Our hospital is equipped with specialized laboratory equipment for various blood tests including complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry, and electrolytes. Other specialized blood tests are sent to reference laboratories most of which have results by the next day. Urine tests and cultures are processed on-site and are analyzed by our veterinarians as well as our specially trained RVTs. Other in-house diagnostics routinely performed include ear and skin cytology, fungal cultures, and growth aspirate cytology.
In order to minimize the risks during anesthesia, blood work prior to an anesthetic procedure is highly recommended. It is important to screen for underlying liver disease, kidney disease, or electrolyte abnormalities that may increase the risks of your pet under anesthesia. Knowing the state of your pet’s internal and metabolic functions allow us to take extra precautions, if needed, or even postpone elective procedures until the underlying problems are resolved.