Clinical Pathology
Fast, accurate laboratory testing to help diagnose illness and monitor your pet's health.
Many medical conditions cannot be diagnosed through a physical examination alone. Clinical pathology provides valuable information about what's happening inside your pet's body, allowing our veterinarians to diagnose disease, monitor ongoing conditions and make informed treatment decisions.
Our hospital has an in-house laboratory capable of performing many important diagnostic tests within minutes. For more specialised testing, we work with trusted external veterinary laboratories.
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What is clinical pathology?
Clinical pathology is the examination of blood, urine, faeces, tissue and other samples to help diagnose and monitor disease.
These laboratory tests often provide information that cannot be obtained through a physical examination or medical imaging alone.
Clinical pathology plays an important role in:
Diagnosing illness
Assessing organ function
Detecting hidden disease
Monitoring long-term medical conditions
Assessing pets before anaesthesia
Guiding treatment decisions
Monitoring response to treatment
Often, laboratory testing is combined with diagnostic imaging and a thorough clinical examination to build a complete picture of your pet's health.
Our in-house laboratory
Our in-house laboratory allows many important tests to be performed during your pet's visit.
Rapid results are especially valuable when:
Your pet is seriously unwell
Emergency treatment is required
Surgery is planned
Immediate treatment decisions need to be made
Many routine blood and urine test results are available within minutes, helping us begin treatment sooner when necessary. More specialised tests are sent to external veterinary laboratories, with turnaround times varying depending on the test performed.
Common laboratory tests
Blood Tests
Blood testing provides valuable information about your pet's overall health.
Depending on the situation, blood tests may assess:
Kidney function
Liver function
Blood sugar
Electrolytes
Red and white blood cells
Platelets
Signs of infection or inflammation
Hormone levels
Blood tests are commonly recommended for sick pets, senior health checks, pets with chronic diseases and before anaesthesia.
Urine Testing
Urine testing can provide important information about:
Kidney function
Urinary tract infections
Diabetes
Bladder stones
Hydration
Protein loss
Urinalysis is often performed alongside blood testing, as the two provide complementary information.
Faecal Testing
Testing faecal samples can help identify intestinal parasites and other causes of gastrointestinal disease.
This may be recommended for pets experiencing:
Diarrhoea
Weight loss
Poor growth
Persistent digestive problems
Routine parasite screening may also be recommended for some pets.
Cytology
Cytology involves examining cells collected from:
Skin lumps
Skin lesions
Ear infections
Fluid samples
This simple, minimally invasive test often helps us determine whether further investigation or treatment is required.
Biopsy & Histopathology
Sometimes a small tissue sample is needed to provide a definitive diagnosis.
Samples are submitted to specialist veterinary pathologists who examine the tissue under a microscope.
Biopsy is commonly recommended for:
Skin masses
Internal masses
Persistent skin disease
Abnormal tissue removed during surgery
Results generally take several days to two weeks, depending on the type of sample and testing required.
When might my pet need laboratory testing?
Your veterinarian may recommend pathology testing if your pet:
Appears unwell
Has vomiting or diarrhoea
Is drinking or urinating more than normal
Has unexplained weight loss
Has a persistent infection
Needs surgery or anaesthesia
Has a chronic medical condition
Is entering their senior years
Many diseases develop internally before outward signs become obvious. Laboratory testing can often identify these problems earlier, when treatment may be more effective.
Why do we recommend blood tests before anaesthesia?
Many owners ask why blood testing is recommended before surgery.
Pre-anaesthetic blood testing helps us identify hidden medical conditions that may affect the safety of an anaesthetic, even in pets that appear healthy.
It allows us to:
Assess liver and kidney function
Identify anaemia
Detect infection or inflammation
Check blood sugar and electrolytes
Tailor anaesthetic drugs where appropriate
While no test can eliminate all anaesthetic risk, pre-operative testing provides valuable information that helps us plan the safest possible anaesthetic for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my pet need to be fasted?
Some blood tests require fasting, while others do not. Our team will advise you before your appointment if fasting is recommended.
Does collecting blood hurt?
Most blood samples are collected quickly and are well tolerated by pets. Some nervous animals may benefit from gentle restraint or additional reassurance, but sedation is rarely required.
How quickly will I receive the results?
Many routine tests performed in our hospital are available during your pet's visit. Specialised tests sent to external laboratories generally take between 12–24 hours for many blood tests, while biopsy results may take up to two weeks depending on the test performed.
Will you contact me with the results?
Yes. Once all results have been reviewed by your veterinarian, we'll discuss the findings with you and explain any treatment or follow-up recommendations.
Better information leads to better decisions
Laboratory testing is one of the most valuable tools in modern veterinary medicine.
By combining clinical pathology with physical examinations and diagnostic imaging, we can diagnose many conditions earlier, monitor treatment more effectively and make informed decisions tailored to your pet's individual needs.
Whether your pet is unwell, preparing for surgery or attending a routine health check, clinical pathology helps us provide the highest standard of care.