Lab and Imaging
In-house lab work and digital X-ray that turn many questions into answers before you leave the building.
Lab and Imaging
When a pet is unwell, waiting for answers is hard on everyone. Our in-house lab runs blood counts, chemistry panels, urinalysis and fecal tests while you wait, and our digital X-ray images are ready in minutes for your veterinarian to review with you on screen.
Diagnostics are also part of good preventive care. Yearly or twice-yearly bloodwork in adult and senior pets gives us a baseline, so a small shift in kidney or liver values can be spotted long before your pet looks sick. Results go into the chart and you get a plain-language summary by email.
Who it is for
Diagnostics help when something has changed: more thirst, weight loss, coughing, vomiting, limping or a lump. They are also part of planned care, such as yearly senior panels, monitoring for pets on long-term medication and checks before anesthesia.
Our in-house lab handles the tests we run most often, and the clinic's digital X-ray room sits next to the treatment area so images move straight to the exam room screen. When a test needs an outside laboratory, we tell you the usual turnaround and follow up as soon as results arrive.
What is included
- Blood counts and chemistry panels in house
- Urine and stool testing during the visit
- Digital X-ray reviewed with you on screen
- Outside lab partners for less common tests when needed
Some tests, like biopsies or thyroid panels, go to an outside laboratory. We will tell you how long they usually take and call you with results and next steps.
By life stage
| Test | Usual turnaround | Often used for |
|---|---|---|
| Blood count and chemistry | 20 to 40 minutes | Sick visits, pre-anesthetic checks, seniors |
| Urinalysis | 20 minutes | Thirst, accidents, kidney health |
| Digital X-ray | Same visit | Limping, coughing, swallowed objects |
Good to know
Numbers on their own can be confusing. Your veterinarian will walk you through what is normal for your pet's age, what is borderline and what needs follow-up, and the summary email repeats it in everyday words.
From our doctors
We never run tests just because a machine is in the building. Each test should answer a question that changes what we do next, and your veterinarian will tell you what that question is before the sample is taken. When results are normal, that is useful too: it rules things out and gives us a clear baseline for the future, which saves time and money later.
Pricing facts: Wellness blood panels start at $95. Digital X-ray studies start at $185.
Illustrative pricing. Not an offer.
Lab and Imaging questions, answered
You can wait with us or head out and get a call. Most in-house results are back within the hour.
Early kidney, liver and thyroid changes often show in bloodwork before any symptoms appear.
Yes. We can email results and X-ray images to any clinic you choose.
Most pets are not. Light sedation is used only when a pet is painful or very wriggly.
They answer different questions. Bloodwork shows how organs are working, while X-rays show size, shape and structure. Together they often explain a problem faster than either one alone, and we only pair them when it helps.
Yes. A veterinarian reviews your pet first so we run the right tests and can explain the results in context.
Most outside tests come back in two to five business days. We call you with results and send a written summary.
Families on lab and imaging at Birchline
“Daniel booked our two dogs back to back so I could do one trip. Small thing, huge help.”
Jordan W.Owner of Lou and Max“They sent the vaccine certificate to my inbox before I even got home. Boarding was easy.”
Dana K.Owner of Clover“Our puppy now pulls toward the clinic door. The treats and patience paid off.”
Luis M.Owner of Pepper“Our appointment started on time and nobody rushed us. Dr. Halvorsen explained every step to our nervous rescue.”
Megan L.Owner of Biscuit
Related services
Wellness Exams
A nose-to-tail check once or twice a year, with a written plan for food, weight, parasites and the months ahead.
Vaccinations
Core and lifestyle vaccines on a schedule built for your pet, with every date tracked and reminders sent for you.
Dental Care
Exams, cleanings under monitored anesthesia and dental X-rays, plus simple home routines that fit real life.