Our In-House Medical and Diagnostic Laboratory
Performing preventive medicine and diagnosing emergent internal health issues requires the ability to perform a wide range of laboratory tests on blood, urine, feces, and biopsied tissue. Without timely access to precise laboratory test results – blood testing, biopsies, microscopic examinations, bacterial culture sensitivity, and more – it’s often difficult to make an accurate assessment of your pet’s health.
Diagnostic testing for pets can detect heartworm disease, infections, feline leukemia, intestinal parasites, urinary tract infections, and many additional conditions that can go unnoticed in their early stages. Early blood testing can show evidence of disease such as diabetes, changes in liver or kidney function, or provide a baseline for future reference. Blood testing is also included in pre-anesthetic screenings prior to dental or surgical procedures that require general anesthesia. Annual wellness blood and urine tests, along with other diagnostics, assist us in the early detection of diseases and health conditions.
Laboratory testing allows our veterinarians to obtain this important information for assessing your pet’s overall systemic health without the need for invasive and expensive procedures. Thus, we maintain an advanced in-house laboratory and regularly perform tests during your pet’s wellness exam or when we suspect your pet may have a health issue.
Diagnostic Testing For Pets
Our in-house veterinary lab is equipped to handle critical diagnostic tests for cats and dogs, including:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Provides essential information about your pet’s overall health by analyzing red and white blood cells, as well as platelets.
- Chemistry Panels: Evaluates your pet’s kidney and liver function, blood sugar levels, and electrolyte balance.
- Progesterone Testing: Monitors hormone levels, important for determining the best time for breeding.
- Thyroid Testing: Assesses thyroid function, which is vital for metabolic health.
- Cortisol Testing: Detects disorders related to adrenal gland function, such as Cushing’s disease.
- Nu.Q® Cancer Screening: A blood test that helps detect early signs of cancer in dogs.
- Blood Typing: Necessary for safe transfusions and can be used for informational purposes.
- PT/PTT Times: Measures blood clotting ability, important for pre-surgery screenings or diagnosing clotting disorders.
- Blood Gas: Provides insight into respiratory and metabolic functions.
- Fecal Analyzer: Detects parasites and other intestinal conditions.
- Urinalysis Analyzer: Identifies urinary tract infections and kidney disease.
We also work with a trusted reference lab for diagnostics that we cannot run in-house. If you have questions about whether we can perform a specific test that your pet needs either through our in-house lab or by sending out a sample to our reference lab partner, please give us a call.
Why Your Pet Should Have Routine Lab Testing in Soddy Daisy
Routine lab work plays an integral role in monitoring your pet’s health and detecting potential issues before they become serious. Annual wellness tests are essential for the early detection of diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, and liver problems, which can develop silently over time. Regular pet lab tests help us track changes in your companion’s health, allowing for timely interventions and personalized care plans.
Incorporating routine lab work into your pet’s health regimen ensures that we catch any abnormalities early, making treatment more effective and improving your pet’s quality of life. By performing these tests in-house, we provide fast and reliable results so our veterinarians can make informed decisions about your pet’s care without delays.
Make sure to schedule your pet’s annual diagnostic testing with Sequoyah Animal Hospital’s in-house lab, or give us a call at (423) 332-0979 with any questions.