Blood Tests
Quick answers when your pet needs them most.
Blood tests are one of the most valuable tools in veterinary medicine. They help us check organ health, diagnose illness, monitor long term conditions and ensure pets are safe for procedures such as anaesthesia or surgery.
We have a full in-house laboratory so we can run many important tests within minutes rather than days.
Why blood tests matter
Pets often hide signs of illness, and changes inside the body can happen long before anything is visible on the outside. Blood tests allow us to detect problems early, guide treatment plans with confidence and keep a close eye on pets with ongoing medical needs. Fast results mean faster answers, and faster answers mean better care.
Our vets and nurses perform blood tests every day and are experienced in interpreting results quickly and accurately. Whether your pet is unwell, needs pre-anaesthetic checks, or is being monitored for a chronic condition, you are in safe hands.
More about blood testing
Our in-house laboratory
Both our East Sheen and Richmond practices have modern analysers that allow us to run a wide range of tests on site, typically within 20 to 30 minutes. These include:
Full blood counts
Biochemistry profiles (kidney, liver, electrolytes)
Blood sugar checks
Thyroid checks
Clotting tests
Urine tests
Rapid in-house results mean we can diagnose problems quickly, adjust treatment plans without delay, and give you clear information during your appointment.
Blood tests before procedures
We often recommend blood tests before anaesthesia or surgery to check your pet’s organ function, and to ensure that it is safe to proceed. This allows us to tailor the anaesthetic plan precisely to your pet, giving you peace of mind.
Advanced external laboratory support
For more specialised or complex testing, we work closely with respected external laboratories across the UK and Europe. These labs offer:
Specialist endocrinology tests
Allergy testing
Infectious disease screening
Genetic and breed specific panels
Detailed cytology and histopathology
A dedicated team of laboratory pathologists is available to provide expert interpretation. This ensures that even the most complex cases benefit from the highest level of diagnostic support.
Monitoring long-term conditions
Pets with chronic conditions (such as kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or Cushing’s disease) often require regular blood tests, as do pets who are on long-term medication courses. We create clear, personalised plans so you know when each test is due and what it is checking for.
Frequently asked questions about blood testing
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For most tests, very quickly. Both our East Sheen and Richmond practices have modern in-house analysers that produce results in around 20 to 30 minutes.
For more specialist tests sent to external laboratories, turnaround times will be longer, but we'll always let you know what to expect.
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We often recommend it, yes. A pre-anaesthetic blood test checks your pet's organ function and helps us confirm it's safe to proceed. It also allows us to tailor the anaesthetic plan precisely to your pet.
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Pets are very good at hiding signs of illness, and changes inside the body can happen long before anything is visible on the outside. Blood tests allow us to catch problems early, often before your pet shows any symptoms at all.
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It depends on the condition and any medication your pet is on, but regular monitoring is common for conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and Cushing's disease.
We'll put together a clear, personalised plan so you always know when the next test is due and what it's checking for.
If you are unsure whether blood testing is right for your pet, we are always happy to discuss options and offer honest, practical advice.

