When a pet is sick or when subtle changes appear before obvious illness, diagnostic testing can provide information that is not available through physical examination alone. Laboratory tests, imaging, cytology, and other diagnostic tools help us investigate what may be happening inside the body and make better-informed medical decisions.
At Jog Lantana Animal Clinic, testing is selected according to the individual patient’s symptoms, age, examination findings, medical history, medications, and expected benefit. Our goal is not to order every available test, but to choose the tests most likely to answer the clinical questions affecting your pet’s care.
When May Diagnostic Testing Be Recommended?
Testing may be appropriate when your dog or cat:
- Has vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or changes in urination
- Is eating or drinking more or less than usual
- Shows decreased energy, weakness, pain, or unusual behavior
- Has unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Develops pale gums, fever, swelling, or abdominal discomfort
- Has recurring skin, ear, or urinary problems
- Requires monitoring for a chronic condition or medication
- Is preparing for anesthesia or surgery
- Needs age-appropriate preventive screening
Please do not wait for the next wellness visit if your pet is not acting normally. Early evaluation may allow us to identify a developing concern before the condition becomes more difficult to manage.
In-House Laboratory Testing
Our in-house laboratory allows us to obtain important information during the visit when timely results may influence treatment. Depending on the patient’s needs, testing may include:
- Complete blood count to evaluate red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
- Blood chemistry testing to assess organ function, proteins, glucose, and other metabolic indicators
- Electrolyte measurement
- Selected pancreatic testing
- Urinalysis
- Fecal and parasite testing
- Skin, ear, fluid, or mass cytology when appropriate
- Other targeted point-of-care tests
Not every abnormal result represents disease, and a result within the reference interval does not always exclude a medical problem. Dr. Delbene interprets laboratory findings together with the patient’s examination, history, previous results, and current clinical condition.
Reference Laboratory Services
Some samples are submitted to an outside veterinary diagnostic laboratory for specialized testing, confirmation, or evaluation that cannot be completed in-house. These services may include expanded blood or urine testing, cultures, endocrine testing, infectious-disease testing, pathology, histopathology, and other specialized diagnostics.
Turnaround time varies according to the test. Our team will explain when results are expected and how they will be communicated.
Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic imaging can help evaluate structures that cannot be assessed fully through palpation or laboratory testing. Depending on the medical concern, imaging may assist with evaluation of the chest, abdomen, bones, joints, urinary system, gastrointestinal tract, and other areas.
Some conditions require multiple views, follow-up imaging, additional laboratory testing, or interpretation by a radiologist. When advanced imaging or specialty care is needed, we will discuss the most appropriate referral option.
Electrocardiogram and Other Targeted Testing
An electrocardiogram may be recommended to evaluate the heart’s electrical rhythm, investigate an abnormal heartbeat, or provide additional information before anesthesia in selected patients. It is not required solely because a pet reaches a particular age; the recommendation is based on the individual patient’s findings and medical risk.
Other focused testing may be selected according to the organ system or condition being evaluated.
Monitoring Chronic Conditions
Diagnostic testing is also important after a diagnosis has been made. Patients receiving long-term medication or living with kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, endocrine disorders, urinary disease, or other chronic conditions may require periodic monitoring.
Comparing current results with previous values helps us evaluate trends, response to treatment, medication safety, and whether the plan needs adjustment.
Understanding Results and Next Steps
Diagnostic results do not always produce a single immediate answer. Sometimes they confirm a diagnosis; at other times they narrow the possibilities or show us which test should come next.
Once results are available, we will explain:
- What was tested and why
- Which findings are normal or abnormal
- How the results relate to your pet’s symptoms and examination
- Whether treatment, monitoring, or additional testing is recommended
- When rechecking the patient or repeating a test may be necessary
Information Guided by Personal Care
Technology is most valuable when it is combined with thoughtful medical judgment and knowledge of the individual patient. At JLAC, we use diagnostic information to support—not replace—the relationship between the veterinarian, the pet, and the family.
We welcome your questions, explain the available options, and work with you to develop a practical plan based on your pet’s needs and quality of life.
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Healing Hands & Caring Hearts for Your Pets. It’s Our Promise to You!