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

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Sandy Springs is a vet in Sandy Springs, GA, with an in-house lab for many blood, urine and stool tests on dogs and cats. Many results come back while you wait, so the vet can explain them and start treatment in the same visit.

Lab tests show what an exam can't: how the kidneys and liver are working, whether there is infection or anemia, and whether parasites are present.

Call (678) 673-3977 or book online.

Why does my pet need blood work?

The vet at Petfolk Sandy Springs suggests blood work for four main reasons:

1. Before anesthesia: it is required before any surgery or dental cleaning, to make sure the organs that clear anesthetic drugs are working well.

2. When a pet is sick: to look for infection, dehydration, organ problems or blood sugar changes.

3. For seniors: to catch slow changes in kidney, liver and thyroid early, often before signs show.

4. For long-term medicines: some drugs need regular checks of liver or kidney values.

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

What do the common tests check?

At Petfolk Sandy Springs, the most common lab tests are:

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

• Chemistry panel: kidney and liver values, blood sugar, protein and electrolytes (body salts).

• Thyroid test: most useful in older cats, who often develop an overactive thyroid.

• Urinalysis: urine concentration, crystals, blood, sugar and signs of infection.

• Fecal test: looks for intestinal worms and other parasites in a stool sample.

• Heartworm and tick-borne disease test: a quick blood test, and across Petfolk the single most-ordered in-house lab test.

Some tests, like urine cultures or certain hormone panels, go to an outside lab and take a few days. The team will tell you which is which.

How the blood draw goes

The blood draw takes a few minutes. Fear Free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic, so the team uses treats, gentle holds and a calm room. Most samples come from a leg or the neck vein, which is larger and often quicker for small pets.

When should my pet fast before blood work?

For some tests, the vet at Petfolk Sandy Springs may ask you to skip your pet's breakfast, since a recent meal can change some values. Water is fine. If your pet is diabetic or very young, ask before holding food.

Reading the results with you

A single number outside the normal range doesn't always mean disease. The vet looks at the whole picture: your pet's age, history, exam and earlier results. Keeping each year's results on file is what makes early changes visible, which is one reason yearly senior blood work is useful.

What does pet blood work cost?

The cost depends on which tests your pet needs. At Petfolk Sandy Springs you'll get an estimate before any test or treatment, and the final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit, for example if a result points to another test. PetfolkCare, which starts at $199 a year, includes savings on every visit; ask the team what it covers.

Results that need urgent action

Most results lead to a plan made at a normal pace. If a result shows something serious, like a very high potassium level or a severe anemia, the vet may send your pet straight to a 24-hour emergency hospital such as BluePearl Pet Hospital on Abernathy Rd NE for care through the night.

Schedule lab work

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Sandy Springs is at 6223 Roswell Rd, 365A, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Call (678) 673-3977. For older pets, see senior pet care in Sandy Springs.

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