Clinical Pathology

Clinical pathology allows our vets to analyse and diagnose specific health conditions. These tests assist with monitoring treatments or to check organs that can’t be checked on a general physical examination.

Common laboratory tests include blood tests, urinalysis, faecal tests, and biopsy examination under microscope.

In-house Laboratory Testing

Port Macquarie Veterinary Hospital is equipped with the latest laboratory equipment. This allows our vets to perform a range of diagnostic tests to achieve accurate, rapid diagnoses. This is especially important in sick pets and those requiring immediate or emergency treatment. Our in-house laboratory can provide results within minutes.

In some cases, specialised tests performed by an external veterinary laboratory may be required. The results of these tests can take a bit longer to receive.

Pre-anaesthetic Blood Testing

Having in-house laboratory facilities also allows us to provide valuable information about your pet’s anaesthetic safety.

During the admission process, you will hear our staff discuss pre-anaesthetic blood testing. Before you can make an informed decision as to whether this quick and non-invasive procedure is beneficial to your pet, let us explain what pre-anaesthetic blood testing is. 

This is a laboratory test that is run in the clinic prior to the administration of drugs and medications. It examines your pets organ’s, specifically the kidneys and liver. These are the organs responsible for metabolising the majority of the anaesthetic drugs we use. This test also identifies any abnormalities in the blood cells that carry oxygen, fight infection and those responsible for clotting. 

If results are within normal parameters, we can proceed with the surgical plan. 

If results reveal any issues, this can allow us to tailor our anaesthesia protocol to each individual patient or in some cases, postpone procedures in order to monitor and provide treatment if needed.

For this reason, we strongly recommend PAB’s be performed on patients 8 years and over. Although, occasionally abnormalities can be detected in our younger animals which could affect your pets safety while under anaesthetic. If results are normal, it not only gives you peace of mind, but also provides a healthy baseline for comparison if your animal becomes unwell. 

A simple in-house pre-anaesthetic blood test on the morning of surgery allows us to check your pet’s liver and kidney function. These two main organs are involved in breaking down anaesthetic drugs.

Ask us about pre-anaesthetic blood tests when your pet is next booked in for a procedure.