Veterinary laboratory diagnostics

    Laboratory tests are an important part of diagnosing many diseases and provide information that may not be apparent from a clinical examination alone.

    At AhojVet in Bratislava we use veterinary laboratory diagnostics for dogs, cats and small mammals when examining sick patients, before surgical procedures, as part of preventive care and for the regular monitoring of animals with chronic conditions.

    Veterinary laboratory diagnostics includes mainly:

    • complete blood count (CBC)
    • blood biochemistry
    • urinalysis
    • microscopic examinations
    • cytological examinations
    • examination of skin and ear samples
    • testing for suspected infectious diseases
    • genetic testing
    • other specialised laboratory tests depending on the patient’s health problem

    What can a blood test tell us?

    Blood tests can help us assess, for example, the presence of anemia, inflammation or infection, as well as the function of the kidneys, liver and other organs. We always interpret laboratory results in the context of the animal’s clinical condition and the results of other examinations.

    We also use laboratory diagnostics before anesthesia and surgical procedures, particularly when we need to assess the patient’s overall health and potential anesthetic or surgical risks more thoroughly.

    Laboratory diagnostics for small mammals

    We also use laboratory tests to diagnose diseases in rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters and other small mammals. Due to their specific physiology, the limited amount of blood that can be safely collected and differences in laboratory reference values, both testing and interpretation of the results require experience with these species.

    Depending on the health problem, laboratory tests may be combined with X-rays, ultrasound or other diagnostic methods to obtain the most accurate possible picture of the patient’s health.

    Preventive laboratory testing

    In older dogs and cats, and depending on their individual health status also in small mammals, regular laboratory check-ups can help detect certain diseases before significant clinical signs appear.

    Laboratory results are not a diagnosis on their own. They are one part of a comprehensive diagnostic process, which we combine with the patient’s medical history, clinical examination and, when necessary, diagnostic imaging or other diagnostic methods.

    zajacik