Pet Bloodwork in Charlotte, NC
Pet bloodwork is an essential diagnostic tool that helps veterinarians assess your pet’s overall health and detect underlying conditions that may not be apparent during a physical exam. We use advanced in-house laboratory equipment at Hickory Grove Animal Hospital in Charlotte, NC, to conduct blood tests, providing fast and accurate results. Bloodwork is vital in preventive care, early disease detection, and ongoing health monitoring, ensuring your pet receives the care they need to stay happy and healthy.
What Pet Bloodwork Involves
Pet bloodwork involves analyzing a sample of your pet’s blood to measure various components, such as red and white blood cells, platelets, electrolytes, and organ function markers. This testing provides valuable insights into your pet’s internal health, allowing us to evaluate kidney and liver function, identify infections, and detect hormonal imbalances. For pets with existing medical conditions, bloodwork helps monitor the effectiveness of treatments and manage chronic issues effectively.
Our in-house laboratory enables us to perform various diagnostic tests, including complete blood counts (CBC), blood chemistry panels, and specific tests for conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders. These tests are crucial for diagnosing current health concerns and establishing a baseline for your pet’s health, which can be referenced during future visits.
Services Offered in Our In-House Laboratory:
Blood Testing
We conduct comprehensive blood tests to evaluate organ function, electrolyte levels, and hormone balance. These tests are critical for identifying potential health issues and monitoring ongoing conditions.
Urinalysis
Our laboratory performs urinalysis to detect infections in the urinary system, assess kidney health, and diagnose metabolic disorders such as diabetes. This testing provides valuable insights into your pet’s overall well-being.
Fecal Testing
Fecal exams are conducted to identify any parasites affecting your pet’s digestive system. Early detection and treatment help protect your pet from discomfort and potential health complications.
When to Consider Pet Bloodwork
There are several situations where pet bloodwork may be necessary. Routine wellness exams often include blood tests to establish a baseline for your pet’s health and catch potential issues early. Regular bloodwork is especially important for senior pets as they are more prone to age-related conditions like kidney or liver disease.
If your pet is showing signs of illness, such as lethargy, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, or changes in appetite, bloodwork can help identify the cause. Additionally, pre-surgical bloodwork is a standard part of our protocol to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia and surgery.
Annual bloodwork is also recommended for pets on long-term medications to monitor for side effects or complications. By staying proactive with bloodwork, you can help ensure your pet’s health is continuously monitored and managed effectively.
Why Choose Hickory Grove Animal Hospital?
- Comprehensive Care: We tailor our bloodwork services to your pet’s unique needs, ensuring thorough, personalized care at every stage of life.
- In-House Laboratory: Our advanced in-house lab provides fast, accurate bloodwork results, enabling quick diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
- Experienced Team: Our skilled veterinary team is dedicated to your pet’s health and offers expert support and guidance throughout their care.
- Compassionate Approach: We understand the bond you share with your pet and strive to make their care seamless, effective, and stress-free.
Pet Bloodwork FAQs
How quickly can I expect to receive my pet’s test results?
Because we perform tests in-house, results are typically available within minutes to a few hours, depending on the specific test. If we need to send samples to a reference lab for specialized testing, there will be a longer wait, but we will contact you with the results.
Are your in-house diagnostics as reliable as external labs?
Yes, our in-house diagnostics are highly reliable. We use advanced veterinary equipment and follow stringent protocols to ensure the accuracy and reliability of all test results.