and Fecal exam.

Understanding Diagnostic Tests

Blood Work: Blood tests provide critical information about your pet’s health, including signs of infection, anemia, and organ function. These tests are essential for both routine health checks and urgent situations.

Fecal Analysis: Bringing a fresh fecal sample is vital for accurate diagnosis. Ensure the sample is no older than 24 hours when you come in for your pet’s annual exam or if your pet has gastrointestinal issues. A fresh sample allows us to accurately detect parasites and other abnormalities.

Urinalysis: Urine testing can uncover issues such as diabetes or kidney disease before symptoms become apparent. We assess various aspects of the urine to identify any potential problems.

Your Role in Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis depends on the information you provide about your pet’s symptoms and behavior. Key details include changes in appetite, drinking habits, bowel movements, and any unusual behaviors. If possible, bring a fresh stool sample for analysis to assist in a thorough evaluation.

Contact Us

Routine lab work is crucial for maintaining your pet’s health and detecting potential issues early. If you have questions about our laboratory services or need to schedule a test, please contact us. We’re here to support your pet’s well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What illnesses can be detected through veterinary diagnostics?

Diagnostic testing is a powerful tool that allows us to detect a wide range of conditions early, often before visible symptoms appear. Routine lab work can help identify issues such as kidney disease, liver disease, osteoarthritis, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and abnormal growths or tumors. Early detection through diagnostics allows for more effective treatment and better long-term outcomes for your pet.

How often should I schedule diagnostic testing for my pet?

For most healthy adult pets, we recommend annual diagnostic testing as part of their routine wellness exam. This helps establish baseline values and allows us to catch age-related changes early. Senior pets and those with chronic conditions may benefit from more frequent testing—typically every six months—to monitor their health and adjust treatments as needed.

Does pet insurance help cover veterinary diagnostic care?

Coverage for diagnostic care varies by provider and plan. Many pet insurance policies will reimburse a portion of diagnostic costs when they are related to diagnosing or managing an illness, injury, or chronic condition. Wellness or preventive care diagnostics, such as routine annual blood work, are often covered under optional wellness plan add-ons. We recommend checking with your specific insurance provider to understand the details of your coverage.