In-House Laboratory for Dogs & Cats in St. George
When your dog or cat isn’t acting like themselves, the answers are often in their blood, urine, or other samples. Our in-house laboratory at Agave Animal Hospital lets us run many of those tests right here in St. George — so instead of waiting days for an outside lab, we can often review results during the same visit and start a plan while you’re still in the room.
Why on-site testing matters
Time matters most when a pet is sick. A same-visit lab panel can help us tell a routine upset stomach from something that needs urgent attention, confirm whether it’s safe to move ahead with anesthesia, or fine-tune a medication dose before you head home. For Southern Utah pets who spend time outdoors in the desert heat, quick testing also helps us check hydration and organ function after a hard day on the red rock or trail.
What our in-house lab may include
- Blood chemistry panels to evaluate kidney, liver, and other organ function
- Complete blood counts (CBC) to screen for infection, inflammation, and anemia
- Urinalysis for urinary issues, crystals, and early kidney concerns
- Pre-anesthetic bloodwork before dental procedures and surgery
- Parasite and fecal testing for intestinal worms and protozoa
- Quick screening tests that may include heartworm, tick-borne illness, and feline retrovirus checks
For specialized or send-out testing — such as certain biopsies, cultures, or advanced panels — we partner with trusted reference laboratories and walk you through results once they return.
Diagnostics that work together
Lab results are most powerful alongside a thorough exam and imaging. We often pair bloodwork with digital X-ray or ultrasound to build a complete picture, and we use baseline labs during wellness exams to track your pet’s health over time and catch subtle changes early.
Both of our co-owners, Dr. Madison Tripp and Dr. Nicole Sorensen, believe clear explanations are part of good care. We’ll show you what the numbers mean in plain English and what, if anything, we recommend next.
Have a sick pet or a senior who’s due for baseline labs? Request an appointment through our contact page and our St. George team will follow up.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly will I get my pet's lab results?
Because many tests run on-site at our St. George hospital, we can often share results during the same visit and discuss next steps before you leave. Specialized tests sent to an outside reference lab take longer, and we'll contact you as soon as those come back.
Does my pet need to fast before bloodwork?
It depends on the tests being run. Some panels are more accurate on an empty stomach, while others don't require fasting. When you request your appointment, let us know the reason for the visit and we'll tell you whether to withhold food beforehand.
Why does my healthy pet need lab tests?
Baseline bloodwork during a wellness visit helps us learn what's normal for your individual pet, so we can spot subtle changes early — often before symptoms appear. This is especially valuable for senior dogs and cats and before any procedure requiring anesthesia.