In-Clinic Diagnostics
Lake City Animal Hospital offers the most advanced diagnostic lab available in veterinary medicine to our clients in Acworth, Woodstock, Cartersville, and Kennesaw, Georgia) and the surrounding areas. In the past, blood work had to be sent to an outside diagnostic laboratory for analysis, but our instruments provide our doctors results within minutes so treatment can begin immediately if needed for your pet.
COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC)
Lake City Animal Hospital has a CBC analyzer as part of our complete in-clinic lab. This instrument provides our doctors an accurate red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet count for your pet. An increase in red cells may indicate dehydration or a disease associated with increases in red blood cells; decreases may indicate anemia. An increase in white cells can indicate stress or leukemia, while decreases may mean inflammation or bone marrow failure. Finally, platelets can indicate how well your pet’s blood may be able to clot in the event of surgery.
BLOOD CHEMISTRIES
The blood chemistry analyzer at Lake City gives our doctors valuable information regarding the organ function of pets. Liver, kidney, thyroid and pancreas functionality can quickly be determined in our laboratory. These functions are extremely important prior to surgery to determine how well your pet may process anesthesia through their body. Also, pets that may have issues that cannot be determined on a physical exam can benefit through blood chemistry testing. Finally, electrolyte levels can be evaluated to determine if your pet may need fluid administration due to dehydration.
Blood diagnostics are extremely important in veterinary medicine, since pets cannot tell us where they may be hurting. Blood work can point the doctors at Lake City Animal Hospital in the right direction so they can begin care and treatment of your furry family member right away. Our experienced veterinarians also recommend blood work prior to any surgical procedure to keep your pet as safe as possible under anesthesia. If your pet is not feeling themselves or is in need of a surgical procedure, call the team at Lake City Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment with one of our compassionate veterinarians!