Laboratory

Haematology is the study of blood: looking at red cells, white cells, and platelets to give us vital clues about your pet’s health.

 

Blood tests are one of the most useful tools we have in veterinary medicine.

 

They help us detect illness early, monitor ongoing conditions, and guide treatment choices.

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Why blood tests matter

 

Your pet’s blood can tell us about:

• Anaemia – when red blood cells are too few or not working properly.

• Infections or inflammation – changes in white cell numbers often point us to underlying problems.

• Clotting ability – platelets are key to preventing abnormal bleeding.

• General health checks – blood tests often reveal issues long before outward signs appear.

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When we recommend haematology

 

We may suggest blood tests if your pet is unwell, before an anaesthetic, or to monitor the progress of a long-term condition. Sometimes, even healthy pets benefit from a baseline blood test so we can spot changes in the future.

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What happens during testing

A small sample of blood is taken, usually from a vein in the leg or neck.

Most pets tolerate this very well. Most tests can be run in-house, giving results within minutes. For more unusual tests, we work with specialist laboratories.

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How this helps your pet

Haematology allows us to move from symptoms to answers quickly and accurately.

With clear information, we can provide the right treatment plan and keep your pet comfortable, healthy, and thriving.

Biochemistry is the study of the chemicals and enzymes circulating in your pet’s blood. These tests tell us how well internal organs are working and help us detect disease early, often before any outward signs develop.

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Why biochemistry matters

 

Blood chemistry tests give us insight into:

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• Liver function – checking for inflammation, damage, or bile flow problems.

• Kidney health – spotting reduced function, dehydration, or urinary issues.

• Pancreatic disorders – identifying conditions such as pancreatitis.

• Electrolytes and minerals – monitoring vital balances of sodium, potassium, calcium, and more.

• Metabolism – understanding how your pet’s body is processing food, energy, and medication.

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When we recommend biochemistry

 

We may advise these tests if your pet is unwell, drinking or urinating more than usual, losing weight, having vomiting or diarrhoea, or showing other unexplained symptoms.

 

They are also a routine part of pre-anaesthetic health checks and long-term monitoring for pets on certain medications.

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What happens during testing

 

A small blood sample is taken, usually alongside haematology. Most biochemistry tests can be performed in our clinic, with results available the same day. Occasionally, we send samples to a specialist laboratory for in-depth analysis.

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How this helps your pet

 

Biochemistry gives us a window into your pet’s internal health.

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By understanding how organs are working, we can make informed decisions, provide timely treatment, and give you peace of mind about your pet’s wellbeing.

Thyroid issues in dogs are relatively common, especially in older dogs. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, which is essential for regulating metabolism. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including weight gain, lethargy, skin and coat problems, and cold intolerance. 

 

In contrast, hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid produces too much hormone, is rare in dogs and is often associated with a ravenous appetite, weight loss, and excessive drinking in older cats.

 

The thyroid gland produces hormones that control your pet’s metabolism, affecting weight, energy levels, coat quality, and even heart health. Thyroid problems are common in both cats and dogs, but they tend to show up in very different ways. Blood tests are the best way to diagnose and monitor these conditions.

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Cats: Hyperthyroidism

 

In older cats, the thyroid gland can become overactive, producing too much hormone. This condition is called hyperthyroidism.

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Signs to look out for include:

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• Weight loss despite a good or increased appetite

• Increased thirst and urination

• Restlessness or hyperactivity

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• A rough or unkempt coat

 

Why we test:
A simple blood test measures thyroid hormone (T4) levels. This confirms whether your cat has hyperthyroidism and helps us choose the right treatment – whether medication, diet, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy. Regular blood tests are also essential to monitor treatment and check for any impact on the kidneys.

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Dogs: Hypothyroidism

 

In dogs, the opposite problem is more common: the thyroid gland becomes underactive and produces too little hormone. This is called hypothyroidism.

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Typical signs include:

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• Lethargy and low energy

• Weight gain without eating more

• Hair loss or a thinning coat

• Cold intolerance

• Skin changes such as dryness or darkening

 

Why we test:

Blood tests measure thyroid hormones (T4, sometimes free T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Together these results help us confirm the diagnosis. Hypothyroidism can mimic other illnesses, so accurate testing is key before starting lifelong medication.

 

How testing helps your pet

 

Thyroid disorders can significantly affect your pet’s quality of life, but with the right treatment most dogs and cats do very well.

 

Regular thyroid blood tests allow us to diagnose issues promptly, monitor ongoing treatment, and keep your pet feeling their best.

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Heart disease is relatively common in pets, especially as they get older.

 

While a stethoscope or scan can tell us a lot about how the heart looks and sounds, blood tests give us extra information about how well it is actually functioning.

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Why cardiac blood tests matter

 

Certain proteins and hormones are released into the bloodstream when the heart is under strain. Measuring these levels helps us:

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• Detect heart disease earlier, even before outward signs develop

• Differentiate between heart and non-heart causes of breathing problems

• Monitor the progression of known heart disease

• Check how well treatment is working

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NT-proBNP testing

 

The most widely used test is called NT-proBNP. This measures a hormone released when the heart muscle is stretched, which happens with many types of heart disease.

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• In cats, NT-proBNP can help us distinguish between heart disease and respiratory conditions like asthma.

• In dogs, it helps us assess whether a cough or breathing change is due to heart disease or another cause.

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When we recommend cardiac blood tests

 

We may suggest these tests if your pet:

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• Has a heart murmur detected during examination

• Is coughing, breathing more heavily, or tiring quickly on walks

• Needs monitoring for known heart disease

• Is an older cat or dog at higher risk of developing heart problems

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What happens during testing

 

A small blood sample is taken and results usually come back quickly, allowing us to make informed decisions about whether further tests (such as ultrasound (echo) or X-rays) are needed.

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How this helps your pet

 

Cardiac blood tests don’t replace other diagnostics, but they add an important layer of understanding. By combining test results with examination and imaging, we can tailor the best treatment plan to keep your pet’s heart healthy and their quality of life high.

The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste products from the blood, balancing fluids and electrolytes, and regulating blood pressure.

 

Kidney disease (also called chronic kidney disease: CKD) is one of the most common conditions we see in older cats and dogs.

 

Early diagnosis through blood and urine testing is essential for slowing progression and keeping pets comfortable.

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Signs of kidney disease

 

Kidney problems often develop gradually. Common signs include:

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• Increased thirst and urination

• Weight loss and reduced appetite

• Vomiting or nausea

• Lethargy

• Poor coat quality

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Because these signs are subtle at first, many pets appear well until the disease is advanced. That’s why regular blood tests in older animals are so important.

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Blood tests for kidney function

 

The key markers we look at include:

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• Creatinine – a waste product filtered by the kidneys. Rising levels suggest reduced kidney function.

• SDMA (Symmetric Dimethylarginine) – a sensitive marker that can detect kidney disease earlier than creatinine.

• Urea (BUN) – another waste product that accumulates when the kidneys are struggling.

• Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate) – imbalances are common in kidney disease.

 

We combine blood results with a urine sample, and ideally an ultrasound scan, to get the full picture.

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Staging kidney disease (IRIS system)

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Once we have results, we use international guidelines (the IRIS staging system) to grade kidney disease:

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• Stage 1 – Early changes; SDMA may be increased but creatinine is often normal. Many pets show no signs at this stage.

• Stage 2 – Mild kidney disease; creatinine is slightly raised. Pets may drink or urinate more but often still feel well.

• Stage 3 – Moderate disease; creatinine is moderately increased. Pets usually show signs such as weight loss, reduced appetite, or lethargy.

• Stage 4 – Severe kidney disease; high creatinine levels. Pets are often unwell and need supportive treatment.

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This staging helps us plan treatment, from simple diet changes in the early stages to more intensive support later on.

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How this helps your pet

 

With regular monitoring, many cats and dogs with kidney disease can live happy, comfortable lives for years after diagnosis.

Blood tests allow us to detect kidney problems early, adjust treatment as needed, and give you a clear picture of your pet’s condition.

The liver is one of the most important organs in your pet’s body. It filters toxins, processes nutrients, stores energy, and helps with digestion.

 

When the liver is damaged or diseased, it can affect almost every aspect of health. Blood tests are often the first clue that something is wrong.

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Signs of liver disease

 

Liver problems can develop gradually or appear suddenly. Common signs in both dogs and cats include:

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• Reduced appetite or weight loss

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Increased thirst and urination

• Lethargy or weakness

• Jaundice (yellowing of gums, skin, or eyes)

• Abdominal swelling in more advanced cases

• Behaviour changes such as confusion or disorientation

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Because these signs are vague, blood testing is essential for diagnosis.

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Blood tests for liver function

 

We look at several key values when assessing the liver:

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• ALT (Alanine aminotransferase): rises when liver cells are damaged.

• ALP (Alkaline phosphatase): often increased with bile flow problems or certain hormonal conditions.

• Bile acids: measure how well the liver processes and recycles bile.

• Bilirubin: rises when the liver cannot process waste pigments effectively.

• Albumin and clotting factors: low levels can indicate reduced liver function.

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Causes of liver disease

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• Dogs: liver shunts (abnormal blood vessels), infections, toxins (such as some medications or plants), tumours, or age-related degeneration.

• Cats: fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis), cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts), infections, or cancer.

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Staging and monitoring

 

Unlike kidney disease, liver problems are not staged in the same way, but blood results, ultrasound scans, and sometimes biopsies, allow us to assess severity.

 

Repeating blood tests over time helps us monitor response to treatment, and adjust care as needed.

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Managing liver disease

 

Treatment depends on the cause and severity, but may include:

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• Special prescription diets to reduce strain on the liver

• Medications to support bile flow and reduce inflammation

• Supplements such as antioxidants and vitamins

• Managing underlying conditions such as infections or hormonal imbalances

• Regular monitoring to track improvement or progression

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How this helps your pet

 

Many liver problems can be managed successfully if caught early.

 

Blood tests, combined with imaging and sometimes further investigations, allow us to diagnose problems quickly and provide tailored treatment.

 

With the right support, many pets with liver disease can enjoy good quality of life.

In UK dogs, we most often test for:

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• Leptospirosis: a bacterial infection spread through urine and contaminated water.

• Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus: usually covered by vaccination, but antibody titre testing can check immunity.

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In imported dogs, additional testing may be needed, including:

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• Brucella canis: now seen in imported dogs, this infection can spread to other dogs and, rarely, to humans. Breeding dogs and some imported rescues must be tested by law.

• Tick-borne diseases (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia, Lyme disease): widespread in parts of Europe. Dogs may carry infections long after returning to the UK.

• Leishmania: carried by sandflies abroad, can cause long-term illness with skin, eye, and organ problems.

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We recommend testing imported dogs even if they appear healthy, as some carry infections silently.

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Infectious Disease Testing in Cats

 

In UK cats, we commonly test for:

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• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): spread by bites, affects the immune system.

• Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV): causes anaemia, immune suppression, and cancer.

• Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) and FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis): coronavirus is common; in some cats it mutates into the fatal disease FIP.

• Toxoplasmosis: a parasite that occasionally causes illness in cats and can affect humans.

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In imported cats, testing becomes even more important:

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• FIV and FeLV rates are higher in some countries, particularly among unvaccinated or stray populations.

• Imported cats may also be carrying parasites or uncommon strains of viruses.

• Testing before introducing a new cat to a household helps protect any resident pets.

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Why testing matters

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• Protect your household: Many of these infections can spread between pets.

• Peace of mind: Even healthy-looking imports may carry hidden disease.

• Safe introductions: Testing before mixing new and resident pets reduces risks.

• Public health: Some infections, such as Brucella canis and Toxoplasma, can in rare cases affect people.

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With accurate, modern blood tests we can confirm whether your pet is carrying an infection, provide the right treatment if needed, and give you confidence about their ongoing health.

• Blood clotting (coagulation) is the body’s way of stopping bleeding after injury.

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• When clotting doesn’t work properly, even a small cut can cause prolonged bleeding, or internal bleeding may occur without warning.

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• A clotting profile is a set of blood tests that tells us how well your pet’s clotting system is functioning.

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Why clotting tests matter

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• Pre-anaesthetic safety: Before surgery, we sometimes run clotting tests to check that your pet can safely undergo an operation, this depends on the individual patient.

• Unexplained bleeding: If a pet develops nosebleeds, bruising, or blood in urine/stool, clotting tests can help us understand why.

• Suspected poisoning: Rat poisons (anticoagulants) interfere with clotting and may not show signs for several days — testing is crucial to catch problems in this silent phase.

• Liver disease: The liver makes many of the proteins involved in clotting, so dysfunction here can affect results.

• Inherited conditions: Some breeds (e.g. Dobermans, certain terriers, cats with rare clotting factor deficiencies) can have genetic disorders that don’t show until surgery or injury.

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What’s included in a clotting profile

 

A typical clotting profile measures:

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• Prothrombin Time (PT): checks the “extrinsic” clotting pathway, often prolonged in anticoagulant poisoning.

• Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT): checks the “intrinsic” pathway, useful for inherited or acquired disorders.

• Platelet count: platelets are the first step in clotting; low numbers can lead to bruising or bleeding.

• Fibrinogen / D-dimers (specialist tests): can help assess clot breakdown or clotting in critical illness.

The latent phase: why early testing matters

Clotting problems aren’t always obvious straight away. For example:

• After rat bait ingestion, pets may appear completely normal for 2–3 days before bleeding begins.

• Dogs with inherited clotting disorders may look healthy until their first surgery or injury, when abnormal bleeding is suddenly revealed.

• Cats or dogs with low-grade liver disease may not bleed outwardly until advanced disease, yet clotting tests can reveal early changes.

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By testing before signs appear, we can act quickly — starting treatment, postponing surgery, or preventing a crisis.

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What happens during testing

 

A small blood sample is taken, usually from a vein in the leg.

 

For clotting tests it’s important to collect the sample carefully and process it promptly, often sending it to a specialist laboratory.

 

Results are usually available within 24–48 hours, though urgent cases can be prioritised.

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How this helps your pet

 

Clotting profiles give us reassurance before surgery, help us diagnose unexplained bleeding, and allow us to treat poisoning or disease early: often before your pet shows outward signs.

 

With this information, we can provide safer anaesthetics, quicker diagnoses, and more tailored treatment.

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• Vitamins and minerals are essential for almost every function in your pet’s body; from building strong bones and muscles, to supporting nerves, immunity, and energy levels.

• Too little (deficiency) or too much (excess) can cause serious health issues.

• Blood tests allow us to measure these levels directly and spot imbalances early.

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Why testing matters

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• Nutritional support: Pets on home-prepared, raw, or specialist diets may not always get the right balance of nutrients.

• Chronic illness: Conditions such as kidney, liver, or gut disease can interfere with vitamin and mineral absorption, especially things like B12.

• Bone and joint health: Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D balance is crucial.

• Nerve and muscle function: Magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins play a key role.

• Monitoring supplementation:If we need to give additional vitamins or minerals; blood tests help ensure these are at a safe level.

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What we test for

 

Depending on your pet’s health, we may recommend measuring:

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• Calcium and phosphorus – vital for bone strength and muscle function, also checked in kidney disease.

• Magnesium and potassium – key for nerve signals and heart health.

• Sodium and chloride – important electrolytes that maintain fluid balance.

• Iron – essential for red blood cell production.

• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and folate – reflect gut absorption and are crucial for energy metabolism.

• Vitamin D – supports bone health and immune function.

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The latent phase: hidden problems

 

Many vitamin and mineral problems develop gradually and may remain hidden for months before symptoms appear:

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• Vitamin B12 deficiency – cats with gut disease may look healthy for a long time, then suddenly develop weight loss or anaemia.

• Calcium imbalance – pets may carry on normally until weakness, tremors, or seizures occur. Calcium can also be altered in some cancers.

• Iron deficiency – often silent until anaemia is advanced.

• Excess supplementation – pets may seem well, but too much vitamin D, calcium or other vitamin and mineral supplementation can quietly damage kidneys or other organs.

 

By testing early, we can detect these “silent” imbalances before they cause lasting harm.

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What happens during testing

 

A simple blood sample is taken, sometimes alongside routine haematology or biochemistry. Samples are usually sent to a specialist laboratory for accurate measurement, with results typically available within a few days.

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How this helps your pet

 

Testing vitamin and mineral levels gives us a clearer picture of your pet’s overall health and nutritional status. It helps us tailor diets, supplements, and treatment plans to keep your pet balanced, healthy, and thriving: long before symptoms develop.