Service available at Pet Care Partners Veterinary Canter
Bloodwork & In-House Diagnostics
Fast Answers. Better care. Healthier pets.
Importance of In-House Diagnostic Testing
At Pet Care Partners, we know that when your pet is unwell or injured, time is of the essence. That is why both of our emergency hospitals are equipped with the latest in-house diagnostic labs for quickly running critical tests and providing results in hours, not days.The Significance of Blood Testing
Blood testing is one of the most valuable resources in veterinary medicine. During your visit, whether it be for general wellness or urgent concern, blood testing helps us to:- Identify diseases early – often before signs are shown
- Monitor organ function and chronic conditions
- Prepare pets safely for anesthesia or surgery
- Monitor recovery during illness or treatment
Common Tests Available
| Test | Purpose |
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) | Identify infection, inflammation, anemia, hydration status, and clotting factors. |
| Biochemistry Profile | Assess liver and kidney function, electrolytes, glucose, calcium, and more |
| Lipase | Monitor the health of the pancreas; high levels indicate possible pancreatitis. |
| Heartworm & Tick-Borne Disease Screening | Identify parasite and disease exposure (e.g., Lyme disease) |
| Specialty Panels | Thyroid, endocrine, cancer, GI disease, Valley Fever, etc. |
| Urinalysis & Fecal Testing | Evaluate urinary tract disease and intestinal parasites |
Spotlight: Pancreatitis & Lipase Testing
Pancreatitis is a painful condition identified by inflammation of the pancreas, often due to fatty food, medications, or underlying illness. The signs and symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and fever. Lipase is one of the primary enzymes made by the pancreas; when lipase activity is elevated, it can indicate inflammation, allowing us to recognize pancreatitis early in the diagnostic process and initiate supportive care sooner, often before conclusive symptoms develop.Benefits of Our In-House Laboratory
Quick Results: Many tests are processed within the same day. Convenient: No additional trips to external laboratories. Coordinated Care: More immediate results lead to earlier treatment. Reduced Anxiety: Early detection results in improved outcomes and reduced worry.Reasons We May Recommend Bloodwork
- Annual wellness exams to create a benchmark for health.
- Checking pre-anesthesia or pre-surgery patients for baseline status
- Managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
- Following the dogs that received treatment or hospitalization.
- When there is a new or troubling sign, such as vomiting, weight loss, drooping, loss of appetite, gum color changes, or a longer illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my pet need bloodwork if they look perfectly fine?
That's an excellent inquiry, one we have received from numerous well-meaning pet parents who are worried about their pet's health! The reality is that pets are very good at hiding pain or illness. Regular bloodwork will catch hidden issues early, such as a kidney issue, an infection, or even early symptoms of diabetes, before you notice obvious outward signs of illness in your pet. Consider it your pet's "internal check-in."
Does bloodwork hurt my pet?
Of course! This process is easy and quick. Our veterinary team will use small, sterile needles with a lot of care - most pets do not notice at all! You can even comfort your pet during the entire test, if you like. It usually takes only a few minutes.
What can a blood test tell me about my pet’s health?
A lot! Bloodwork can reveal:
- Organ function(liver, kidney, pancreas):
- Dehydration or anemia
- Infection or inflammation
- Immune system function
- Thyroid/hormonal imbalance
Can bloodwork help detect cancer in pets?
Certainly, bloodwork is useful in diagnosing cancers of all types and revealing abnormal cell counts or organ function, which may indicate underlying issues. If a blood test does note something out of the ordinary, then our veterinarians would typically pursue further diagnostics, such as X-rays or ultrasounds."
