Pet Laboratory Services

Comprehensive lab diagnostics to detect illness early, monitor ongoing conditions, and guide personalized treatment plans.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Services for Your Pet

Laboratory testing is one of the most valuable tools in veterinary medicine—essential for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment planning.

At Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, we offer a full range of diagnostic lab services, including in-house testing and access to trusted reference laboratories like IDEXX and other specialty labs across the country. This combination allows us to provide both fast results when needed and access to more advanced or specialized testing when appropriate.

In-House & Reference Lab Capabilities

Our on-site laboratory is equipped with advanced analyzers that allow us to perform many tests quickly—often within the same visit. For more complex or specialized diagnostics, we partner with reference labs to ensure timely, accurate results and expert analysis.

Two vets performing laser therapy on a dog

Routine Wellness Check-Ups

    • Detects early signs of disease—even when your pet seems healthy.
    • Establishes baseline values for future comparisons.

Pre-Surgical Screening

    • Ensures your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and surgery.
    • Evaluates key organ function, including liver and kidney health.

Monitoring Chronic Conditions

    • Tracks progression and treatment effectiveness for conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and thyroid disorders.

Identifying Hidden Illnesses

    • Reveals problems pets can’t tell us about—such as infections, anemia, metabolic disorders, or organ dysfunction.

Checking for Infection or Inflammation

    • A Complete Blood Count (CBC) provides insight into immune system health and flags possible infections or inflammation.

Evaluating Organ Function

    • A Blood Chemistry Panel assesses liver, kidney, and pancreas health, along with electrolyte balance and metabolic function.

Monitoring Medication Safety

    • Ensures long-term medications (e.g., for arthritis, heart disease, or seizures) aren’t affecting organ function.

At MCAH, we use diagnostic testing not just to gather data—but to guide smarter, more personalized care. Whether it’s part of a routine wellness plan or a more complex medical case, our team is here to help you understand what the results mean and what comes next.

Common Laboratory Services We Offer

Mount Carmel Animal Hospital provides a wide range of diagnostic tests to evaluate your pet’s health from every angle. These tests help us detect illness early, confirm a diagnosis, and monitor ongoing medical conditions.

Blood Tests

Blood work is one of the most important diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine. Whether it’s part of a routine check-up or used to investigate symptoms, blood testing gives us essential information about your pet’s internal health—often before any signs of illness are visible.

We commonly recommend blood work for:

  • Routine wellness screenings to detect early signs of disease and establish baseline values
  • Pre-anesthetic evaluations to ensure your pet is healthy enough for sedation or surgery
  • Monitoring chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disorders, or liver disease
  • Checking for infections or inflammation, which can affect immune function and overall health
  • Tracking medication safety, especially for long-term prescriptions that may affect the liver or kidneys

Common blood panels include:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Evaluates red and white blood cells, platelets, and helps detect infection, anemia, or immune issues
  • Blood Chemistry Panel: Assesses organ function (liver, kidneys, pancreas), electrolyte levels, and glucose
  • Thyroid Function Tests: Identifies hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism (dogs) or hyperthyroidism (cats)
  • Blood Clotting Tests: Helps diagnose clotting disorders or assess bleeding risk prior to surgery

Cats vs. Dogs

There are a few species-specific differences in how we interpret and approach blood testing:

  • Cats are more likely to develop hyperthyroidism and may hide signs of illness longer—making routine blood work especially important for early detection.
  • Dogs are more commonly affected by hypothyroidism, and larger breeds may have different normal ranges for some values.
  • Certain conditions—like breed-related anemias or platelet differences—also vary between species and are interpreted accordingly by our team.

Blood work is safe, quick, and often painless—and it provides the foundation for smarter, more informed veterinary care.
To see how blood work fits into preventive care, visit our Wellness Care page.
For more complex cases and chronic disease management, visit our Internal Medicine page.

Urinalysis

Urinalysis is a valuable diagnostic tool that provides insight into your pet’s kidney function, hydration status, and overall metabolic health. It’s commonly used as part of routine wellness screening, as well as to help diagnose symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, or urinary accidents.

We analyze your pet’s urine to check for:

  • Infections of the bladder or urinary tract
  • Kidney disease or early signs of kidney dysfunction
  • Diabetes, through the presence of glucose or ketones in the urine
  • Crystals or bladder stones, which can lead to discomfort or obstruction
  • Protein loss, which may signal underlying kidney or systemic disease
  • Urine concentration, to assess hydration and kidney-concentrating ability

Whenever possible, we recommend collecting a first-morning urine sample, as it tends to be more concentrated and provides the most accurate assessment of kidney function and urinary health.

Cats vs. Dogs
While the core components of urinalysis are the same across species, there are a few important differences:

  • Cats are more prone to urinary crystals, stress-related bladder inflammation (feline idiopathic cystitis), and lower urinary tract disease.
  • Dogs may be more likely to develop urinary tract infections, especially in females or senior dogs.
  • Cats are also more challenging to obtain samples from at home—so we may collect a sterile sample during your visit when needed.

Urinalysis is quick, non-invasive, and an important part of catching issues early—before your pet shows visible signs of illness.

To learn more about how urinalysis supports preventive care, visit our Wellness Care page.

For pets with urinary issues or chronic disease, see our Internal Medicine page.

Fecal Tests

Fecal testing is a vital part of your pet’s preventive health care. It helps us identify intestinal parasites that can impact your pet’s comfort, nutrition, and long-term health—and in some cases, pose a risk to other pets or people in the household.

We recommend fecal testing:

  • Routinely as part of annual wellness exams
  • For puppies and kittens, who are at higher risk for parasites
  • For newly adopted pets, especially if prior care is unknown
  • When symptoms are present, such as diarrhea, weight loss, vomiting, scooting, or poor coat condition

At Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, we use a single comprehensive test that combines:

  • Ova & Parasite (O&P) Testing: Identifies parasite eggs and protozoa through microscopic evaluation.
  • Antigen Testing: Detects parasite proteins (antigens) for earlier and more accurate identification—even when eggs aren’t being shed.

This combined approach increases sensitivity and helps ensure we catch infections that might otherwise go undetected.

We routinely screen for:

  • Worms: Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms
  • Protozoa: Giardia, coccidia, Cystoisospora, Cryptosporidium

Additional testing when indicated:

  • Bacterial Culture & Sensitivity: Used to identify harmful bacteria and determine the most effective antibiotic treatment in cases of chronic or severe gastrointestinal illness.

Cats vs. Dogs

  • Kittens are commonly affected by roundworms and coccidia, often acquired from their mother
  • Outdoor cats and hunters are more likely to contract tapeworms
  • Dogs are more frequently exposed to parasites through contaminated soil, water, or communal spaces like parks and daycare
  • Cats may show subtle or no signs of infection, while dogs are more likely to exhibit noticeable digestive symptoms

Fecal testing is simple, non-invasive, and an important step in protecting your pet’s health—and the health of your home.

To learn how fecal screening fits into proactive care, visit our Wellness Care page.

For pets with ongoing digestive issues, see our Internal Medicine page.

Microbiology & Culture

Microbiology testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing infections and guiding effective treatment. When your pet is showing signs of illness—especially involving the skin, ears, urinary tract, or internal organs—cultures and sensitivity testing help us identify exactly what’s causing the problem and how to treat it.

We use microbiology and culture testing to:

  • Identify the type of infection, including bacterial, fungal, or in some cases, viral agents
  • Determine the most effective medication by performing antibiotic sensitivity testing—this shows which antibiotics are likely to work (or not work) against the specific organism
  • Track treatment progress, especially in cases of recurring or resistant infections

Common sample types include:

  • Urine cultures for persistent urinary tract infections or when initial antibiotics fail
  • Ear and skin cultures to pinpoint the cause of chronic or severe infections
  • Wound cultures for deep or non-healing wounds
  • Fecal cultures when gastrointestinal symptoms may be caused by pathogenic bacteria
  • Respiratory cultures in cases of chronic coughing or nasal discharge

These tests are especially important when:

  • An infection doesn’t improve with initial treatment
  • Your pet has had repeated infections, raising concern for resistant organisms
  • We want to avoid unnecessary or ineffective antibiotic use, which can contribute to antimicrobial resistanc

    Cats vs. Dogs

    • Dogs are more prone to recurring ear and skin infections due to allergies or moisture exposure
    • Cats may develop abscesses from bite wounds or infections related to upper respiratory viruses
    • Both species can develop urinary tract infections, but in cats, symptoms often overlap with non-infectious conditions—making cultures critical for accurate diagnosis

    Microbiology and culture testing allows us to move from guesswork to precision—ensuring your pet receives the right treatment, faster, and helping reduce the risk of chronic or resistant infections.

    To learn more about diagnosing and managing persistent infections, visit our Internal Medicine page.

    Cytology & Pathology

    Cytology and pathology are powerful diagnostic tools that help us evaluate cells and tissues under the microscope to detect infection, inflammation, or cancer. These tests are especially useful for investigating lumps, skin issues, ear infections, and internal abnormalities.

    We may recommend cytology or pathology when your pet has:

    • A new or changing lump or mass
    • Chronic or recurring skin issues, rashes, or sores
    • Ear infections that don’t resolve with standard treatment
    • Fluid buildup (such as in the chest, abdomen, or joints)
    • Unexplained symptoms like swelling, weight loss, or persistent coughing

    Our process includes:

    • Cytology: A quick, minimally invasive test using samples collected via fine needle aspiration, skin scraping, swabs, or impression smears. We evaluate the sample in-house or send it to a reference lab to examine the types of cells present. Cytology can identify:
      • Infections (bacterial, fungal, or parasitic)
      • Inflammatory conditions
      • Benign or malignant tumors
    • Histopathology: If we surgically remove a mass or biopsy tissue, we submit it to a veterinary pathologist for detailed analysis. This provides a definitive diagnosis, including tumor type, grade, and margins—critical information for treatment planning.

    These diagnostics help us answer important questions:

    • What is this lump or lesion?
    • Is it infectious, inflammatory, or cancerous?
    • Does it need to be removed, treated, or monitored?

      Cats vs. Dogs

      • Dogs commonly develop benign skin growths as they age, though cancerous tumors are also possible
      • Cats are more likely to develop aggressive or rapidly progressing tumors, making early diagnosis especially important
      • Skin and ear cytology is useful for both species, but cats may show subtler signs of skin disease, especially when stres/pet-surgical-services-monkton-md/s-related or immune-mediated

      By evaluating what’s happening at the cellular level, cytology and pathology allow us to diagnose conditions sooner—and guide the most appropriate next steps for your pet.

      For more information on managing complex or unexplained symptoms, visit our Internal Medicine page.

      If a mass needs to be removed or biopsied, learn more about next steps on our Surgery page.

      Serology & Immunology

      Serology and immunology testing are used to detect the presence of infectious diseases and assess your pet’s immune response. These tests work by identifying antibodies or antigens in the blood, which indicate exposure to specific viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens.

      We use serologic tests to:

      • Diagnose infectious diseases that may not be detected through standard blood work or cultures
      • Screen for exposure to diseases in healthy pets, especially when required for boarding, travel, or preventive care
      • Monitor vaccine response or disease progression, particularly in chronic or viral infections

      Common tests include:

      • Heartworm Testing: Detects heartworm antigens in dogs and, when needed, antibodies in cats
      • Tick-Borne Disease Panel: Screens for infections like Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma, all of which can cause chronic illness if not caught early
      • Feline Virus Screening: Identifies exposure to Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)—two important viruses that affect long-term immune health
      • Canine Parvovirus Testing: Used in symptomatic dogs (especially puppies) to confirm this highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease
      • Vaccine Titers (when applicable): In select cases, we can measure antibody levels to determine if a booster is needed, though this is not a replacement for core vaccines in most cases

            Cats vs. Dogs

            • Cats are regularly screened for FeLV and FIV, especially before introducing them to other cats or if they go outdoors
            • Dogs are more commonly tested for heartworm and tick-borne diseases, particularly if they spend time outside or in wooded areas
            • Cats may show fewer or more subtle signs of these diseases, making routine screening even more important in apparently healthy felines

            Serology and immunology tests allow us to catch infections early, prevent disease spread, and protect your pet’s long-term immune health—with fast, reliable results.

            For more on how we prevent and detect disease early, visit our Wellness Care page.

            For support in diagnosing and managing infections or chronic conditions, see our Internal Medicine page.

            Endocrinology

            Endocrinology focuses on the diagnosis and management of hormonal (endocrine) disorders—conditions in which your pet’s body is producing too much or too little of a particular hormone. These imbalances can affect metabolism, organ function, behavior, and quality of life.

            We use endocrine testing to:

            • Diagnose hormone-related diseases like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and adrenal dysfunction
            • Monitor response to treatment, especially for chronic conditions
            • Track disease progression and adjust medication as needed

            Common endocrine conditions include:

            • Diabetes Mellitus: Caused by a lack of insulin or insulin resistance, leading to high blood sugar.
              • Signs: Increased thirst and urination, weight loss despite normal or increased appetite, lethargy
              • Diagnosis: Blood glucose, fructosamine, and urine testing
              • Ongoing monitoring: Blood glucose curves, at-home glucose testing, and urinalysis
            • Hypothyroidism (more common in dogs): Caused by low thyroid hormone production
              • Signs: Lethargy, weight gain, hair thinning, skin issues, cold intolerance
              • Diagnosis: Total T4, Free T4, and TSH levels
            • Hyperthyroidism (more common in cats): Caused by overproduction of thyroid hormone
              • Signs: Weight loss, increased appetite, vomiting, restlessness, elevated heart rate
              • Diagnosis: Total T4 and sometimes Free T4
            • Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism): Caused by excess cortisol production
              • Signs: Increased thirst and urination, pot-bellied appearance, thinning skin, hair loss
              • Diagnosis: ACTH stimulation test, low-dose dexamethasone suppression test, ultrasound
            • Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism): Caused by deficient cortisol and aldosterone
              • Signs: Weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse (especially during stress)
              • Diagnosis: ACTH stimulation test, electrolytes, baseline cortisol

                Cats vs. Dogs

                • Dogs are more prone to hypothyroidism, Cushing’s, and Addison’s disease
                • Cats are more commonly affected by hyperthyroidism and diabetes
                • Endocrine disorders can look different across species, so species-specific reference ranges and testing approaches are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment

                Endocrine testing allows us to catch these conditions early, tailor treatment, and monitor your pet’s progress—helping them stay comfortable, active, and healthy.

                For more on how we prevent and detect disease early, visit our Wellness Care page.

                For more information on diagnosing and managing chronic hormonal conditions, visit our Internal Medicine page.

                Genetic Testing

                Genetic testing helps us identify inherited conditions, breed-specific risks, and underlying causes of certain health issues. While not every pet needs genetic screening, it can provide valuable information—especially for pets with unusual symptoms, those from breeds with known predispositions, or for proactive care planning.

                We use genetic testing to:

                • Screen for inherited diseases, such as heart conditions, clotting disorders, or degenerative diseases
                • Identify breed-specific health risks, which can guide early detection and preventive care
                • Clarify unexplained symptoms, especially when standard diagnostics haven’t revealed a cause
                • Support breeding decisions, for those working with responsible breeders focused on genetic health
                • Confirm breed ancestry, when needed to interpret health risks or plan long-term care

                Examples of conditions that may be identified through genetic testing include:

                • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in some dog breeds
                • Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1 mutation) that affects medication metabolism
                • Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in Persian and related cats
                • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which leads to vision loss in both dogs and cats
                • Von Willebrand disease, a genetic clotting disorder
                • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), especially in Maine Coons and Ragdolls

                Genetic testing is typically performed with a simple cheek swab or blood sample, and results are processed through specialty veterinary labs.

                    Cats vs. Dogs

                    • Purebred cats (especially Persian, Siamese, and Maine Coons) may carry mutations linked to kidney disease, heart disease, or inherited blindness
                    • Dogs from certain breeds (e.g., Boxers, Dobermans, Australian Shepherds) may be at higher risk for breed-specific heart, neurological, or drug sensitivity issues
                    • Mixed breed pets may benefit from DNA panels to better understand their ancestry and potential health risks—especially when preventive care or early screening can make a difference

                    Genetic testing isn’t just about predicting problems—it’s about empowering smarter, more personalized care for your pet throughout their life.

                    For more information on how genetic conditions may affect your pet’s health, see our pages on Internal Medicine and Cardiac Care.

                    FAQs

                    Why does my pet need lab testing if they seem healthy?

                    Routine lab tests help detect early signs of disease—often before symptoms appear—and establish baselines for future comparison. Preventive screening is one of the best ways to protect your pet’s long-term health.

                    Learn more on our Wellness Care page.

                    Will I get my pet’s test results the same day?

                    Some results—like in-house blood work—are available the same day, often within minutes. However, we send most lab tests, including urinalysis and fecal screening, to a trusted reference laboratory for thorough evaluation.

                    The lab prioritizes diagnostic panels for sick or symptomatic pets, where timely results are essential for treatment. Because of this, routine wellness panels may take up to 48 hours to return.

                    Certain specialized tests—like cultures, endocrine panels, or pathology—can take longer. For example, bacterial cultures must incubate so that organisms have time to grow before identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing. These results may take 3–5 days or more, depending on the case.

                    We’ll always explain expected timelines and contact you promptly when results are in.

                    Why do some test results take longer to come back?

                    Certain tests require more processing time due to sample type, test complexity, or the need for outside analysis by a veterinary pathologist, microbiologist, or specialty lab. Cultures, biopsies, and endocrine function panels often take a few days to a week. We’ll contact you when results are available.

                    Why does my pet need a heartworm and tick-borne disease screen if they’re on prevention?

                    No preventive is 100% effective, and infections can still occur due to missed doses, vomiting after administration, or resistant parasites. Annual testing ensures we catch infections early—before they cause lasting harm—and also helps monitor regional disease trends.
                    In addition, many preventive product manufacturers require proof of annual testing to maintain their product satisfaction guarantees. Regular screening supports your pet’s health and helps ensure you’re eligible for coverage in the rare event of infection despite proper use.

                    Learn more on our Wellness Care or Internal Medicine page.

                    Why is blood work needed to monitor medication?

                    Some medications—like those used for arthritis, seizures, heart disease, or endocrine conditions—can affect the liver, kidneys, or electrolyte levels over time. Routine blood work helps us make sure your pet is tolerating treatment safely.

                    It also allows us to adjust the dose based on how your pet is responding, ensuring they’re getting the right amount for maximum benefit with minimal risk. Even when a medication is working, small changes in organ function, metabolism, or disease progression can affect how your pet processes it. Ongoing monitoring helps us keep treatment both effective and safe.

                    See our Internal Medicine page for more.

                    What can blood tests detect for dogs or cats?

                    Blood work is one of the most important tools we use to monitor your pet’s internal health. It helps us assess how well organs are functioning, detect underlying illness, and guide treatment decisions.
                    Blood tests can detect:
                    ⦁ Infections, inflammation, or anemia
                    ⦁ Liver and kidney disease
                    ⦁ Diabetes and electrolyte imbalances
                    ⦁ Thyroid and other hormonal disorders
                    ⦁ Signs of cancer or immune-related illness
                    ⦁ Side effects of medications
                    ⦁ Baseline health markers for future comparison
                    We recommend annual blood work as part of routine wellness care—even in healthy pets—because it allows us to catch changes early and track trends over time. For dogs, this may include screening for heartworm or tick-borne diseases. For cats, it often includes screening for conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or viral infections such as FeLV and FIV.

                    Routine blood testing is a proactive way to detect illness early, monitor aging pets, and support long-term health.

                    Learn more on our Wellness Care or Internal Medicine page.

                    Do cats and dogs have different blood test needs?

                    Yes—cats and dogs have different health risks, so their blood testing is tailored to their species, age, and lifestyle.
                    Dogs are more commonly affected by hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, and tick-borne illnesses, so their blood work may include thyroid panels, endocrine testing, or screening for heartworm and tick-borne diseases.
                    Cats are more prone to chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and viral infections like FeLV and FIV. For adult cats, we may also recommend cardiac screening using a ProBNP test, which helps detect early signs of heart disease—especially in senior cats or those undergoing anesthesia.

                    Because normal lab values differ by species, test results are always interpreted using species-specific reference ranges. We customize each pet’s lab work to ensure it’s relevant, accurate, and appropriate for their needs.

                    Learn more on our Internal Medicine or Wellness Care page.

                    Why is a first-morning urine sample preferred?

                    A first-morning urine sample is typically the most concentrated because your pet hasn’t eaten, drank water, or urinated for several hours. This makes it especially useful for:
                    ⦁ Evaluating kidney function
                    ⦁ Detecting early signs of disease
                    ⦁ Measuring urine concentration and dilution
                    ⦁ Identifying subtle changes in protein, glucose, or sediment that might be missed in more dilute samples

                    A concentrated sample gives us the clearest picture of your pet’s baseline urinary health, especially when screening for conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or urinary tract issues.

                    If you’re collecting at home, we recommend getting the sample first thing in the morning and refrigerating it right away if you can’t bring it to us within one hour.

                    Learn more on our Wellness Care or Internal Medicine page.

                    Can I collect my pet’s urine at home?

                    Yes! In many cases, it’s possible and helpful to collect your pet’s urine at home—especially the first-morning urine, which is the most concentrated and provides the most complete results.

                    • For all urine samples
                      • Drop off within 1 hour of collection, or
                      • Refrigerate immediately and drop off within 12 hours
                      • Do not drop off samples on Sundays, as the lab does not pick up that day
                    • For cats (using non-absorbent litter beads):
                      • Start with a clean litter pan—remove all litter and wash the pan thoroughly
                      • Add the provided non-absorbent beads to the empty litter pan
                      • Confine your cat to a small room or bathroom to encourage them to use the unfamiliar litter setup
                      • Use the provided pipette to collect urine from the beads and transfer it into the collection jar
                      • Discard the beads after use
                      • Follow the drop-off and refrigeration guidelines above

                    If you’re unsure how or when to collect a sample, our team is happy to walk you through the process. Proper timing and handling ensure accurate, reliable test results.

                    What’s a cysto?

                    Cysto is short for cystocentesis, which is a procedure used to collect a sterile urine sample directly from your pet’s bladder using a fine needle and syringe.
                    It may sound intimidating, but it’s a safe and routine procedure that’s often more comfortable and reliable than collecting urine after your pet urinates naturally. We commonly perform cysto when:

                    • A clean, uncontaminated sample is needed for culture or diagnostic testing
                    • A pet isn’t producing a sample on their own
                    • We need to ensure results reflect what’s happening inside the bladder, not just what passes through the urethra or external surfaces

                    Cystocentesis is typically done gently with ultrasound guidance, and most pets tolerate it very well—even without sedation.

                    How often should my pet have a fecal test?

                    We recommend annual fecal testing for most pets as part of routine wellness care. More frequent testing may be advised for:

                    • Puppies and kittens
                    • Newly adopted pets
                    • Pets with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or weight loss
                    • Pets that visit dog parks, daycare, or boarding facilities

                    In addition to protecting your pet’s health (and your family’s), some parasite prevention manufacturers require proof of annual fecal testing to maintain product guarantees. Regular testing helps us detect parasites early—even when pets appear healthy—and ensures your pet’s preventive plan is working as intended.

                    What makes your fecal testing more accurate?

                    At Mount Carmel, we use a comprehensive fecal test that combines traditional Ova & Parasite (O&P) evaluation with antigen testing—all in a single sample.

                    • O&P testing looks for parasite eggs and protozoa under a microscope. While useful, it depends on parasites actively shedding eggs at the time of collection, which doesn’t always happen.
                    • Antigen testing detects specific proteins (antigens) released by parasites like Giardia and hookworms—even when no eggs are present. This means we can catch infections earlier and more reliably, especially in intermittent shedders or asymptomatic pets.

                    This combined approach helps reduce false negatives and ensures your pet receives timely, appropriate treatment if parasites are present.

                    When is a culture test needed?

                    A culture and sensitivity test is typically recommended when an infection is chronic, recurrent, or not responding to initial treatment. It allows the lab to grow and identify the specific bacteria or fungus causing the problem and determine which medications will be most effective.

                    Matching the right antibiotic or antifungal to the specific organism isn’t about guessing or getting it wrong—it’s about precision. Some infections are caused by organisms that are naturally resistant to certain medications. A culture helps us target treatment more accurately, avoid unnecessary drugs, and get your pet better, faster.

                    We commonly recommend cultures for urinary tract infections, ear or skin infections, wounds, or respiratory issues, especially when we need to move beyond general treatment approaches and provide the most accurate, efficient care possible.

                    Learn more on our Internal Medicine page.

                    What’s the difference between cytology and histopathology?

                    Both cytology and histopathology involve examining cells under a microscope, but they differ in how the samples are collected and the level of detail they provide.

                    • Cytology involves collecting a small number of cells—usually through a fine needle aspirate, skin scraping, or swab. It’s minimally invasive and often done during a regular appointment. Cytology helps us quickly evaluate lumps, skin lesions, ear infections, and other surface-level concerns to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or cancerous changes.
                    • Histopathology involves submitting a tissue sample (usually from a biopsy or surgical removal) to a veterinary pathologist for in-depth analysis. It provides more detailed information, including tumor type, grade, and margins, which is critical when planning further treatment or surgery.

                    In many cases, cytology helps us make initial decisions quickly, while histopathology gives us a more complete picture when needed for a definitive diagnosis.

                    See our Surgery or Internal Medicine pages for more.

                    What diseases are detected through serology testing?

                    Serology testing detects antibodies or antigens in the blood to identify infections, exposure to disease, or your pet’s immune response to a pathogen or vaccine.

                    These tests are commonly used to screen for:

                    • Heartworm disease (especially in dogs)
                    • Tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma
                    • Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) in cats
                    • Canine parvovirus, particularly in young or unvaccinated dogs
                    • Other vector-borne or contagious diseases, depending on your pet’s lifestyle, species, and risk level

                    Serologic testing is often part of routine wellness screenings, travel or boarding requirements, and diagnostics for sick pets. It helps us detect problems early, monitor disease progression, and make informed treatment or prevention decisions.

                    See our Wellness Care or Internal Medicine pages for more.

                    What are signs of hormonal disorders in pets?

                    Hormonal (endocrine) disorders can affect multiple body systems and often develop gradually. The signs can vary depending on the specific condition, but common symptoms include:

                    • Increased thirst and urination
                    • Changes in appetite (increased or decreased)
                    • Weight gain or weight loss
                    • Hair loss, thinning coat, or skin changes
                    • Lethargy or restlessness
                    • Vomiting or diarrhea
                    • Muscle weakness or collapse (in severe cases)

                    Conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s disease, and Addison’s disease can cause these symptoms. Because they can mimic other illnesses or be easy to overlook, blood work and endocrine testing are essential for accurate diagnosis and management.

                    Learn more on our Internal Medicine page.

                    When is genetic testing recommended?

                    Genetic testing can be a valuable tool for identifying inherited health risks, especially in pets with known breed predispositions or unexplained medical concerns. We may recommend it in the following situations:

                    • To screen for breed-specific conditions, such as heart disease, kidney disease, clotting disorders, or neurologic issues
                    • When symptoms are present, but traditional diagnostics haven’t identified a clear cause
                    • For young pets, to support proactive care planning or guide early monitoring
                    • To confirm breed ancestry, especially in mixed-breed pets where genetic background may influence medical decisions
                    • As part of responsible breeding, to help avoid passing on known genetic diseases

                    Genetic testing is usually performed via a simple cheek swab or blood sample, and results can help us tailor your pet’s care—often long before symptoms appear.

                    Learn more on our Internal Medicine OR Cardiac Care page.