Laboratory
In-House Laboratory at Aston Veterinary Hospital
In addition to physical examinations, our veterinarians use blood tests and other laboratory work to better assess your pet’s health. These blood tests give us a “baseline” of what is normal for your pet and help us in the early detection of illness or disease. Our in-house laboratory plays an invaluable role in our ability to provide complete and effective veterinary care for all of our patients.
Contact us today to find out more about the in-house lab at our veterinary hospital in Media, PA.
The Importance of Veterinary Lab Services
Blood tests are very valuable in the early detection of diseases in pets. Studies have shown that 25% of dogs and cats over the age of 10 years have a treatable disease that is not causing symptoms. Subtle changes in these tests over time may signal the presence of an underlying disease.
A standard blood test panel may include:
- Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC), which provides key information about the types and amounts of blood cells. A high white blood cell count, for example, may indicate the presence of an infection.
- Blood Chemistry Profile, which helps us identify abnormalities in organ function, blood sugar levels, electrolytes, and more.
- Heartworm Test, which is often compared with urine and fecal tests to detect heartworm disease.
How Often Does My Pet Need Bloodwork?
We recommend that junior pets (1-6 years old) should have bloodwork done yearly and that senior pets (7+ years old) should have bloodwork done at least annually, preferably every 6 months.
Ready to schedule your pet’s next appointment? Call (610) 494-5800!