Diagnostics cost
Diagnostic tests are often the biggest part of a sick-pet visit.
Updated October 15, 2026 · US prices · 5 sources · see sources
| Item | Typical US price | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Bloodwork – CBC | avg $273 (range $50–$600) | [1] |
| Urinalysis | avg $135 | [1] |
| X-rays | avg $493 (range $56–$1,000) | [1] |
| Diagnostics invoices, median | $462 (typical $265–$741) | [2] |
| Dog Blood Work: typical owner bill (337 bills) | $60–$190 | [3] |
| Cat Blood Work: typical owner bill (147 bills) | $70–$225 | [4] |
| Dog X-Ray: typical owner bill (274 bills) | $130–$300 | [5] |
Ranges come from the sources below, and each one measures something slightly different (published prices, owner invoices or planning budgets). Your vet's estimate is what counts. Older figures, like the ASPCA's 2021 table, are probably lower than today's prices.
What affects the cost
- Which tests are ordered A blood count alone costs less than a full panel. [3]
- Routine or emergency Rush results cost more than a routine test. [3]
- Run in the clinic or sent out In-clinic results are faster and usually cost more than an outside lab. [3]
- The kind of practice Emergency hospitals charge more than regular vets. [3]
- Before surgery Pre-surgery panels sit in the middle: needed soon, but not a rush. [3]
- Your cat’s age Senior panels add the thyroid test ($40–$80) and the early kidney test ($30–$60). [4]
- Emergency or regular visit About half the X-rays in our data were on emergency bills, where they cost more than at a regular visit. [5]
- How many views Practices that charge per view bill $75–$150 each, so three views cost three times one. [5]
Ways to save
- Ask for a bundled panel A blood count and chemistry panel ordered together usually cost less than each one separately. [3]
- Ask whether the sample can go to an outside lab Sending it out usually costs less than running it in the clinic, and the results take longer. Your vet can tell you whether that suits this test. [3]
- Check low-cost clinics Vaccine clinics and humane societies often run blood panels for $75–$150. [3]
- For regular rechecks, ask about a monitoring panel It tests only the values your vet is tracking, and costs less than a full panel each time. [3]
- Ask if blood work is in the surgery quote Pre-surgery blood work runs $75–$200. Ask whether it is included or billed on top. [3]
- Ask if the blood draw fee is included Some practices add $10–$30 for the draw as a separate line. [3]
- Ask for a bundled senior panel Blood count, chemistry and thyroid ordered together usually cost less than each one separately. [4]
- For regular rechecks, ask about a recheck panel It tests only the values your vet is tracking, and costs less than a full panel each time. [4]
Questions to ask your vet
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Common questions
How much do pet X-rays cost?
VetTally reports an average of $493 across 21 reports, with a wide range of $56–$1,000.
How much does dog blood work cost?
Based on 337 real vet line items, individual blood tests typically cost between $60 and $190 each. A CBC (Complete Blood Count) averages $83–$228. A chemistry panel averages $104–$186. Most vets order both together — expect $150–$400 for a full blood panel (CBC + chemistry combined). (Source: VetReceipt)
How much does a CBC cost for a dog?
In VetReceipt's data, a CBC costs $83–$228. The wide range depends on whether it's routine ($80–$130), pre-surgical ($100–$150), or emergency STAT processing ($150–$250+). A CBC checks red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much does a chemistry panel cost for a dog?
In VetReceipt's data, a chemistry panel (also called a biochemistry profile or comprehensive metabolic panel) costs $104–$186. This test checks organ function — liver enzymes, kidney values, glucose, electrolytes, and proteins. A "full panel" includes more parameters and costs more than a "mini panel." (Source: VetReceipt)
How much does blood work cost for a cat?
Based on 147 real vet line items, cat blood tests typically cost $70–$225 each. A CBC (Complete Blood Count) runs $80–$220. A chemistry panel runs $100–$200. Most vets order both together as a "full panel" for $150–$400 total. The feline-specific add-on — a T4 thyroid test ($40–$80) — is standard for cats over 7 and pushes the total to $200–$450. (Source: VetReceipt)
Why do vets recommend blood work for cats so often?
Cats mask illness better than any other pet — a cat can lose 75% of kidney function before showing symptoms. Blood work catches kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes early, when treatment is cheaper and more effective. That is why annual blood work is standard for senior cats (7+), and many vets recommend it starting at age 5. The $150–$350 annual panel routinely saves thousands in late-stage treatment costs. (Source: VetReceipt)
What blood tests does my cat actually need?
The core duo: CBC ($80–$220) checks blood cells, infection markers, and anemia. Chemistry panel ($100–$200) checks organ function — kidneys, liver, glucose, electrolytes. For cats 7+, add: T4 thyroid ($40–$80) — hyperthyroidism is the #1 endocrine disease in older cats. SDMA ($30–$60) — catches kidney disease earlier than standard chemistry. Urinalysis ($30–$75) — paired with blood work gives a complete kidney picture. Pre-surgical panels are the same CBC + chemistry without the age-specific add-ons. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much does a dog X-ray cost?
Based on 274 real vet line items, X-rays for dogs typically cost between $130 and $300. That's for a standard 2–3 view series. A single view may cost $75–$150, while a multi-view series (chest, abdomen, or orthopedic) typically runs $150–$350. Emergency X-rays are at the high end; routine diagnostic X-rays at a regular vet are at the low end. (Source: VetReceipt)
Why do emergency X-rays cost more?
Based on VetReceipt's data, 48% of all X-ray charges appear on emergency vet bills — and emergency X-rays cost 30–50% more than routine. A 2-view series at a regular vet may cost $150–$250, while the same series at an emergency hospital runs $200–$400+. The premium covers after-hours staffing, STAT interpretation, and urgency surcharges. (Source: VetReceipt)
How are X-rays priced — per view or flat rate?
It depends on the clinic. Some vets charge per view ($75–$150 per view), meaning a 3-view series costs 3x a single view. Others charge a flat "radiograph series" rate ($150–$350) that includes 2–3 views. Ask your vet which pricing model they use before the X-rays are taken — the flat rate is often better value if you need multiple views. (Source: VetReceipt)
Breeds with related health issues
These breed pages mention a related health issue, based on AKC, CFA and PetMD breed information. It doesn't mean every pet of the breed will need this.
Related guides
Sources
- VetTally – Veterinary cost statistics, 932 reports (Oct 2026)
- VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Cat Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
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