Blood Tests and Bloodwork
Complete blood counts, chemistry panels, and other bloodwork provide critical information about your pet’s organ function, red and white blood cell levels, hydration status, and more. We recommend baseline bloodwork for all adult and senior pets to establish reference ranges and catch early changes in organ health. Pre-surgical bloodwork is also routinely recommended to ensure your pet is an appropriate candidate for anesthesia. Results are reviewed with you during your visit and used to guide the next steps in your pet’s individualized care plan.
Digital X-Rays
Digital radiography gives our team a clear view of your pet’s bones, chest, and abdominal organs without the wait associated with traditional film X-rays. We use digital X-rays to evaluate for fractures, lung changes, bladder stones, foreign objects in the gastrointestinal tract, cardiac enlargement, and more. Images are reviewed by our veterinary team immediately during your visit, so you are not waiting days for results when your pet needs prompt attention. Digital X-rays can also be shared easily with specialists if a referral is needed.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging allows our team to visualize soft tissue structures in real time, providing detailed information about organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs. Ultrasound is particularly useful for evaluating masses, fluid accumulations, and changes in organ size or texture that may not be visible on X-ray. It is a safe, non-invasive imaging option that does not require sedation in most cases. Our team will discuss whether ultrasound is appropriate for your pet’s specific presentation at the time of your visit.
Urinalysis
Urine testing provides valuable information about kidney function, hydration, urinary tract health, and systemic concerns such as diabetes. Our team may recommend urinalysis as part of a wellness workup, as a follow-up for pets with a history of urinary concerns, or when signs such as increased drinking, increased urination, or changes in urine color are observed. Results are reviewed alongside bloodwork and other findings to give us a complete picture of your pet’s health.
Snap Testing
Rapid in-house snap tests allow our team to assess for conditions such as parvovirus, heartworm, Giardia, and tick-borne diseases quickly and accurately during your visit. These tests are especially valuable when a prompt result will influence immediate care decisions, such as in cases of suspected infectious disease or parasite exposure. Our team will recommend appropriate snap testing based on your pet’s signs and history, and results are typically available within minutes of collection.
Biopsy
When a mass, lesion, or area of abnormal tissue requires further evaluation, biopsy allows our team to collect a sample for laboratory analysis. At Brentwood Animal Hospital, biopsy is a standalone diagnostic service available for pets with suspected growths, skin changes, or internal masses identified on imaging. Routine biopsy samples are submitted to an external pathology laboratory, and our team will review results with you and discuss next steps when they are returned. For urgent or same-day biopsy needs, please see our same-day and emergency care page.
