Southgate Veterinary Hospital requires our patients to be vaccinated and stay up to date against rabies to receive services at our clinic. Click Here for More Information

NBC news story released on Aug. 31, 2025- CDC surveillance shows outbreaks of rabies rising across the U.S.

How does this affect us in Fargo-Moorhead?  
Our area has had reported cases of rabies. Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention critical. People exposed to a suspected rabid animal undergo post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of injections required to help the body fight off a possible rabies infection.  

It’s the law! Within the Fargo–Moorhead-West Fargo city limits, all dogs and cats are legally required to be up to date on their rabies vaccination.  Veterinary professionals are at a three-times higher exposure risk to a rabid animal than the public. For the health, safety, and protection of our team members and the community,

Southgate Veterinary Hospital requires our patients to be vaccinated and stay up to date against rabies to receive services at our clinic.  

 

Common questions: 
What if I am bit by a dog or cat?
This could be a public health concern. You should: contact the owner of the dog or cat to verify vaccination status, contact the local police department, and contact your medical provider.

What if my pet is bit by another dog or cat?
This could be a public health concern. You should: contact the owner of the dog or cat to verify vaccination status, contact your veterinary office, and determine if the local police department needs to get involved.

What if my pet is bit by wildlife?  
This could be a public health concern. Contact your veterinarian.  The only way to confirm a rabies infection is by testing non-frozen brain material.  If the wild animal needs to be tested, safety precautions must be used when handling the wild animal.

Do I need to vaccinate my pet if I live in an apartment?
Yes, all dogs and cats within local city limits and surrounding areas are legally required to be kept up to date on their rabies vaccination.

For more information on the human rabies vaccine series, visit the ND Gov website: Rabies Vaccine Information | Health and Human Services North Dakota

Pet Lab Services at Southgate Veterinary Hospital in Fargo, ND

Southgate Veterinary Hospital in Fargo, ND offers reliable pet lab testing, including blood work, urinalysis, and diagnostics.

Pet Lab Services in Fargo, ND

Accurate diagnostics are a key part of effective veterinary care. At Southgate Veterinary Hospital, we offer dependable pet lab services in Fargo, ND to support early detection, monitor health conditions, and guide treatment decisions. Our in-house laboratory is equipped to perform a wide range of diagnostic tests with fast turnaround times, helping us respond quickly to your pet’s needs.

Pet lab

Comprehensive Diagnostic Testing for Your Pet

Our on-site laboratory is designed to deliver essential diagnostic information during your pet’s visit. We offer testing options that help assess internal organ function, detect infections, identify parasites, and monitor chronic conditions. Quick access to lab results allows our team to make timely decisions and begin treatment when necessary.

Our in-house pet lab services include:

  • Blood chemistry and electrolyte panels
  • Complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate immune response and blood cell levels
  • T4 thyroid testing to assess thyroid hormone production
  • Urinalysis to detect signs of infection, dehydration, or kidney disease
  • Fecal testing to identify intestinal parasites
  • Cytology for skin, ear, or mass evaluations
  • Rapid tests for Heartworm, Lyme disease, Feline Leukemia, Parvovirus, Pancreatitis, and other common conditions

With many test results available within 15 to 30 minutes, our in-house capabilities help reduce wait times and allow for more immediate care decisions.

When Specialized Testing Is Needed

For diagnostics that require more advanced equipment or specialized analysis, we partner with a trusted external veterinary laboratory. These services expand our diagnostic reach and provide additional insight into complex cases. Once results are available, our veterinary team reviews the findings carefully and discusses the next steps with you in clear, understandable terms.

Why Pet Lab Services Matter

Routine laboratory testing plays an important role in preventive care and early diagnosis. Many illnesses and conditions do not present visible symptoms until they are advanced. Lab screenings give us the opportunity to detect potential concerns before they become more serious or harder to treat.

Common uses for diagnostic testing include:

  • Pre-surgical evaluations to assess anesthesia risk
  • Baseline health screenings for puppies, kittens, or newly adopted pets
  • Senior pet wellness monitoring
  • Diagnosis and monitoring of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease, or thyroid disorders
  • Confirmation of infections or underlying causes of symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or weight loss

Quality, Accuracy, and Communication

At Southgate Veterinary Hospital, our pet lab services in Fargo, ND are supported by strict quality control protocols. Every sample is handled with care, and our equipment is routinely calibrated for consistency. In-house testing is performed by trained veterinary professionals who understand how to interpret results in the context of your pet’s overall health.

We prioritize clear communication. Once test results are available, we walk you through the findings and help you understand any recommended treatments, follow-up testing, or lifestyle adjustments.

Supporting Lifelong Health Through Diagnostics

Regular lab work is not just for sick pets. Integrating lab testing into your pet’s routine care helps establish baseline values and makes it easier to identify changes early. Our team can recommend a testing schedule based on your pet’s age, breed, health history, and risk factors.

If your pet is due for lab work or showing signs of illness, book appointment with Southgate Veterinary Hospital today. Our experienced team is ready to provide accurate, timely diagnostic support to keep your pet on the path to lifelong health.