Answers during the visit, not days later
When a pet is unwell, the exam tells us where to look and diagnostic tests tell us what is happening. Blood counts, chemistry panels, thyroid tests, urinalysis, fecal checks and several common infectious disease tests all run in our own lab, so most results are ready before you leave the building.
Digital X-rays are taken in our imaging room and shown to you on the exam room screen, where the doctor can point out what they see. Ultrasound is available on scheduled days for a closer look at the belly and heart. Samples that need a reference lab, such as biopsies, are sent out the same day.
We also use these tests for screening healthy pets. Baseline blood work in a young adult gives us something to compare against years later, and twice-yearly screening in seniors helps us catch kidney, thyroid and liver changes while they are still mild.
Imaging works the same way. A limping dog can have X-rays taken and reviewed in the same visit, and when a case needs a second opinion, the images can be shared with a referral hospital within minutes.
Having the lab in the building also matters for sick pets. When a vomiting dog or a cat that has stopped eating comes in, blood work in the first half hour can decide whether it goes home with medication and a bland diet or needs fluids and more tests that day.
How a diagnostic workup usually runs
Every case is different, but most follow these steps, and we explain each one and its cost before it happens. You can always ask us to start with the test that answers the most important question first.
The doctor examines your pet and asks what you have seen at home.
We suggest the tests most likely to answer the question, with an estimate.
Blood, urine or X-rays are taken in a calm room, usually without sedation.
We go through the results with you and agree on a plan.
Tests we run in house
These tests are run on site, most with results in under an hour. Others, such as biopsies, culture and some hormone tests, go to a reference lab the same day.
- Complete blood count
- Chemistry panel
- Thyroid testing
- Urinalysis
- Fecal parasite testing
- Heartworm and tick disease test
- Feline leukemia and FIV test
- Digital X-ray
How we share results
Numbers on a lab report are only useful if you know what they mean. We make sure you do, and we keep every result in your pet's record so the next doctor can compare.
In the room
When results come back during the visit, the doctor walks through them with you.
In writing
You get a copy of every result with plain notes beside the values that matter.
Same-day calls
Results from the reference lab are phoned through the day they arrive.
Trends over time
We compare each result with your pet's earlier values, not just the normal range.
Questions owners ask about lab work and imaging
If a test is recommended, you are always welcome to ask why, what it costs and what we will do with the answer. See also our senior pet care page.