Pet Diagnostic Testing
South Shores Animal Hospital features comprehensive pet diagnostic testing facilities in Las Vegas, NV, utilizing both in-house laboratory systems and outside reference laboratories to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.
Pet Diagnostic Testing at South Shores Animal Hospital
Routine lab tests play a critical role in diagnosing, monitoring, and preventing various health conditions. Whether your pet needs testing as part of a wellness exam or to address specific concerns, our in-house laboratory provides fast and accurate results that help us develop personalized care plans for your pet.
What Is Pet Diagnostic Testing?
Pet diagnostic testing involves analyzing samples such as blood, urine, and feces to gather essential health information about your pet. These tests help veterinarians assess organ function, detect infections, diagnose diseases, and monitor ongoing treatment.
Our laboratory services at South Shores Animal Hospital allow us to perform a wide range of tests quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your pet receives the care they need without unnecessary delays. By performing these tests on-site, we can offer same-day results in many cases, which is especially important in emergency situations. Immediate results allow our veterinary team to make informed decisions about your pet’s treatment plan, ensuring that any health issues are addressed as soon as possible.
When Does Your Pet Need Diagnostic Testing?
Diagnostic testing can be recommended at various stages of your pet’s life. Regular wellness exams often include basic blood work and other tests to monitor your pet’s overall health. Additionally, pets showing signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior may require specific tests to diagnose underlying conditions.
Common Reasons for Diagnostic Testing:
Routine Wellness Exams
Regular testing helps establish a health baseline and catch potential issues early.
Illness or Severe Symptoms
If your pet is vomiting, lethargic, or experiencing changes in appetite, laboratory tests can help determine the cause.
Pre-Surgical Care
Before any surgery, testing is performed to ensure your pet is healthy enough to undergo the procedure.
Monitoring Chronic Conditions
For pets with ongoing health issues, routine testing ensures treatments are effective and conditions are well-managed.
Types of Pet Diagnostic Testing
South Shores Animal Hospital conducts a variety of pet diagnostic testing services to suit your pet’s needs. The tests we perform cover a wide spectrum of health concerns and give us valuable insight into your pet’s overall condition.
Blood Testing
Blood tests are among the most common forms of diagnostic testing. They provide a wealth of information about your pet’s internal health. Blood tests can help assess organ function, detect infections, and diagnose diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease. Complete blood counts (CBC) and blood chemistry panels are typically performed during routine exams or if your pet exhibits symptoms of illness.
Urinalysis
Urinalysis is another critical diagnostic test that evaluates the health of your pet’s urinary tract and kidneys. It can also detect diabetes and infections. This non-invasive test provides crucial information, particularly in pets with urinary issues or those at risk of kidney disease.
Fecal Testing
Fecal testing is often used to detect intestinal parasites, such as worms or protozoa, which can affect your pet’s health and well-being. Regular fecal exams are especially important for pets that spend time outdoors, as they may be exposed to parasites. If you are advised to bring in a sample, you will only need a teaspoon-sized amount of fresh feces, which should be placed in a clean pill vial, sandwich bag, or plasticware container.
Specialized Testing
In addition to routine testing, we offer more specialized diagnostic services such as thyroid testing, allergy testing, and biopsies. These tests help identify less common conditions that may affect your pet and require targeted treatment plans.
The Importance of Diagnostic Testing in Preventive Care
Preventive care is key to ensuring a long, healthy life for your pet. Pet diagnostic testing plays a vital role in detecting health issues before they become serious. Many diseases, such as kidney disease or diabetes, show no symptoms in their early stages but can be identified through regular testing. Early detection allows us to start treatment right away, improving your pet’s prognosis and quality of life.
