In-Clinic Diagnostics

Having an in-house diagnostics laboratory as well as digital radiography and ultrasound capabilities means that Altadena Valley Animal Clinic offers a diverse range of diagnostic services in one location. We perform complete blood counts (CBCs), chemistry panels, urinalysis, fecal/intestinal parasite screening, ear and skin cytologies, fine needle aspirates with cytology, heartworm tests, cortisol assays, total T4-thyroid hormone tests, and more.

Blood chemistries indicate how well your pet’s liver, kidney, and pancreas function in your pet. A CBC can indicate your pet’s overall health, as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are all determined, which can indicate certain infections, cancers, and the blood’s ability to clot.

Electrolytes indicate whether an animal is dehydrated. Fecal testing can indicate intestinal parasites that cannot be seen from the outside and can often be spread to humans. Urinalysis can let our doctors know if your pet has certain infections, as well as diabetes.

We can get the results for many of these tests in a matter of minutes which means that we can provide a diagnosis and treatment options on the spot. Having blood work done at an annual checkup provides our doctors with a continuous record of your pet’s health condition. Should any significant changes occur from one year to the next, we would be able to notice the irregularity and check for possible causes.

We also conduct blood work screenings for pets who are scheduled for surgery to ensure there are no underlying issues that might cause complications.

At Altadena Valley Animal Clinic, we always want what’s best for your pet. Our diagnostic testing capabilities help us keep your pets thriving and happy throughout all life’s stages.