Greencross Vets Clinical pathology for pets
Clinical pathology for pets allows our veterinarians to analyse and diagnose specific health conditions. These tests assist with monitoring treatments or to check organs that can’t be checked on a general physical examination.
Common laboratory tests include blood tests, urinalysis for dogs and cats, faecal tests, and biopsy examination.
In-House Laboratory Testing
Greencross Vets clinics are equipped with the latest laboratory equipment. This allows our veterinarians to perform a range of diagnostic tests to achieve accurate, rapid diagnoses. This is especially important in sick pets and those requiring immediate or emergency treatment. Our in-house laboratory can provide results within minutes.
In some cases, specialised tests performed by an external veterinary laboratory may be required. The results of these tests can take a bit longer to receive.
Urinalysis
A urine test for dogs or cats (urinalysis) provides valuable information about your pet’s kidney health, urinary tract, and overall hydration. Urinalysis can detect infections, crystals or stones, and conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Fresh samples can often be analysed on-site at Greencross Vets. This ensures fast, accurate results; helping our veterinarians make timely treatment decisions.
Faecal Testing
Faecal tests check for intestinal parasites, bacterial infections, and other digestive health issues. Regular screening is especially important for puppies, kittens, and pets with gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea or weight loss.
Biopsy
When a lump or abnormal tissue is found on your dog or cat, a biopsy can help determine if it’s benign or malignant. Biopsies involve collecting a small tissue sample, which is then examined under a microscope to diagnose issues like tumours, cysts, or chronic inflammatory conditions.
In many cases, biopsies are minimally invasive and can be performed under local or general anaesthesia depending on the location and size of the sample.
Common Conditions Diagnosed with Clinical Pathology
Some of the conditions that may be diagnosed with in-house clinical pathology testing include:
- kidney and liver disease
- pancreatitis
- diabetes
- hormonal problems
- infections
- certain cancers
Pre-Surgical Blood Tests
Having in-house laboratory facilities also allows us to provide valuable information about your pet’s anaesthetic safety. A simple in-house blood test on the morning of surgery allows us to check your pet’s liver and kidney function. These two main organs are involved in breaking down anaesthetic drugs.
A screening blood test is important as ongoing preventative health care. At Greencross Vets we recommend a blood test every six months. This allows for the early detection of disease and illness, particularly in older pets. Many of the diseases that senior pets are susceptible to are preventable or easily managed if detected early, which makes wellness blood tests important in senior pets.
Learn more about the importance of blood tests for dogs and for cats in our helpful guides.
