Veterinary Lab Work for Dogs and Cats in Tucson, AZ

Most lab work starts with a small blood sample, drawn from a vein in a few minutes while a team member gently holds your pet. Depending on the reason for the visit, we may also collect urine or stool, or take a swab of skin or a lump for cytology, where cells are examined under a microscope. Many of these samples go straight into our in-house veterinary laboratory, so results come back faster than they would from an outside lab. Our veterinarian, Dr. Westmoreland, then reads the numbers alongside the exam findings. One value out of range rarely tells the whole story, so she looks at patterns: how red and white cell counts relate to each other, how kidney and liver values line up, and how today’s results compare with your pet’s last visit.

Lab work also matters more here than in many parts of the country. The fungus behind Valley Fever lives in the soil around our clinic, and dogs who dig, sniff, and hike breathe it in easily, so Valley Fever testing is a regular part of how we sort out coughs, limping, and unexplained weight loss. For healthy pets, routine screening builds a baseline, a record of what normal looks like for your pet specifically. That baseline is what lets us spot a kidney value creeping up in an older cat before she shows any signs. If your pet gets nervous at the vet, tell us. We can plan for a calmer visit, and you’ll get a clear estimate before any test is run, so there are no surprises at checkout.

What Tests Are Included in Pet Lab Work?

Pet lab work usually combines blood, urine, and stool tests, chosen for your pet’s age, health, and reason for the visit. The ones we recommend most often:

• A complete blood count (CBC), which checks red cells, white cells, and platelets
• A blood chemistry panel, which measures kidney and liver values, blood sugar, and electrolytes
• Urinalysis for pets, which checks kidney function, crystals, and infection
• Fecal testing for intestinal parasites like hookworms and giardia
• Heartworm & tick fever screening for dogs, and FeLV and FIV testing for cats
• Cytology, a microscope look at cells from a lump or skin swab

Not every pet needs every test. We’ll explain what we recommend and why.

What Can a Blood Test Tell Us About My Dog or Cat?

Dog and cat blood tests show how well the organs are working, whether there’s infection or inflammation, and how the body is handling sugar and fluids. A high white cell count can point toward infection. Low red cells mean anemia, which can come from blood loss, parasites, or bone marrow problems. Rising kidney values can flag early kidney disease, one of the most common problems in older cats.

Some results lead straight to a diagnosis. Others narrow the list and point to the next step, whether that’s a recheck in a few weeks or digital X-rays and ultrasound to look at the organ in question.

When Should My Pet Have Lab Work Done?

Your pet should have lab work at routine wellness visits and any time they’re sick in a way an exam alone can’t explain. Common reasons include:

• Yearly wellness visits, to build and update your pet’s baseline
• Before anesthesia for surgery or a dental cleaning
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or a pet who hasn’t eaten in more than a day
• More drinking or urinating than usual, weight loss, or low energy
• Long-term medications that can affect the liver or kidneys
• Ongoing treatment for conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, or Valley Fever

For urgent concerns, we offer same-day appointments, so answers don’t have to wait.

Why Is Bloodwork Needed Before Anesthesia or a Dental Cleaning?

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork confirms that your pet’s liver and kidneys can safely process anesthesia drugs, and it catches hidden problems that would change the plan. Those two organs clear most anesthetic drugs from the body. If either one is struggling, we can adjust the medications or postpone the procedure until the problem is under control.

Bloodwork also checks for anemia and clotting problems, which matter any time bleeding is possible, including tooth extractions. Even young, healthy-looking pets sometimes have an issue that only shows up on paper.

How Often Should Senior Pets Get Blood Tests?

Most senior pets do best with blood and urine testing every six to twelve months, depending on their health. Dogs and cats are generally considered seniors around age seven, a bit earlier for large and giant breed dogs. Pets age faster than people, so a year between tests can mean a lot of change. Senior pet screening is how we catch slow-moving problems such as:

• Chronic kidney disease, especially in cats
• An overactive thyroid in cats
• Diabetes in both dogs and cats
• Liver changes and anemia

Finding these early often means simpler treatment, like a diet change or a daily pill.

How Do I Prepare My Pet for a Blood or Urine Test?

For many blood tests, we’ll ask you to hold food for about 8 to 12 hours beforehand, usually overnight, but always leave water out. A recent meal can skew some chemistry values. A few other tips:

• Ask us before skipping any medication, since most should be given as usual
• If we need urine, keep your pet from emptying their bladder right before the visit
• For a fecal test, bring a fresh stool sample from the last 12 hours in a sealed bag
• Bring cats in a carrier with a towel draped over it

We’ll tell you ahead of time if a test needs special prep.

Will a Blood Draw Stress My Pet Out?

Most pets handle a blood draw with very little stress, since the draw itself usually takes less than a minute. We keep handling calm and quiet and give nervous pets a moment to settle instead of rushing them.

If your pet has a history of fear at the vet, tell us when you book. For some anxious dogs and cats, a medication given at home before the visit makes the trip easier, and our team will show you exactly how to give it. A relaxed pet also tends to give more accurate results, because stress can briefly raise blood sugar, especially in cats.

How Long Does It Take to Get Lab Results Back?

Tests we run in our own lab come back much faster than tests sent to an outside laboratory, and that speed matters most when your pet is sick. Some tests need specialized equipment, so they go to a reference lab instead. Valley Fever antibody tests, cultures, and biopsies are common examples, and those usually take a few days.

Either way, you won’t be left guessing. We call when results are in, explain what they mean in plain language, and tell you what we recommend next.

Can Lab Testing Detect Valley Fever in Dogs?

Yes. A blood test that looks for antibodies to the Valley Fever fungus is the main lab tool for finding it, though it works best alongside an exam and chest X-rays. Common signs include:

• A dry cough that won’t go away
• Fever, low energy, or weight loss
• Limping when the infection spreads to bone

Valley Fever testing has limits. Early in an infection the test can come back negative and may need repeating in three to four weeks, and a low positive in a dog with no symptoms doesn’t always mean treatment is needed. That’s why Valley Fever diagnosis in dogs often takes more than one test. During treatment, repeat titers and liver values help us track progress.

How Much Does Pet Bloodwork Cost?

The cost of pet bloodwork depends on which tests your pet needs, whether they run in our lab or go out to a reference lab, and whether they’re part of a wellness visit or a sick visit.

Instead of quoting a number that may not fit your pet, we give you a clear estimate before anything is run. If cost is a concern, ask about our payment plans, and we can talk through which tests can wait. Many pet insurance plans reimburse diagnostic testing when it’s medically necessary, and our staff is glad to help with the paperwork.

Why Choose Saguaro Sunset Veterinary Clinic for Pet Lab Testing

Pet owners choose us for lab work because they get fast answers and a veterinarian who takes time to explain them:

• Results reviewed and explained by Dr. Miriam Westmoreland, who founded the clinic
• An in-house lab for faster results when your pet is sick
• Experience with problems we see every week, like Valley Fever and seasonal allergies
• A clear estimate before any testing
• Same-day appointments for urgent concerns

Dr. Westmoreland puts it simply: every pet deserves to feel safe, and every owner deserves to feel heard. Lab results also guide the full range of care we provide, from wellness exams to surgery and dental care.