Diagnostic Care

In-House Laboratory

Lab tests and bloodwork help us to keep healthy pets on the road to good health, and sheds light on the nature of sick pets' conditions.

We recommend bloodwork be performed annually for dogs and cats, especially pets older than seven years of age. These tests provide a normal baseline of health in your pet and help us to detect changes in organ function early on when concerns are most treatable by medication or adjustments to diet and lifestyle.

Pets naturally hide signs of disease and illness, which is why we test blood, urine, feces, and biopsied tissues to identify any abnormalities in your pet. The results of these tests allow us to track health trends, establish a baseline of health, and prevent disease onset and progression.

Common Bloodwork & Lab Tests Performed at Harbor Animal Hospital:

• Complete blood count (CBC) tests for infection, inflammation, anemia, and calculates blood clotting components.
• Blood chemistry panel is made up of a variety of tests that mainly determine the functioning of major bodily organs like the liver, kidneys, and pancreas.
• Electrolytes testing is useful in monitoring hydration levels, bone metabolism, and overall body condition.
• Thyroid tests calculate if the thyroid is underactive, normal, or overactive. It's critical that your pet's thyroid functions normally because the thyroid gland regulates most metabolic functions in the body.
• Urinalysis checks kidney function and helps to detect diabetes.
• Fecal Tests check for the presence of intestinal parasites.

Digital X-Ray

Digital x-ray takes high-resolution images of bones and internal organs without exposure to radiation. Our veterinarians commonly use digital x-rays to diagnose issues like muscular skeletal disorders, tumors, bladder stones, urinary tract disease, arthritis, heart murmurs, respiratory disorders, and muscular skeletal disorders.

Advantages of Digital X-ray: non-invasive, painless, time-efficient results, high-resolution images, and the ability to easily share digital images with pet owners or veterinary specialists.

Allergy & Dermatology Testing

Skin and coat condition is a good indicator of a pet's overall health status. Ideally, a pet will have a shiny and sleek coat, and healthy skin without the presence of parasites or lesions. If this is not the case for your pet, we can help! Harbor Animal Hospital offers dermatology and allergy consultations to help patients feel their best and look good, too.

Dermatological Issues & Allergies

Dermatological issues can appear for a variety of reasons, like:

• Parasites
• Seasonal allergens
• Food sensitivities
• Fungal or bacterial infections
• Metabolic changes
• Stress

The #1 source of skin irritation in pets is fleas, specifically flea saliva. Irritation can be relieved with flea treatment products, but it's important to come see us first and we will recommend the right product for your pet. Never use over-the-counter brands, as these products can cause greater irritation or even be toxic to some pets.