In-House Diagnostics & IDEXX Laboratory

Answers That Help Us Care Sooner.

When a pet is sick—or when subtle changes have not yet become visible—diagnostic testing can provide important information about what is happening inside the body.

Veterinarian examining a small dog in a veterinary clinic
Veterinary professional operating diagnostic equipment
Many results available during the visit
Useful health trends over time
Connected IDEXX laboratory support
More Than a Single Number

Diagnostics add context to the complete clinical picture.

Laboratory results are evaluated alongside your pet’s symptoms, history, medications, physical examination, age, and lifestyle. Testing does not replace the veterinarian’s judgment—it gives that judgment more information.

01

Look Beyond Symptoms

Pets cannot explain what hurts. Testing may help identify patterns involving infection, inflammation, anemia, hydration, blood sugar, or organ function.

02

Establish a Baseline

Results obtained while a pet appears healthy can become a useful point of comparison when their health changes later.

03

Monitor Change

Repeat testing can help the veterinarian follow a condition, assess response to treatment, and recognize meaningful trends over time.

Common Diagnostic Categories

Different tests answer different questions.

Your veterinarian selects testing according to the reason for the visit and your pet’s individual needs. The examples below describe common categories rather than a fixed panel for every patient.

B

Complete Blood Count

A CBC evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It may reveal patterns associated with anemia, inflammation, infection, immune response, or clotting concerns.

C

Blood Chemistry

Chemistry testing provides information involving organs and metabolic processes, including the liver, kidneys, blood sugar, proteins, minerals, and electrolytes.

U

Urinalysis

Urine testing can add important context about hydration, kidney function, urinary health, glucose, protein, and other findings that may not be clear from bloodwork alone.

+

Additional Testing

Depending on symptoms and exposure risks, the veterinarian may discuss parasite, infectious-disease, endocrine, fecal, cytology, or other specialized testing.

When Diagnostics May Be Recommended

Testing supports care at every stage—not only when a pet is seriously ill.

The appropriate test menu and timing will vary. Our team will explain why testing is recommended and what the results may help us understand.

!

When Your Pet Is Sick

Vomiting, diarrhea, appetite changes, increased thirst or urination, lethargy, weight change, weakness, fever, or other symptoms may prompt targeted testing.

Preventive Wellness Screening

Age- and risk-appropriate screening may detect changes before they become obvious and establish values that can be compared over time.

Before Anesthesia

Pre-anesthetic testing may help assess organ function, blood cells, hydration, and other factors the veterinarian considers when planning anesthesia and a procedure.

Monitoring Treatment

Pets receiving certain medications or living with ongoing conditions may need repeat testing so the veterinarian can monitor response and make informed adjustments.

IDEXX Diagnostic Support

In-house speed when appropriate. Expanded testing when needed.

Cozycroft uses IDEXX diagnostic resources to help our veterinary team gather, review, and follow patient information. Many common tests may be performed in-house, while advanced or specialized testing may be submitted to an IDEXX reference laboratory.

In-house testing can support decisions during time-sensitive sick visits.
Connected results make it easier to compare current findings with prior testing.
Reference-laboratory access expands the menu when a case requires additional testing.
What to Expect

From sample to a clearer plan.

Our team will guide you through the process and explain what happens next.

01

Examine & Select

The veterinarian reviews the history and physical examination, then recommends testing suited to the clinical question.

02

Collect & Analyze

The appropriate blood, urine, fecal, skin, or other sample is collected and processed in-house or prepared for reference-laboratory submission.

03

Interpret & Plan

The veterinarian considers the complete findings, explains their significance, and discusses treatment, monitoring, or additional evaluation.

Before Your Visit

A little preparation can improve the diagnostic picture.

Follow any instructions provided when you schedule. Requirements differ according to the test and your pet’s medical needs.

Bring relevant medical records and previous laboratory results.
Bring a current list of medications, supplements, doses, and when each was last given.
Tell us when symptoms began and note changes in appetite, thirst, urination, stool, energy, breathing, or weight.
Do not fast your pet or stop medication unless our veterinary team specifically instructs you to do so.
Information Leads to Better Decisions

Let’s find the answers your pet’s care requires.

Contact Cozycroft Pet Hospital if your pet is feeling unwell, needs pre-anesthetic testing, or is due for preventive wellness screening.

Diagnostic recommendations, sample requirements, test availability, turnaround times, and interpretation vary by patient and clinical need. Some tests require submission to an outside reference laboratory or additional confirmation.