Comprehensive Lab Testing at Hope Animal Medical Center
At Hope Animal Medical Center, we offer a complete in-house and Reference laboratory testing — allowing us to get fast, accurate results when your pet needs them most. Whether your pet is here for a routine wellness check, pre-surgical testing, or emergency care, lab work plays a vital role in diagnosing illness and guiding treatment.
Why Is Lab Work Important?
Lab work gives us a look inside your pet’s body — helping us catch illness early, monitor existing conditions, and ensure your pet is healthy enough for procedures like surgery or dental cleanings.
Bloodwork is often recommended:
- Before anesthesia
- During illness or injury
- For senior pet wellness checks
- While monitoring long-term medications
- As part of routine preventative care
Understanding Your Pet’s Bloodwork
We want you to feel confident and informed about your pet’s health. Below is a guide to the most common blood tests we perform and what they help us evaluate.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test provides a snapshot of your pet’s overall health by measuring cells in the bloodstream.
What It Can Tell Us:
- Hydration status
- Signs of anemia
- Infection or inflammation
- Immune system response
- Clotting ability
Key CBC Values
- Hematocrit (HCT): Measures red blood cells — checks for anemia or dehydration.
- Hemoglobin (Hb) & MCHC: Oxygen-carrying proteins in red blood cells.
- White Blood Cell Count (WBC): Immune cell levels — increases or decreases can signal infection or disease.
- Granulocytes & Lymphocytes/Monocytes (GRANS & L/M): Types of white blood cells.
- Eosinophils (EOS): Can indicate allergies or parasites.
- Platelet Count (PLT): Essential for blood clotting.
- Reticulocytes (RETICS): Immature red blood cells — high levels may suggest regenerative anemia.
Blood Chemistry Panel
This test evaluates organ function, electrolyte balance, and metabolic health.
What It Can Tell Us:
- Liver & kidney function
- Blood sugar levels
- Hydration & electrolyte balance
- Hormone levels
- Potential toxin exposure
Key Chemistry Values:
| Test | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Albumin (ALB) | Hydration, liver, kidney, or intestinal health |
| Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP) | Liver disease, bone growth, Cushing’s disease |
| Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) | Liver cell damage |
| Amylase (AMYL) | Pancreas or kidney issues |
| Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) | Liver, heart, or muscle damage |
| Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) | Kidney function, hydration, or protein metabolism |
| Calcium (Ca) | Possible cancer, kidney disease, or parathyroid issues |
| Cholesterol (CHOL) | Thyroid, liver disease, diabetes |
| Chloride (Cl) | Hydration status, Addison’s disease |
| Cortisol (CORT) | Testing for Cushing’s or Addison’s disease |
| Creatinine (CREA) | Kidney function |
| Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) | Liver or gallbladder disease |
| Globulin (GLOB) | Chronic inflammation or disease |
| Glucose (GLU) | Blood sugar levels — diabetes or hypoglycemia |
| Potassium (K) | Kidney function, Addison’s disease, or dehydration |
| Lipase (LIP) | Pancreatic health |
| Sodium (Na) | Hydration, kidney disease, or Addison’s disease |
| Phosphorus (P) | Kidney disease or metabolic disorders |
| Total Bilirubin (TBILI) | Liver function or certain types of anemia |
| Total Protein (TP) | Hydration and overall health |
| Thyroxine (T4) | Thyroid function — hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism |
Partnering With You for Your Pet’s Health
Bloodwork gives us vital information — but it also helps us partner with you in your pet’s care. We’ll always review your pet’s results with you, answer your questions, and explain what the findings mean for your pet’s health.
Ready to Learn More or Schedule Lab Work for Your Pet?
Contact us today at (706) 546-7879 or Request an Appointment Online.