Fast, Accurate Results for Your Pet’s Health

At Hope Animal Medical Center, we care about your pet’s overall well-being—including the need for fast and accurate diagnostics. Our In-House Laboratory & Bloodwork Services allow us to quickly assess your pet’s health, detect underlying conditions, and begin treatment without delay—supporting a healthier, happier life for your furry companion.

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.

Understanding Your Pet’s Bloodwork

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.