Pet Laboratory Testing

When your pet’s health needs aren’t clear, laboratory testing gives our veterinarians the objective information they need to make confident, informed decisions about their care. South Shore Veterinary Hospital provides comprehensive veterinary diagnostics for dogs and cats in Forest Lake and beyond.

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The Role of Veterinary Diagnostics in Pet Health

A physical exam tells our veterinarians a great deal, but it cannot tell the whole story. Many conditions — including kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, infections, and certain types of anemia — can be present and progressing before any outward symptoms appear. Veterinary diagnostics allow us to see what is happening inside your pet’s body at a level that no amount of observation alone can provide.

At South Shore Veterinary Hospital, laboratory testing is woven into nearly every aspect of the care we provide — from wellness exams and pre-surgical screening to urgent evaluations and ongoing disease management. From routine pet blood testing to specialized diagnostic panels, our in-house laboratory capabilities allow us to get answers quickly and act on them without delay.

Our Veterinary Diagnostic Services

Blood Testing

Pet blood testing is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools available in veterinary medicine. A complete blood count (CBC) evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, helping us identify infections, anemia, inflammation, and immune system concerns. A blood chemistry panel assesses organ function — including the liver, kidneys, and pancreas — as well as electrolyte levels and blood glucose.

Blood testing is recommended as part of routine wellness care for adult and senior pets, prior to any procedure requiring anesthesia, and whenever a pet presents with symptoms that may point to an underlying systemic condition.

Heartworm Testing

Annual heartworm antigen testing is recommended for dogs in Minnesota as a standard part of preventative care. Heartworm disease is transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause serious, progressive damage to the heart and lungs. Because early infection often produces no obvious symptoms, testing is the most reliable way to detect it before significant disease develops.

Fecal Testing

Fecal examinations allow us to detect internal parasites — including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and Giardia — that may not produce obvious symptoms but can significantly impact your pet’s digestive health. Routine fecal testing is a key component of our parasite control program and is recommended at least annually for most dogs and cats.

Urinalysis

Urine testing provides important information about kidney function, hydration status, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and metabolic conditions such as diabetes. A urinalysis is often performed alongside blood testing to give our veterinarians the most complete diagnostic picture possible.

Thyroid Testing

Thyroid disorders are among the most common hormonal conditions affecting both dogs and cats. Hypothyroidism is frequently seen in dogs, while hyperthyroidism is one of the most common diagnoses in older cats. Thyroid testing is often recommended as part of a senior wellness panel or whenever a pet presents with symptoms such as unexplained weight changes, changes in coat quality, lethargy, or increased thirst and urination.

Pre-Anesthetic Screening

Before any procedure requiring general anesthesia — including spaying and neutering, dental cleanings, and soft tissue surgery — we recommend pre-anesthetic blood testing to assess organ function and help determine whether your pet is an appropriate candidate for anesthesia. This screening allows us to tailor the anesthetic protocol to your pet’s individual needs and identify any underlying concerns that could affect their safety under anesthesia.

In-House Testing vs. Reference Laboratory Testing

South Shore Veterinary Hospital maintains a well-equipped in-house laboratory that allows us to run many common diagnostics — including CBCs, chemistry panels, urinalysis, fecal exams, and heartworm tests — and receive results within minutes. This is particularly valuable in urgent situations where fast answers directly influence treatment decisions.

For specialized or less common tests, we partner with trusted external veterinary reference laboratories staffed by board-certified clinical pathologists. These partnerships give us access to a broad menu of advanced diagnostics while ensuring that results are interpreted by specialists with deep expertise in veterinary laboratory medicine.

A Diagnostic Team That Goes Beyond the Numbers

With multiple veterinarians on staff representing a wide range of clinical interests — including internal medicine, endocrine disorders, and infectious disease — South Shore Veterinary Hospital is exceptionally well-equipped to interpret diagnostic results in the context of your pet’s complete health picture. Our doctors consult with one another regularly on complex or puzzling cases, and that collaborative approach means your pet’s lab results are never evaluated in isolation.

FAQs About Pet Laboratory Testing

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How often should my pet have blood work done?

For healthy adult dogs and cats, we generally recommend annual blood testing as part of a routine wellness visit. Senior pets — typically those seven years and older, though this varies by breed and size — benefit from more frequent monitoring, often every six months. Pets managing chronic health conditions may need testing on an individualized schedule determined by their veterinarian.

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Does my pet need to fast before blood testing?

For certain tests — particularly blood glucose and some chemistry values — fasting beforehand produces the most accurate results. We will let you know in advance whether fasting is recommended for your pet's specific panel. For most routine wellness blood work, an overnight fast of eight to twelve hours is typically advised.

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What if my pet's results come back abnormal?

Abnormal results don't always indicate serious illness — some values can be influenced by stress, recent activity, diet, or other transient factors. Your veterinarian will review your pet's results in the context of their full history and clinical presentation, explain what the findings mean, and recommend next steps, which may include follow-up testing, a change in management, or further diagnostic workup.

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Can laboratory testing detect cancer in my pet?

Some forms of cancer produce changes that are detectable through routine blood work, such as abnormal white blood cell counts in certain leukemias or elevated calcium levels associated with specific tumors. However, blood testing alone is not a comprehensive cancer screening tool. Lumps, masses, or other suspicious findings are best evaluated through cytology or biopsy. If you have noticed any new masses on your pet, please let us know at your next visit.

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My pet seems healthy — is testing really necessary?

Yes. Many serious conditions, including kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, and thyroid dysfunction, develop gradually and may show no outward signs until they are significantly advanced. Routine testing while your pet appears healthy helps us establish their normal baseline and identify potential concerns earlier.

Diagnostic Answers That Guide Better Care

Veterinary diagnostics are at the heart of the individualized, evidence-based medicine that South Shore Veterinary Hospital has been committed to since 1977. Our ability to run comprehensive pet blood testing and other diagnostics in-house — combined with the clinical depth of our multi-doctor team — means your pet gets faster answers, more thoughtful interpretation, and care that is grounded in real data for the best possible support for dog and cat owners throughout the Forest Lake area and beyond.