Pet Blood Work & Lab Testing in Kennesaw, GA, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Kennesaw is a vet in Kennesaw, GA, with an in-house laboratory for dogs and cats. Many blood, urine and stool tests run right at the clinic, so results often come back while you are still in the exam room. The vet then walks you through the numbers in plain words.

Lab work finds problems that an exam alone can't see, like early kidney changes, diabetes, infection, or anemia.

Call (770) 404-8937 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome for sick pets.

What does pet blood work check?

Most blood work comes in two parts:

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

• Chemistry panel: how the liver and kidneys are working, plus blood sugar, protein and key salts like potassium.

Depending on the reason for the visit, the vet may add a thyroid level, a urine test, or a heartworm and tick disease test. Across Petfolk, that heartworm and tick-borne disease test is the in-house lab test ordered most often (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026).

When does my pet need lab work?

The vet may suggest lab tests in these cases:

• Sick visits, such as vomiting, not eating, drinking a lot more water, or weight loss.

• Before anesthesia, to make sure the organs can handle it. See pet surgery in Kennesaw.

• Senior checkups. Across Petfolk, senior cats are about twice as likely as younger adult cats to have blood drawn at a wellness visit (34% vs 18%, Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026).

• Long-term medicine, where some drugs need a blood check to stay safe.

A baseline panel from a healthy year gives the vet something to compare to when your pet is sick later.

How fast do the results come back?

Many common tests run on the clinic's own machines, and results are often ready during the same visit. Some tests go to an outside lab, and the team tells you when to expect those.

The in-house lab is awesome. No waiting for results to come from an outside source.

Chaz B., Google review

Reading the results together

A value marked high or low is not always a problem. Young puppies, very fit dogs and pets who were stressed during the draw can show small changes that mean nothing. The vet looks at the whole picture: the exam, your pet's age, any medicines, and earlier results. When a number does matter, the vet tells you what it means, what the next step is, and when to recheck. Ask for a printed copy, so you can compare the numbers at the next visit.

How the blood draw feels

A blood draw takes a minute or two. The team uses Fear Free handling: a gentle hold, treats if the vet allows them, and breaks for a nervous pet. Most dogs give blood from a leg vein. Cats often do best with a calm, quiet room and a towel to hide in.

Before the test

Ask when you book whether your pet should skip breakfast. Some values, like blood fats and sugar, read more clearly on an empty stomach. Keep giving water. If you bring a urine sample, catch it in a clean container that morning and keep it cool.

Lab test estimates

The cost depends on which tests your pet needs. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. A wellness exam at Petfolk Kennesaw starts at $99, and lab work is added only after you agree to it. PetfolkCare members get discounts on routine care.

When a result can't wait

Most results lead to a plan you start at home. If the numbers point to a problem that needs care through the night, such as a very high potassium or severe anemia, the vet helps you move your pet to a 24-hour emergency hospital, such as VEG at 1290 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta.

Schedule lab work

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Kennesaw is at 1155 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW, Suite 204, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Call (770) 404-8937 or book online.

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