Veterinary laboratory testing
& pet blood work in San Jose, CA

A complete blood count evaluates the three major cell types in your pet's blood. Red blood cell values help identify anemia or blood loss, while white blood cell counts can point toward infection, inflammation, or immune responses. Platelet numbers matter for clotting and bleeding concerns.

Veterinarians often use a CBC as a starting point when a pet is unwell, as changes in these values can guide which additional tests or treatments make sense. It's also a standard part of pre-anesthetic screening and monitoring for pets with known conditions. Results typically come back quickly from our in-house lab, and your vet will explain what the numbers mean for your pet specifically.

A blood chemistry panel measures enzymes and substances that reflect how well major organs are working. Liver values such as ALT and ALP help assess liver health, while BUN and creatinine give insight into kidney function. Glucose levels can suggest diabetes or other metabolic concerns, and electrolyte imbalances may indicate dehydration or systemic illness.

Chemistry panels are especially useful for pets showing vague symptoms like decreased appetite, weight changes, increased thirst, or lethargy. They're also a key part of senior wellness screening and pre-anesthetic evaluation. Because our lab processes many panels in-house, your veterinarian can often review chemistry results during the same visit and discuss any findings with you right away.

Urinalysis examines the physical and chemical properties of urine. Specific gravity tells us how well the kidneys are concentrating urine, while the presence of protein, glucose, or blood can suggest kidney disease, diabetes, or bladder problems. Microscopic evaluation of urine sediment can reveal crystals, bacteria, and white blood cells that indicate infection or inflammation.

This test is particularly valuable for pets with changes in drinking or urination habits, recurrent urinary issues, or suspected kidney disease. It pairs naturally with blood work to give a fuller picture of kidney and metabolic health. Collecting a urine sample is simple, and results are typically available during your visit.

Many intestinal parasites — roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and giardia — produce eggs or organisms that are too small to see without a microscope. A fecal test involves examining a stool sample under magnification to detect these parasites and their eggs.

Fecal testing is recommended annually for most pets and more frequently for puppies, kittens, and pets with gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea or weight loss. Because some parasites can spread between animals and, in certain cases, to humans, identifying and treating them early protects both your pet and your household.

Certain infections may not cause obvious symptoms right away but can cause serious harm over time. Heartworm disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, damages the heart and lungs and is far easier to manage when caught early. Tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis can affect joints, kidneys, and overall energy levels.

For cats, FeLV (feline leukemia virus) and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) testing helps determine appropriate care and lifestyle management. Your veterinarian will recommend which infectious disease tests make sense based on your pet's age, lifestyle, geographic risk, and whether they receive regular prevention medications.

Anesthesia involves medications that the liver and kidneys must process and clear from the body. Pre-anesthetic blood work — typically a CBC and chemistry panel — tells your veterinarian how those organs are functioning before any procedure begins.

If blood work reveals something unexpected, the surgical team can adjust the anesthesia protocol, choose different medications, or delay the procedure to address a health concern first. This screening is standard of care and is required before every anesthetic procedure at our clinic because it helps keep pets as safe as possible during surgery and dental cleanings.

Pets age much faster than humans, and the changes that come with age often begin silently. A seven-year-old dog or eleven-year-old cat may seem perfectly fine at home while experiencing early kidney decline, thyroid imbalance, or liver changes that only blood work reveals.

Senior screening typically includes a chemistry panel, CBC, urinalysis, and sometimes thyroid testing. We recommend baseline lab work for healthy seniors, then repeat testing at intervals your veterinarian recommends based on results. Catching changes early gives us more options — whether that's a diet change, a medication adjustment, or simply closer monitoring. Learn more about our senior pet care services.

Once a chronic condition is diagnosed, lab testing becomes a tool for tracking progress. Kidney values are monitored to assess disease progression and guide fluid or diet therapy. Glucose levels help evaluate diabetes management and determine whether insulin dosing needs adjustment. Thyroid levels guide medication for pets on thyroid therapy.

The frequency of monitoring depends on the condition and your pet's stability — some conditions require testing every few months, while others are checked at routine wellness visits. Regular lab work helps your veterinarian make informed decisions and keeps you updated on how your pet is responding to treatment.