Veterinary Diagnostics & In-House Laboratory

Fast, Accurate Answers When Your Pet Needs Them

At Carter County Animal Hospital, our in-house veterinary laboratory allows us to quickly diagnose illness and begin treatment without unnecessary delays. Many test results are available in as little as 20 minutes, helping our veterinary team make timely, informed decisions when your pet is sick or injured.

Fast diagnostics mean faster answers and faster relief for your pet.

Comprehensive In-House Testing

Our veterinary diagnostic services allow us to evaluate a wide range of conditions right here in our hospital. Common in-house tests include:

• Heartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis testing
• FIV/FeLV testing for cats
• Parvovirus and Giardia testing
• Intestinal parasite screening
• Pregnancy testing
• Early renal (kidney) disease screening
• Lipase and other health-related bloodwork

These tools help us detect illness early and create a targeted treatment plan based on your pet’s specific needs.

Pre-Anesthetic & Routine Bloodwork

Before any surgical procedure, we perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork (with your consent) to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia. This helps us identify conditions such as dehydration, anemia, infection, diabetes, or liver and kidney disease before surgery.

We also use routine blood panels to evaluate overall health in both sick and healthy pets, giving us a clearer picture of what’s happening internally, even when outward symptoms are minimal.

Why Early Detection Matters

Many diseases in pets develop silently. Routine diagnostic testing allows us to catch problems early, often before symptoms appear. Early detection can lead to more treatment options, better outcomes, and in many cases, a longer and healthier life for your pet.

Outside Laboratory Testing When Needed

For more advanced or specialized diagnostics, we also work with trusted external laboratories. This allows us to send out samples for complex testing such as biopsies, thyroid panels, or pathology when needed, ensuring your pet always receives the most complete diagnostic care available.

Accurate Answers. Better Care.

Whether your pet is sick, preparing for surgery, or simply due for routine screening, our diagnostic tools help us deliver care that is fast, precise, and personalized. If you have questions about your pet’s health, our team is here to help you understand the “what” and the “why” behind every result.