Our services
In-house Pet Laboratory in Seekonk, MA
Reliable diagnostic testing is essential to evaluating your pet’s health and supporting informed decisions about their care. At Bristol County Veterinary Hospital in Seekonk, MA, we provide access to a full spectrum of laboratory services by partnering with a trusted external veterinary laboratory. This collaboration enables us to deliver accurate, timely results while maintaining a high standard of care for each patient.
Diagnostic Services Through a Trusted Reference Laboratory
While our facility is equipped to perform limited in-house testing for urgent cases, most of our laboratory work is completed through a dedicated outside laboratory. This approach ensures access to advanced diagnostic capabilities, including specialized panels and pathology services, which go beyond what is typically available in-house. Whether your pet needs bloodwork, urinalysis, cytology, or other diagnostic evaluations, our partnership with a reference lab allows us to provide comprehensive results with a quick turnaround.
Our team manages the entire process on-site—from sample collection and preparation to reviewing and interpreting results once they’re returned. Daily sample pickups and consistent communication with the laboratory help minimize delays and support efficient care planning.
When Laboratory Testing Is Recommended
Laboratory testing plays a role in both preventive care and the diagnosis of illness. It may be recommended as part of a routine wellness exam, in response to changes in behavior or appetite, or before medical procedures that require anesthesia. Common situations where lab work may be necessary include:
Bloodwork and urinalysis are useful tools in identifying early changes in organ function or signs of disease before symptoms appear.
Pets over the age of seven (for cats) and five (for dogs) benefit from more frequent testing to monitor for age-related conditions such as kidney disease, liver changes, or thyroid imbalances.
Vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and other non-specific signs can point to a variety of conditions. Laboratory diagnostics help narrow down the cause and guide treatment.
Prior to anesthesia, lab work helps confirm that your pet’s organs are functioning properly and that no underlying conditions will increase surgical risk.
Personalized Care Based on Diagnostic Results
Every pet has unique health needs. Our veterinarians take into account your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and medical history when selecting which tests are appropriate. Once results are received, your veterinarian will review the findings with you and provide clear, practical guidance on next steps. This might include additional testing, changes to diet or medication, or simply continued observation.
Our goal is to ensure that your pet’s lab work leads to actionable insights and supports their overall well-being.
Key Benefits of Our Veterinary Laboratory Services
Even though most testing is completed off-site, our approach to laboratory diagnostics offers multiple benefits for pets and their families:
- Access to Advanced Diagnostics: Specialized panels, hormone tests, and detailed pathology evaluations are available through our laboratory partner.
- Reliable Turnaround Times: Most test results are returned within 24 to 48 hours, allowing our team to move forward with treatment recommendations promptly.
- Consistent Sample Handling: All samples are collected and prepared in-clinic, ensuring proper handling and minimizing the risk of delays or contamination.
- Integrated Care: Laboratory findings are combined with your pet’s physical exam and medical history to build a complete and informed care plan.
Laboratory diagnostics are an important part of both preventive care and timely treatment. At Bristol County Veterinary Hospital, we ensure that every test supports a thoughtful and effective approach to your pet’s health.
Contact us today to schedule a wellness exam or speak with our team about laboratory testing options tailored to your pet’s needs.