In-House and Send-Out Laboratory Services
Lab work is most commonly performed for routine wellness care, for sickness or injury, prior to administering anesthesia, and for routine intestinal parasite analysis. Lab work is performed in-house and through Antech Diagnostic Laboratories. Our doctors order lab work based on several factors including the patient’s age and health condition.
Routine wellness blood panels are usually performed annually for patients under age 7. The standard lab panel evaluates internal organ function, provides a complete blood count (CBC), and checks for heartworms.
Patients over 7 years of age are considered geriatric. Due to their body’s aging process early detection of abnormalities is important. For this reason we will do blood panels twice a year to assess organ function. This panel will also include a urinalysis and thyroid evaluation.
If at any time your pet becomes ill or is injured our doctors will choose the blood panel best suited to diagnosing the problem.
Prior to surgery or sedation we recommend that all pets have pre-anesthetic blood work. The results are available prior to your pet’s procedure and can help us alter our anesthetic plan if needed. This panel includes blood chemistries and a complete blood count. Knowing your pet’s overall health status prior to anesthesia will minimize potential risks and give you peace of mind.
If your pet is on long-term medication for pain, seizures, thyroid conditions, or other chronic illnesses, periodic blood work is required for prescription refills. Blood work allows us to evaluate the level of medication in your pet’s system. It is our goal to use the lowest effective dose of medication to maintain control of the symptoms.
Intestinal Parasites are a threat to animals and humans alike. Children are at higher risk of exposure since parasites can be found in dirt, sandboxes, and natural play areas for kids. During your pet’s routine wellness visit we will check a stool sample for parasites and give the appropriate deworming medication.