Diagnostic Laboratory
Quick & Accurate Diagnosis from Our In-House Lab
At the Veterinary Urgent Care Center, we know that a quick and accurate diagnosis is the most important part of the treatment process. Providing your pet with a diagnosis allows us to implement the proper treatment plan as soon as possible, before your pet’s discomfort progresses to become worse or—in some cases—untreatable. We understand that time is of the essence and your pet can’t wait to feel better.
Physical exams are often not enough to determine the cause of your pet’s illness. While a thorough physical exam is always necessary, internal problems require internal testing. We aim to give your pet the most accurate testing to prevent misdiagnosis.
We provide diagnostic testing for both cats and dogs, and we partner with IDEXX labs to provide next day results for specialized laboratory testing, if needed. We may also recommend routine diagnostic testing to create a baseline for your pet’s health.
What We Offer:
Our on-site laboratory gives us the capability to perform an array of diagnostic tests, including:
- Urinalysis
- Complete blood count and differential
- Blood chemistry
- Thyroid testing
- Electrolyte levels
- Cytology—solid tissue and fluid analysis
- Ear cytology
- Skin scraping/analysis
- Heartworm/Lyme/Ehrlichia/Anaplasma testing
- Feline leukemia & feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) testing
- Pancreatitis testing
How It Works:
Register and Book Online: Book by visiting the online scheduler, which will also help you identify your closest hospital location.
Come In for Your Appointment: Bring your pet to your scheduled VUCC location at the time of their appointment. Your veterinary team will determine what tests are necessary given your pet’s symptoms and medical history.
Execute Recommended Tests On-Site: After your veterinary determines what tests are needed, samples will be taken from your pet. The type of sample will depend on the type of diagnostic test recommended (urine, blood, skin, etc.).
Receive the Results: Since our diagnostic laboratory is on-site, results are fast and accurate. Your pet will receive a diagnosis in a timely manner, allowing us to create an individualized treatment plan before your pet’s symptoms progress and get worse.
FAQs:
What are pet diagnostic tests and why are they important?
Diagnostic tests are a necessary part of assessing your pet’s overall health. Even pets that appear healthy to the naked eye can have underlying conditions or issues that can only be detected with diagnostic testing. They detect diseases early and guide treatment decisions; early detection often means easier and more effective treatment.
What is the point of routine testing?
In essence, routine testing allows your veterinary team to compare new, illness-related results to your pet’s “normal” ranges.
If your pet receives diagnostic testing when they are healthy, your veterinary will save those results to compare to future results when your pet is sick. Thus, routine testing provides a valuable baseline for comparison.
What type of sample do you take from my pet?
Just like human testing, the type of sample depends on the type of test being performed. Common samples include blood, urine, or small tissue/skin scrapings.
For cytology, ear, or skin tests, your veterinarian may collect cells or fluids directly from the affected area using a swab or needle.
What is the difference between a complete blood count (CBC) and a blood chemistry panel?
A complete blood count, or CBC, measures your pet’s red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It helps detect infections, anemia, inflammation, and immune-related issues, among other conditions. A CBC provides a general picture of your pet’s internal health and is often performed before surgery or when your pet is sick.
Blood chemistry panels assess organ function—especially the liver, kidneys, and pancreas—and also measure important substances like glucose and proteins. These results help your veterinarian diagnose metabolic conditions, monitor chronic diseases, and assess the effects of medications.
A CBC is cellular and a blood chemistry panel is organ-related. Both tests together give your veterinarian a comprehensive view of your pet’s overall health.
What is a urinalysis and when is it recommended?
A urinalysis examines your pet’s urine to evaluate kidney and bladder function. It checks for infections, crystals, or diabetes.
Often, it is recommended for pets showing urinary changes, older pets, or as part of a comprehensive wellness exam.
How quickly will I get my pet’s test results?
Many test results—such as urinalysis, CBC, and cytology—are available the same day, often within the appointment. More complex panels or external lab tests may take longer; however, we partner with IDEXX labs to provide next day results for specialized laboratory testing, if needed. Your veterinarian will explain when to expect results and discuss the next steps once they’re in.
It's Easy to Book Online
Click the button below to be redirected to our easy-to-use online scheduling system. Schedule in just a few clicks!
Visit Any of Our Convenient Locations
VUCC Braintree
27 Commerical St., Braintree, MA 02184
617-481-5197 | braintree@veturgentcare.com
VUCC Dedham
926 Providence Highway, Dedham, MA
781-373-8080 | dedham@veturgentcare.com
VUCC Easton
25 Washington Street (a.k.a. 3 Roche Bros. Way), North Easton, MA 02356
508-817-5088 | easton@veturgentcare.com
VUCC East Providence
73 Highland Ave., East Providence, RI 02914
401-354-1099 | eastprovidence@veturgentcare.com
VUCC Narragansett
91 Point Judith Rd., Narragansett, RI 02882
401-244-8298 | narragansett@veturgentcare.com
VUCC Plymouth
34 Long Pond Rd, Plymouth, MA 02360
774-608-7016 | plymouth@veturgentcare.com
VUCC Saugus
880 Broadway, Saugus, MA
339-204-4990 | saugus@veturgentcare.com
VUCC Worcester
70 Gold Star Blvd, Worcester, MA 01606
857-416-9009 | worcester@veturgentcare.com