12001 N MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73162
In-House Diagnostic Testing for Cats
When your cat is not feeling well, waiting days for lab results is not always an option. At Warwick Animal Hospital, our in-house laboratory allows us to run many diagnostic tests right here in our Oklahoma City clinic, often returning results for critical cases in as little as 10 minutes. Quick, accurate diagnostics mean we can start the right treatment sooner, which makes a real difference in how your cat responds. Schedule a diagnostic visit for your cat today.
When We Recommend Diagnostic Testing
Diagnostic testing is not only for cats that seem sick. We recommend it in a number of situations, including:
- Annual wellness exams, to catch changes before they become noticeable at home
- Pre-surgical screening, to confirm your cat can safely handle anesthesia
- Sudden symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy
- Ongoing management of chronic conditions like kidney disease, diabetes or hyperthyroidism
Whatever the reason for testing, our team will explain what each result means for your cat and what steps, if any, come next.
Our In-House Diagnostic Capabilities
Our laboratory is equipped with a range of tools that let us evaluate your cat's health from multiple angles during a single visit.
- Bloodwork and chemistry analysis uses our CBC machines and chemistry analyzers to evaluate organ function, check for signs of infection and assess your cat's overall health quickly, without having to send samples out and wait for a response.
- Microscopic parasite testing lets us examine samples for ear mites, skin mites and intestinal worms, since cats can pick up a variety of parasites throughout their lives. We also run cultures to detect ringworm, giving us a clear picture of what is affecting your cat so we can recommend the right treatment.
- Cytology for skin and mass evaluation involves examining a small sample of cells under the microscope. Cats with recurring skin or ear infections often benefit from cytology, since it helps us determine whether antibiotic or antifungal treatment is needed. If your cat develops a lump or tumor, a cytology sample can help us understand how serious it is and whether surgery should be recommended.
- Urinalysis allows us to evaluate kidney function, check for urinary tract infections and screen for other conditions that often show up in a cat's urine before other symptoms appear.
- Electrocardiography (ECG) lets us evaluate heart rhythm and electrical activity for cats with a suspected heart condition, an irregular heartbeat or symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing. When a more in-depth cardiac workup is needed, we also coordinate consultations with cardiology specialists, so your cat's heart health is assessed by the right level of expertise without unnecessary delay.
Digital Imaging
Digital X-rays are one of the most valuable tools we use to diagnose the health issues we see every day. We often recommend radiographs to evaluate lameness, coughing, vomiting or any other case where a physical exam turns up something abnormal. Compared to traditional film X-rays, digital radiographs:
- Allow us to capture multiple images quickly
- Require no chemical processing of the image
- Produce clearer, more detailed results
We also use a digital dental X-ray unit, which allows us to spot disease hiding below the gumline that would otherwise go undetected during a visual exam.
When Ultrasound Complements Digital Imaging
Some conditions cannot be fully evaluated with X-rays alone. If we suspect an abdominal mass, or if lab work turns up an abnormality that needs a closer look, we may recommend an ultrasound to examine soft tissue detail that radiographs cannot capture, such as fluid buildup, organ masses or bladder stones. Visit our Cat Ultrasound page for a full look at how this imaging option works.
Benefits of In-House Testing
Running diagnostics in-house rather than sending samples to an outside lab offers real advantages for both you and your cat. Same-day results mean treatment can begin without the added wait and worry of an outside lab turnaround. It also means less handling and travel time for your cat's samples, and it allows our veterinarians to adjust a treatment plan on the spot if a result comes back different than expected. For cats managing a chronic condition, this kind of quick feedback makes it much easier to fine-tune medication and monitor progress over time.
Answers You Don’t Have to Wait For
When your cat needs answers, our in-house laboratory means we do not have to send you home to wait and wonder. From bloodwork to cytology, our diagnostic tools help us reach a clear picture of your cat's health quickly, so treatment can begin right away. Schedule a diagnostic visit at Warwick Animal Hospital today.