Diagnostic

Diagnostic testing enables our team to pinpoint the underlying cause of your pet’s symptoms, diagnosing their condition(s). We want our pet parents to be involved in the decision-making process, and we thoroughly discuss the diagnostic testing we recommend for your pet and their diagnostic test results. Personalizing your pet’s diagnostic plan ensures we avoid unnecessary tests and procedures while leading us to a more personalized and effective treatment plan.

Diagnostic Overview

Complete Blood Count

The Complete Blood Count, or CBC, is a routine blood test that plays a crucial role in assessing the health of your dog or cat, providing valuable information on both sickness and health. This straightforward test offers insights into different cell types in the blood and can reveal the presence of various diseases. Since most blood cells originate from the bone marrow, the CBC also indirectly assesses the health of this vital tissue.

The procedure involves collecting a small blood sample placed in a specialized tube to prevent clotting. This sample undergoes analysis in an automated blood analyzer, a machine that counts different cell types and describes specific characteristics of these cells. Additionally, a drop of blood is spread thinly on a glass slide, creating a blood smear. This smear is stained with special dyes and examined under a microscope to observe the appearance of individual cells closely.

The CBC measures three essential types of blood cells: red blood cells (erythrocytes or red cells), white blood cells (leukocytes or white cells), and platelets (thrombocytes). The report details the number, size, and shape of each cell type, offering valuable insights into the overall health of your pet’s circulatory system. Any variations or abnormalities in these cells’ appearance can indicate underlying health issues.