Pet Diagnostics for Dogs and Cats in San Francisco
Good care starts with good information. When your dog or cat is not feeling well, fast and accurate testing helps your veterinarian zero in on what is happening so the next steps are the right ones. SF Vet Hospital offers a full suite of in-house veterinary diagnostics for dogs and cats in San Francisco's Mission District, including blood work, digital X-ray, ultrasound, and rapid in-house lab analysis. Most results come back during the same visit, which means we can often begin care without a wait.
In-House Diagnostic Lab
Our in-house lab supports same-visit answers for blood panels, urinalysis, fecal testing, snap testing for common infectious diseases, and cytology for ear and skin samples. Same-visit results matter most in urgent situations, where every hour of waiting can change the picture. For tests that benefit from specialized analysis, we send samples to outside reference labs and typically have results within a few business days.
Digital X-Ray and Ultrasound for Dogs and Cats
Digital X-ray gives us a clear look at bones, joints, chest, and abdomen with minimal handling and excellent image quality. Ultrasound complements X-ray by showing soft tissue detail, including the abdomen and bladder, plus Doppler assessment for vessels and fluid. Together they cover most of the imaging questions that come up in general practice, from suspected foreign bodies to evaluating internal organs in a sick pet.
FAST and AFAST Scans
For urgent cases where we need rapid imaging answers, focused FAST and AFAST scans of the abdomen and thorax help our team identify free fluid, organ changes, or signs of trauma quickly. These targeted scans are part of our urgent care workflow and run alongside the standard physical exam.
Specialized Diagnostic Services
Beyond routine work, our team offers more targeted assessments including ACTH stimulation testing for adrenal conditions, thyroid panels for cats and dogs, titer testing for international travel, biopsies and fine needle aspirates (FNA) for new lumps, and microscopic evaluation for parasites and ear mites. Biopsy results inform whether a mass needs further care or simply monitoring.
Same-Day Answers for Pet Owners in San Francisco
What our team values most about in-house diagnostics is that it shortens the time between worry and a clear next step. Whether your pet is at SF Vet Hospital for a routine wellness check, a sick visit, a same-day urgent care & emergencies visit, or a surgical consult, our team uses targeted diagnostics to give you real answers in the moment, not days later. Open seven days a week to fit diagnostics into your week.
Explore More
How long does in-house testing take?
Most in-house panels return within the same visit, often in 20 to 40 minutes. This means your veterinarian can use those results to guide care plans during the appointment, which is especially valuable in urgent situations.
Will my pet need to be sedated for X-rays or ultrasound?
Most dogs and cats tolerate digital X-ray and ultrasound well without sedation. For pets that are particularly anxious, painful, or wiggly, our team uses light sedation to keep the experience calm and the images clear.
Do you offer biopsy and fine needle aspirate testing?
Yes. We perform fine needle aspirates for new lumps and bumps in the clinic, and biopsies when a tissue sample is needed for a clear answer. Samples are sent to outside labs for cytology and histopathology review.
How do I prepare my pet for diagnostic testing?
For most blood work, a brief fasting period is helpful but not always required. Our team gives you specific instructions when you book or check in, including whether to withhold food and for how long.
Have a worry that needs a clear answer? Book a diagnostic appointment for your dog or cat at SF Vet Hospital in San Francisco. Call (415) 907-7576 or visit during our open hours, seven days a week.