Dog Lab Work & Diagnostic Testing
Accurate, Timely Results with In-House and Reference Lab Support
Lab work is one of the most valuable tools we have for understanding your dog’s health—from early disease detection to monitoring ongoing conditions. At Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital, we offer a wide range of diagnostic testing through our in-house laboratory, with access to a trusted reference lab for specialized tests when needed. This combination allows us to deliver both speed and depth of insight for your dog’s care.
Why Might My Dog Need Lab Work?
Lab tests help us look beyond the surface. Whether your dog is healthy, showing subtle changes, or facing an illness, diagnostics give us the information we need to make confident decisions and provide proactive care.
Types of Lab Work We Offer
Our in-house lab allows us to quickly run many common and essential tests, including:
- Urinalysis – Checks for urinary tract infections, kidney health, and hydration
- Fecal Exam – Screens for intestinal parasites and signs of digestive issues
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Evaluates red and white blood cells, anemia, and infection
- Blood Chemistries – Reviews organ function and metabolic balance
- Cytology – Examines cells from lumps, skin, or ears
For more advanced or specialized diagnostics—such as endocrine testing, gastrointestinal blood panels, blood clotting panels, cultures, or allergy panels—we partner with a trusted external reference lab to ensure accurate results.
How Does My Veterinarian Decide Which Tests to Run?
We base our recommendations on your dog’s age, symptoms, medical history, and exam findings. Some tests are preventive, while others are used to investigate specific concerns.
When Might My Dog Need Lab Work?
We often recommend lab work:
- At your dog’s initial visit to establish a health baseline
- During routine wellness exams (especially for aging pets)
- When your dog seems “a little off” or has vague symptoms
- Before surgery or dental procedures
- Before starting medications that impact organs
- To monitor chronic conditions or track progress with treatment
What Can Lab Work Tell Me About My Dog’s Health?
Blood and urine tests can detect illness in early stages, monitor internal organ health, diagnose infections, check for inflammation, and more. This kind of information is essential to providing targeted, timely care.
Why Is Baseline Lab Work Important?
Baseline values help us understand what’s normal for your dog. Over time, even small changes from their baseline can help us catch illness early—when it’s most treatable.
What Conditions Can Blood Tests Identify?
- Lab work can help detect or monitor:
- Kidney and liver disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Anemia
- Infections
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Immune system issues
- Certain cancers
Not Sure What the Results Mean?
You’re not alone—lab reports can be confusing. We’ll go over each result with you, explain what it means for your dog’s health, and talk through any next steps or treatments.
What Do Blood Chemistries Measure?
Chemistry panels include values such as:
- Liver enzymes (ALT, ALP)
- Kidney markers (BUN, Creatinine)
- Glucose (blood sugar)
- Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium)
These help us assess how your dog’s organs and systems are functioning.
What’s the Cost of Dog Lab Work?
The cost depends on the tests needed. After a thorough physical exam and consultation we will discuss which tests are most critical to your pet. And we provide estimates before proceeding to ensure you are aware of all costs prior to your approval.
What Can I Expect During a Lab Appointment?
- Most tests are quick and minimally invasive.
- Blood is usually drawn from a leg or neck vein.
- We may request a urine or stool sample—some of which can be collected at home.
Is Lab Work Painful for Dogs?
We do our best to make the process gentle and low-stress. Your dog may feel a brief poke, but our team is skilled in fear-free handling and comfort-focused care.
Why In-House Lab Capabilities Matter
Our in-house lab allows us to run many tests the same day—giving us quick answers when time matters most. For complex or specialized tests, we send samples to our trusted reference lab, ensuring your dog gets comprehensive, expert diagnostics.
Have questions about your dog’s lab results or upcoming tests? We’re here to help.
Contact us :