Fast answers when your pet is unwell, ageing, or needs a clearer diagnosis.
When your pet is sick, slowing down, losing weight, drinking more, vomiting, preparing for surgery, or simply “not quite right,” diagnostic testing can help us understand what is happening inside their body.
At The Village Vet, our in-house laboratory allows us to perform many blood, urine and cytology tests quickly, often with same-day results. This means we can diagnose illness earlier, make informed treatment decisions, and reduce delays when your pet needs care.
Our vets interpret your pet’s test results alongside their symptoms, physical examination, medical history and overall health. We are not just looking at numbers, we are looking at the whole pet.
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Why might my pet need a blood test?
Blood tests help us assess your pet’s internal health in a way we cannot see from the outside.
Your pet may need a blood test if they are:
- Losing weight
- Drinking or urinating more than usual
- Vomiting or having diarrhoea
- Lethargic, weak or unusually quiet
- Not eating normally
- Showing signs of pain or illness
- Starting long-term medication
- Preparing for surgery or anaesthesia
- Entering their senior years
- Being monitored for an ongoing condition
Because pets often hide signs of illness, blood testing can reveal changes before they become obvious at home.
Same-day pet blood test results
Our in-house laboratory allows us to run many blood and urine tests on-site, with results often available the same day.
This is especially important when a pet is unwell, elderly, dehydrated, weak, vomiting, or showing symptoms that need quick decisions. Faster results allow us to begin treatment sooner, monitor your pet more closely, and decide whether further testing or referral is needed.
Some specialised tests are sent to trusted external veterinary laboratories for advanced analysis. If this is needed, our team will explain what we are testing for, why it matters, and when results are expected.
What can blood tests show in dogs and cats?
Blood testing gives us important information about your pet’s internal health.
Depending on the test, bloodwork may help detect or monitor:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Anaemia
- Infection or inflammation
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Pancreatitis
- Blood clotting problems
- Medication safety
- Age-related changes in senior pets
Blood tests are especially useful when symptoms are vague, because many conditions can look very similar from the outside.
In-house laboratory testing at The Village Vet
Our clinic is equipped with in-house diagnostic equipment so we can assess many common and urgent health concerns without waiting for external laboratory turnaround.
Our in-house testing may include:
- Haematology, to assess red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
- Biochemistry, to assess organ function, glucose, electrolytes and metabolic health
- Urinalysis, to investigate kidney, bladder and urinary health
- Microscopy, to examine skin, ear, blood, fluid and cell samples
- Cytology, to assess lumps, bumps, infections and abnormal cells
- Rapid disease testing, for selected infectious and inflammatory conditions
- Emergency testing, including blood gas and clotting assessment where needed
This helps our vets build a clearer picture of your pet’s health and make timely, practical recommendations.
Urine testing for dogs and cats
Urine testing is often used alongside blood testing because it gives us extra information about kidney function, hydration, bladder health and metabolic disease.
A urine test may help identify:
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Bladder inflammation
- Crystals or bladder stone risk
- Protein loss through the kidneys
- Urine concentration problems, especially in senior pets
For cats, urine testing can be particularly useful when investigating increased drinking, weight loss, toileting changes or suspected kidney disease.
Cytology and microscopy: checking lumps, ears, skin and samples
Not all pathology is blood testing. We also use microscopy and cytology to examine cells, fluids, ear samples, skin samples and lumps.
This can help us investigate:
- Ear infections
- Skin infections
- Yeast or bacteria
- Mites and parasites
- Lumps and bumps
- Fluid swellings
- Blood cell changes
- Inflammation or infection
Cytology can often provide useful information quickly and help us decide whether a lump, skin issue or abnormal sample needs treatment, monitoring or further testing.
Diagnostic testing for senior pets
As pets age, health changes can develop gradually and quietly. Senior blood and urine testing helps us detect problems earlier, before they become advanced or harder to treat.
For older dogs and cats, diagnostic testing may help identify:
- Kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism in cats
- Diabetes
- Liver changes
- Anaemia
- Inflammation
- Medication side effects
- Age-related health concerns
Regular testing also gives us a clearer picture of your pet’s health over time. This helps us spot trends and create a more personalised senior care plan.
Emergency and rapid diagnostic testing
When a pet is seriously unwell, rapid testing can help us make urgent decisions.
Our in-house diagnostic equipment can assist with cases involving:
- Collapse or weakness
- Vomiting and dehydration
- Tick paralysis
- Poisoning or toxin exposure
- Breathing difficulty
- Trauma
- Severe infection
- Blood clotting concerns
- Critical illness
In some cases, we may recommend referral to a 24-hour emergency hospital for ongoing monitoring or intensive care.
Advanced testing through external laboratories
Some conditions require more specialised testing than can be performed in-house.
When needed, we work with external veterinary laboratories for advanced diagnostics, specialist interpretation and more complex testing. This may include hormonal testing, infectious disease testing, biopsy interpretation, specialist blood panels or more detailed pathology.
Our team will explain why the test is recommended, what it may help diagnose, and how the results will guide your pet’s treatment plan.
Book Pathology Services NowThe Village Vet
At The Village Vet Clinics, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality vet services. Throughout all stages of your pet’s life, our compassionate and experienced team ensures your pet receives the best possible care. With cutting-edge equipment and a full range of facilities under one roof, you can trust us to offer expert recommendations and treatments tailored to your pet’s unique needs, no matter what your financial circumstances are. We strive to help your beloved pets live life to the fullest.
Book your appointmentWhy Choose us as your Vet?
Truly personal, Non-corporate care
Independent, family-owned, and community-driven. No corporate agendas. Just honest, personalised care tailored to each family’s individual needs and budget.
State of the art facilities
Advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical technology, in-house labs, and everything you’d expect from a much larger hospital. All delivered with genuine warmth and personal attention.
Fear Free-Inspired Care & Certified Calm Clinic
Every visit is designed to minimise stress and anxiety. Purpose built clinic designs, gentle handling, calming techniques, and a team trained in low-stress care makes all the difference.
Award winning
Three time Local Business Award winners and recognised as one of Australia’s Top 3 veterinary practices in 2025 & 2026. Our reputation is built on trust, consistency, and authentic client relationships.
What Pet Owners Say
Sue Cook
We own an elderly sausage dog who has weekly visits to see the vets and vet nurses for fluids for his kidney failure and laser treatment for his back .
All the vets and nurses in both practices are outstanding with their care. knowledge and understanding and I have great trust in everyone to provide the right course of treatment for our little boy to make his life more comfortable
David Han
I can’t recommend Martine and her veterinary team highly enough! From the moment you walk in, it’s clear that they are genuinely passionate about the health and well-being of your pet. Their knowledge and expertise is exceptional—they take the time to be thorough and ensure every concern is addressed with care and professionalism.
Their state-of-the-art facilities complement their exceptional veterinary skills to provide top-tier treatment. The entire team always goes above and beyond to make sure your furry friend receives the best possible care. I also love that they participate in sustainable initiatives to help protect the environment :)
If you want a veterinary team that treats your pet like family and delivers outstanding care every step of the way, Martine and her team are simply the best!
Cat K
Amazing 😻 vet. They are thorough and practical. My cat who hates going to the vet was cuddling with the vet by the end of the session.
Jacinta Mikus
I was recommended your services by a close friend and within our first appointment, I had more answers and information than I had managed to gather in the last year. The care by our vet and the rest of the team was amazing and I so glad to have found you!
Roger Mortimer
We recently moved our Ollie to the Village Vet Killara and were very impressed with how quickly Dr Belle helped Ollie with his skin challenges. We found Belle to be very caring and professional and focussed on solving Ollie’s ailments. We highly recommend Dr Belle and the Village Vet.
liz watson
Ladybird and I began attending the Village Vet at both its Killara and Pymble locations as we were unhappy at our previous Sydney based vet.
I was warmly greeted and extremely happy with the open and friendly service I received as well as the excellent care my anxious little Shih Tzu obtained for her many health needs.
As Ladybird and I had recently moved from the US it was important to me that we found not only excellent medical care for her , but a vet who would understand the nuances of a little dog who had traveled across half the world and had a history of being a stray with an unknown beginning , arriving in a country which felt so different to the one she had come from.
Dr Martine and her staff have always had time to listen and investigate the behavioural patterns that I described Ladybird exhibited , so that after 5 years as a little Aussie , Ladybird has blossomed into the happy little dog I adopted back in the US eight years ago.
Mayna
The staff were friendly, and the vet was so patient with my older dog, Sunny, who’s extremely anxious about his appointments. Highly recommend The Village Vet Killara if you need expert care and support for your pet!
Amanda
We are extremely happy. Thank you for all your help. Martine Perkins and her team are excellent. I cannot recommend The Village Vet highly enough. Thank you for your wonderful, professional and compassionate service. You are simply the best.
Richard Wickman
The best experience I’ve ever had at a vet. They are incredibly helpful, kind, patient & clear about everything. Will definitely be back in the future; thank you all !
Blake Haymen
Thank you to the incredible team at The Village Vet Pymble.
Both of our dogs have visited several of the lovely vet staff over the years but I’d like to send an extra special thank you to Elle.
She has been absolutely incredible with her kind, thoughtful & expert approach to managing the needs of both of our dogs but in particular our gorgeous 15 1/2 year old Bonnie in recent times.
Going above & beyond one afternoon when she should’ve been going home meant the world to us & I believe gave us more time with her.
I’d like to thank Elle for her genuine compassion for not only Bonnie but also our family. You definitely get to see us when we are most vulnerable & you managed it beautifully.
Your follow up after her passing & on-going advice for Max’s welfare is much appreciated.
Thank you again, we are truly grateful.
Mara Spessot
Love the feeling of joining an extended family who remembers your name, your pet’s name and cares. Such a friendly local practice and vibe.
Jilly Kowalewski
I have experienced this Vet practice over many years and for routine plus traumatic events. I have always been so impressed with their professionalism, their caring and compassion as well as their obvious love and connection with animals. Taryn in reception is just the perfect person to greet animals and their owners to the practice, she is a joyous, interested and remembers your name beautifully and then the Vets and vet nurses are great listeners, gentle and knowledgeable. A fabulous resource in West Pymble, I am so grateful for them being here.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Blood Tests & Diagnostic Pathology
Many blood and urine tests can be run in-house, which means results are often available the same day. Some specialised tests need to be sent to an external veterinary laboratory, and our team will let you know when to expect results.
Your pet may need a blood test if they are unwell, losing weight, drinking more, vomiting, slowing down, starting medication, preparing for surgery, or entering their senior years. Blood tests help us check organ function, blood cells, hydration, inflammation and signs of hidden disease.
Blood tests can help detect or monitor kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, anaemia, infection, inflammation, dehydration, pancreatitis and other internal health changes. They are especially useful when symptoms are vague or your pet is hiding signs of illness.
Senior pets often benefit from regular blood and urine testing because many age-related diseases develop quietly. Testing helps us detect changes earlier and monitor trends over time, so we can create a more personalised care plan.
Urine testing can provide important clues about kidney function, hydration and urinary health, especially when combined with blood testing. It may help detect kidney disease, diabetes, urinary tract infections, bladder inflammation and protein loss.
Some pathology tests can help identify changes that may suggest cancer, inflammation or other disease. Cytology can also be used to examine cells from lumps, fluids or abnormal areas. In some cases, further testing such as biopsy, imaging or specialist pathology may be recommended.
Cytology involves looking at cells under a microscope. We may use it to assess lumps, ear infections, skin infections, fluid samples or abnormal tissue changes. It can often provide useful information quickly and help guide the next step.
Most blood tests are quick and minimally invasive. Our team uses gentle handling and low-stress techniques to help your pet feel as calm and comfortable as possible during their visit.
Book Your Pet’s Pet Blood Tests & Diagnostic Pathology Appointment
If your pet needs diagnostic testing, The Village Vet provides fast, reliable, and expert care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
📅 Book online here or call us to secure an appointment:
📍 Pymble Clinic: 9499 4010
📍 Killara Hospital: 8350 5678
