Diagnostic Laboratory

Diagnostic Laboratory in Cedar Springs, MI

Lab testing gives our veterinarians information that an exam alone can’t provide. Cedar Animal Hospital has a full laboratory in our own building, so many results are ready while you wait and you don’t need to be sent to another location for testing.

Understanding Diagnostic Laboratory Testing

Blood, urine, and other samples tell us how your pet’s organs are working and whether there are signs of infection, inflammation, anemia, or disease. A complete blood count (CBC) looks at red and white blood cells and platelets. A chemistry panel checks values related to the kidneys, liver, blood sugar, and more. A urinalysis can show urinary infections, crystals, and early signs of kidney trouble. We also run heartworm tests and cytologies, a microscope look at cells from a lump, ear, or skin sample.

Often our doctors have results in less than an hour, which means you can make decisions about your pet’s care the same day, whether it’s a routine wellness screening or an emergency.

What to Expect With Lab Testing

Lab work is a routine part of both wellness care and sick visits. Here’s what usually happens.

1. Deciding Which Tests to Run

Your veterinarian recommends tests based on your pet’s exam, history, age, and symptoms, and explains what each one can tell us.

2. Collecting Samples

A team member collects a small blood sample, a urine sample, or a swab, depending on the test. Sample collection takes place in our treatment area. Some tests are most accurate when your pet hasn’t eaten, so we’ll let you know ahead of time if fasting is needed.

3. Running Tests In-House

Most samples are processed in our own laboratory rather than mailed out. Many results are available in less than an hour, and if a specialized test does need to go to an outside lab, we’ll tell you how long to expect.

4. Reviewing Results Together

Your veterinarian goes over the results with you, explains what’s normal and what isn’t, and recommends next steps, from simply rechecking later to starting treatment right away.

Why In-House Lab Testing Matters

Fast, reliable results help us care for your pet with confidence.

Same-Day Answers

Instead of waiting days for results, you can often learn what’s going on during the same visit and start treatment sooner.

Better Emergency Care

In an emergency, bloodwork and urine results guide decisions about fluids, medications, surgery, and anesthesia safety, so speed matters.

A Baseline for the Future

Routine screening while your pet is healthy gives us normal values to compare against as your pet ages.

When Your Pet May Need Lab Work

Your veterinarian may recommend testing if your pet:

• Is due for a wellness or senior screening
• Is drinking or urinating more than usual
• Has vomiting, diarrhea, or a poor appetite
• Has a skin, ear, or urinary infection that keeps coming back
• Is scheduled for surgery or anesthesia
• Takes a long-term medication that needs monitoring
• Has a new lump or bump

Lab Testing for Exotic Pets

Birds, reptiles, and small mammals often hide illness until it’s advanced. Bloodwork, fecal tests, and cytology help our veterinarians, who have training in exotic pet care, understand what’s happening and start treatment sooner.

Practice Highlights

• Full In-House Laboratory: Bloodwork, urinalysis, and heartworm testing on site
• Advanced In-Clinic Diagnostics: Digital radiography, ultrasound, and CT scan in the same building
• Seven-Day Emergency Care: Urgent and emergency appointments every day of the week
• AAHA-Accredited: Meeting the American Animal Hospital Association’s standards for quality care
• Serving Pets Since 1993: Trusted by families from Cedar Springs and across West Michigan