Pet Blood Work in Far North Central San Antonio, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Far North Central is a vet in San Antonio, TX, with an in-house lab for blood work and other tests on dogs and cats. Many results are ready during the same visit, so the vet can explain them and start treatment right away.

Lab tests show what an exam can't: how the kidneys, liver and blood cells are working on the inside.

Call (726) 600-3009 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome.

When does my pet need blood work?

At Petfolk Far North Central, the vet may suggest lab tests:

• For a sick pet, to find the cause of vomiting, weakness, drinking more or weight loss.

• Before anesthesia, to make sure surgery or a dental is a safe choice.

• At senior wellness visits, to catch kidney, liver or thyroid changes early.

• For pets on long-term medicine, to check that the body is handling it.

• Yearly, for heartworm and tick-borne disease screening in dogs.

Senior cats are a group where screening finds a lot. Across Petfolk, older cats were about twice as likely to have blood work at a wellness visit as younger adult cats, 34% versus 18% (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026).

What do the common tests show?

The vet at Petfolk Far North Central explains each one before running it:

1. CBC (complete blood count): red cells for anemia, white cells for infection or inflammation, and platelets for clotting.

2. Chemistry panel: kidney and liver values, blood sugar, protein and electrolytes.

3. Thyroid test: often for older cats losing weight, or dogs gaining it.

4. Urinalysis: urine concentration, crystals, infection and sugar.

5. Heartworm and tick test: a quick screen that also checks for common tick diseases.

Some specialized tests are sent to an outside lab, and the team will tell you when to expect those results.

Same day results given even some results within minutes..

Marcy G., Google review

How is blood drawn at Petfolk Far North Central?

A small sample is taken from a vein, usually in a leg or the neck. It takes a minute or two. Fear Free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic, so the team uses treats, gentle holds and a calm room. For very nervous pets, the vet can prescribe a calming medicine to give at home before the visit.

they prescribed him a sedative for the next time he comes back to get his blood drawn and i couldn’t be more thankful for the care he received!

agloveforever, Google review

Fasting before blood work

Often, yes. A fast of about 8 to 12 hours gives the clearest chemistry results, but water is usually fine. The team at Petfolk Far North Central tells you when you book. Don't fast diabetic pets without talking to the vet first.

Reading the results

The vet compares your pet's numbers with normal ranges and with past results. One value slightly out of range doesn't always mean disease; trends over time often matter more. That's one reason a baseline from a healthy year is so useful later.

You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

What does lab work cost?

At Petfolk Far North Central, the cost depends on which tests your pet needs. Wellness exams start at $99, and PetfolkCare starts at $199 a year. For older pets, see senior pet care in Far North Central.

When results point to urgent care

Some results, like very low red cells or high kidney values, need same-day treatment. If the vet recommends round-the-clock care, the team helps you get to a 24-hour hospital such as BluePearl Pet Hospital Stone Oak.

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Far North Central is at 18206 Blanco Rd, Suite 104, San Antonio, TX 78258. Call (726) 600-3009.

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