In-House & Referral Laboratory Testing
Veterinary Laboratory Testingin McKinney, TX
Laboratory testing helps us look beyond what can be seen during a physical examination. Petvise Animal Hospital uses both in-house diagnostics and specialized referral laboratories to evaluate illness, monitor chronic conditions and support preventive and surgical care.
✓ In-House Testing ✓ Referral Laboratory Testing ✓ Dogs & Cats ✓ Preventive & Medical Diagnostics
Looking Beyond the Physical Exam
Looking Beyond the Physical Exam
Laboratory testing can help us understand what may be happening internally.
Why Does My Pet Need Laboratory Testing?
Many medical conditions cannot be diagnosed from physical examination alone. Vomiting, weakness, weight loss, increased thirst or reduced appetite can occur with many different diseases.
Blood, urine, fecal and cellular testing can provide information about organ function, hydration, infection, inflammation, anemia, blood glucose, electrolytes and other important aspects of your pet's health.
✓ Investigate new symptoms
✓ Establish healthy baseline values
✓ Monitor chronic disease
✓ Evaluate senior pets
✓ Assess patients before anesthesia
✓ Monitor response to treatment
On-Site Diagnostics
In-House Veterinary Laboratory Testing
In-house testing allows our veterinary team to obtain important diagnostic information without sending every sample outside the hospital. This can be particularly helpful when a pet is sick, undergoing urgent evaluation or preparing for anesthesia.
Complete Blood Count
Evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets and can help identify anemia, inflammation and other abnormalities.
Fecal Testing
Screening may help identify selected intestinal parasites that can affect dogs and cats.
Blood Chemistry
Provides information about organ function, blood glucose, proteins, electrolytes and other important metabolic values.
Infectious Disease Screening
Selected point-of-care tests may be used based on age, symptoms, travel history and exposure risk.
Urinalysis
Helps evaluate urine concentration, blood, glucose, protein, crystals, inflammation and other urinary abnormalities.
Cytology
Microscopic evaluation of selected ear, skin or cellular samples may help guide treatment decisions.
The exact tests performed in-house depend on the patient's condition and the type of information needed. Some samples are better suited for specialized referral laboratory testing.
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Referral Laboratory Testing When More Detail Is Needed
Some diagnostic questions require specialized equipment, advanced testing methods or review by veterinary pathologists. In these situations, samples can be submitted to a veterinary referral laboratory for additional analysis.
Referral testing complements our in-house laboratory rather than replacing it. The veterinarian selects the most useful testing method based on your pet's condition.
Histopathology
Microscopic evaluation of tissue removed during biopsy or surgery.
Culture & Sensitivity
Helps identify selected bacterial infections and guide antibiotic selection when indicated.
Endocrine & Hormone Testing
Specialized testing for certain hormonal or endocrine disorders.
Advanced Cytology
Specialized review of cells from masses, organs or fluids.
PCR & Specialized Infectious Testing
Advanced testing for selected infectious diseases.
Specialized Blood Panels
Additional diagnostic testing beyond routine in-house panels.
Referral laboratory turnaround time varies depending on the test being performed. We will discuss expected timing when specialized testing is recommended.
Understanding the Results
What Can Laboratory Testing Tell Us?
Laboratory results are interpreted together with your pet's symptoms, examination findings, medical history and other diagnostics. A single abnormal value rarely tells the entire story.
Anemia
Changes in red blood cell numbers
Kidney Function
Blood and urine findings may help assess renal health
Blood Glucose
Important when evaluating diabetes and metabolic disease
Inflammation or Infection
Changes in selected white blood cell populations
Liver Function
Selected enzymes and other values may indicate abnormalities
Electrolyte Changes
Can occur with dehydration and many medical conditions
Local Diagnostic Care
Veterinary Laboratory Testing for McKinney-Area Pets
Petvise Animal Hospital provides diagnostic laboratory services for dogs and cats in McKinney, Texas, including on-site testing and access to specialized referral laboratories when advanced analysis is needed.
We also welcome patients from nearby communities including Frisco, Allen, Fairview and Plano.