Clinical Pathology

Clinical pathology involves the laboratory evaluation of blood, bodily fluids or body tissues in order to identify existing disease. Common laboratory tests include those involving blood biochemistry, haematology (red and white blood cell counts), blood clotting times, urinalysis, faecal analysis, cytology or cell examination, tissue biopsy examination, bacterial cultures and infectious disease testing.

Our hospital is equipped with an in-house laboratory that allows our veterinarians to quickly perform some of these diagnostic tests to achieve an accurate and rapid diagnosis. This is especially important in very ill animals and those requiring immediate or emergency treatment. Some more specialised tests may need to be performed by an external veterinary laboratory.

Although our in-house laboratory can provide results on the same day, specialised testing where samples need to be sent to an external laboratory will take longer. External laboratory blood results are usually obtained within 24-48 hours, or up to 3-14 days for biopsy results, depending on the nature of the test being performed. If your pet has had a sample sent to an external laboratory we will call you to discuss your pet’s results, diagnosis and plan for treatment when the results come in.