Laboratory Services For Horses

Accurate Testing for Faster, More Informed Care

Fast, reliable diagnostic testing allows our veterinarians to make informed decisions about your horse’s health. Homestead Veterinary Hospital provides comprehensive in-house and mobile laboratory services for horses throughout St. Clair, Franklin County, Washington, Union, Sullivan, and surrounding Missouri areas. Our on-site capabilities reduce turnaround time, support faster treatment, and give owners clear answers when their horse needs them most.

 

In-House Bloodwork and Testing

We offer complete in-house blood analysis, including CBCs, chemistry panels, and fibrinogen testing. These tests help evaluate organ function, hydration status, inflammation, infection, and metabolic health. Immediate access to laboratory data allows our veterinarians to make quick, accurate treatment recommendations—especially important during emergency or performance-limiting conditions.

Common reasons for blood testing include:

• Colic evaluations
• Fever of unknown origin
• Pre-surgical assessment
• Poor performance
• Weight loss or chronic illness

 

Coggins (EIA) Testing

Homestead Veterinary Hospital provides both standard and STAT Coggins testing for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). Our standard turnaround time ranges from 12 to 48 hours, but for urgent needs—such as travel deadlines or show requirements—we can provide 1-hour STAT testing.

This service is particularly valuable for horses involved in:

• Interstate travel
• Sales or transfer of ownership
• Competitions and exhibitions
• Boarding barn intake

 

Specialized Diagnostic Support

Some conditions require additional testing beyond standard bloodwork. When needed, we collect and process samples for advanced laboratory evaluation, including cultures, cytology, fecal testing, and endocrine panels. Partnering with trusted external labs ensures fast, accurate results for specialized diagnostics, while we continue to guide treatment based on results.

 

Fecal Testing for Parasite Control

Fecal egg count testing plays an important role in parasite management and helps determine whether a horse is a high, moderate, or low shedder. The results allow us to design targeted deworming programs that reduce parasite resistance and protect long-term digestive and metabolic health.

Fecal testing helps identify:

• Effectiveness of deworming products
• Seasonal parasite trends
• Horses at higher risk for parasite-related disease

 

Sample Collection for Respiratory and Reproductive Cases

Our team is equipped to collect samples such as trans-tracheal washes, uterine cultures, cytology swabs, and fluid analyses. These tests help diagnose respiratory disease, uterine infections, reproductive challenges, and systemic illness.

 

Fast, Accurate Answers to Support Better Care

With our combination of in-house laboratory tools and trusted external partners, Homestead Veterinary Hospital provides timely, reliable results that support accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Whether your horse is facing an urgent illness, a chronic condition, or routine screening, our laboratory services offer the clarity needed to keep your horse healthy and performing at their best.