Most pet owners notice something is wrong before they can explain it, a change in energy, appetite, or behavior that just doesn’t seem right. At Pathways Animal Hospital, Dr. Claudia Gray DVM takes those instincts seriously, and diagnostic laboratory testing is how we find the clinical explanation behind them. Our in-house and reference lab capabilities allow us to move quickly, so your pet spends less time in discomfort and more time recovering. Real answers lead to real treatment, and that starts in our lab.
Diagnostic Laboratory
What Diagnostic Laboratory Testing Looks Like Across Your Pet’s Life Stages
Diagnostic laboratory testing is not a one-size-fits-all service. What your pet needs at eight weeks old looks very different from what they need at eight years old. Young animals are often screened for parasites, congenital conditions, and early infections that can be easy to miss without lab confirmation. As pets move into adulthood, routine blood panels and urinalysis help establish healthy baselines and catch subtle shifts before they become serious problems.
Middle-aged and senior pets benefit most from more frequent diagnostic screening, since organ function, hormone levels, and cell counts can change gradually over time. A dog or cat that appears healthy on the outside may have early kidney disease, thyroid imbalance, or developing anemia that only a lab test can detect at that stage. Regular diagnostic laboratory testing across every life stage gives veterinarians the longitudinal data they need to make informed, proactive decisions, not just reactive ones.
Testing Options We Offer
In-House Laboratory
Our in-house laboratory uses advanced IDEXX technology to deliver fast, reliable results without sending samples off-site. This means your pet’s doctor can review findings the same day, often within the same appointment, and take action right away. In-house testing is particularly valuable for sick pets who need immediate answers.
Services available in our on-site lab include fecal testing, urinalysis, complete blood counts, serum chemistries, electrolyte panels, progesterone testing, pancreatitis screening, fecal flotation using zinc-sulfate centrifugation, and pre-surgical and wellness blood work. Having this range of capabilities under one roof keeps your pet’s care moving forward without delays.
Outgoing Reference Laboratory
For more specialized or complex testing needs, Pathways Animal Hospital partners with trusted external reference laboratories. These outside labs have access to advanced equipment and a broader panel of diagnostic options that go beyond what most in-house systems can offer.
When a case calls for deeper analysis such as biopsies, specialized hormone panels, or rare infectious disease testing, a reference lab ensures your pet still gets the most thorough evaluation possible. Your veterinarian will discuss which lab and which tests are appropriate, and most reference lab results are returned within a day or two, depending on the specific test.
How We Move From Symptoms To Answers
Evaluating Your Pet Before Testing Begins
Before any samples are collected, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination and talk with you about what you have been observing at home. Changes in behavior, appetite, weight, or energy levels all give important clinical context that shapes which tests are most appropriate. This evaluation ensures that diagnostic laboratory testing is purposeful and directly tied to your pet’s specific situation.
Building A Testing Plan Around Your Pet’s Symptoms
Once the initial evaluation is complete, Dr. Claudia Gray DVM or one of our veterinarians will outline which lab panels are being recommended and explain the reasoning behind each one. No test is ordered without a clear purpose, and every panel selected connects back to a specific concern identified during your pet’s exam. You will have the opportunity to ask questions before anything proceeds, so you feel informed and confident in the plan.
Collecting And Processing Your Pet’s Samples
Sample collection is kept as calm and efficient as possible for your pet. Depending on the tests ordered, this may involve a blood draw, a urine sample, a fecal collection, or a combination of all three. Our team handles each pet with patience and care, and in-house samples are processed immediately so results are available as quickly as possible.
Breaking Down Your Pet’s Results In Plain Language
Lab values and reference ranges can be confusing without context, so your veterinarian will walk you through every relevant finding in straightforward terms. Dr. Claudia Gray DVM believes that pet owners make better decisions when they genuinely understand what the results mean, not just what they say. You will leave the appointment knowing exactly what was found, what it indicates, and what comes next for your pet.
Staying On Top Of Your Pet’s Health After Testing
Diagnostic laboratory testing does not always end with a single visit. Some conditions require retesting to confirm a diagnosis, monitor treatment response, or track changes in organ function over time. Your veterinarian will let you know if and when follow-up lab work is recommended, so your pet’s health stays closely monitored between visits.
What Sets Us Apart
Pathways Animal Hospital combines clinical expertise with genuine care for each animal that walks through our doors. Our in-house IDEXX lab system allows for faster turnaround than many clinics, which directly benefits pets who are unwell and need prompt attention. When outside testing is required, our reference lab partnerships ensure that nothing falls through the cracks, and your pet’s case is followed through to completion.
Dr. Claudia Gray DVM brings decades of veterinary experience and a deep passion for helping clients truly understand their pet’s health. She and her team take the time to explain results clearly, answer your questions honestly, and make sure you feel confident in every step of the care plan. At Pathways Animal Hospital, diagnostics are not just a clinical step. They are the foundation of the compassionate, informed care your pet deserves.
FAQs
How do you do a diagnostic test on dogs?
Diagnostic tests on dogs typically begin with a physical examination, followed by sample collection such as blood draws, urine samples, or fecal swabs. The collected samples are then analyzed either in an on-site lab or sent to a reference laboratory depending on what tests are needed. Results help the veterinarian identify underlying conditions and guide an appropriate treatment plan for your dog.
How much is a diagnostic test on dogs?
The cost of diagnostic testing for dogs varies based on which tests are ordered and whether they are processed in-house or at a reference lab. Basic panels like fecal tests or urinalysis tend to be more affordable, while comprehensive blood work or specialized testing may cost more. We recommend calling our clinic directly for current pricing, as costs can vary depending on your pet’s specific needs.
How long do vet lab results take?
In-house lab results at our clinic are often available the same day, sometimes within the same appointment, which is especially helpful for sick or urgent cases. Reference laboratory results typically take one to two business days, though more specialized tests may take longer. Your veterinarian will let you know what to expect based on the specific tests ordered for your pet.
How to read vet lab results for fecal tests?
A fecal test result will typically indicate whether parasite eggs, larvae, or other organisms were detected in your pet’s stool sample. A negative result means no parasites were found, while a positive result identifies the specific type of parasite present. Your veterinarian will review these findings with you and recommend appropriate treatment if anything abnormal is detected, so you do not have to interpret the results on your own.
The Answers Your Pet Needs Are Already Within Reach!
Our in-house IDEXX laboratory and trusted reference lab partnerships mean your pet has access to a wide range of diagnostic testing without being referred elsewhere. Dr. Claudia Gray DVM and our team are prepared to handle routine screenings and complex cases with equal attention and care. Pick up the phone and contact Pathways Animal Hospital today at 716.936.8387. Your pet’s answers are closer than you think!
Request Appointment