Laboratory and diagnostics
Tests are worth running when the result will change what we do. We will tell you what each one rules in or out, and what it costs, before you agree to it.
- Typical visit
- Same visit for most in-house tests
- Home visit
- Clinic only
- Suitable for
- Dogs and cats
A test is worth running when the result changes what we do. That is the whole test.
The one we run most in Kenya is a blood smear, because tick-borne disease is common here and it is the fastest way to confirm or rule out babesiosis and ehrlichiosis in a dog that is merely tired and pale. It is also the test most likely to change treatment the same day.
Skin scrapes matter because mange is common in Kenya and looks like several other things. Guessing at a skin condition and treating it blind wastes weeks while the animal is uncomfortable.
Before any test we will tell you what it costs and what we would do differently depending on the result. If we would do the same thing either way, we will say the test is not worth it.
What is included
- Blood smears, which are how tick-borne disease is usually confirmed
- Skin scrapes for mange and other skin conditions
- Stool samples where worming has repeatedly failed
- A plain explanation of what the result means and what changes because of it
What this costs in Kenya
| Treatment | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Routine consultation | KES 1,000–KES 3,000 |
Indicative market ranges for Kenya, reviewed 2026-08-29. This is not a quotation. Prices vary with your pet’s weight, the brand of vaccine or drug used, and whether the visit is at a clinic or at your home. Ask for a figure before treatment starts, any vet should give you one. We do not publish per-test pricing because no reliable Kenyan benchmark exists and we will not guess. Every test is quoted before it is run.
Common questions
Do you run tests you do not need?
We try hard not to. Before any test we will tell you what question it answers and what we would do differently depending on the result. If the answer is nothing, the test is not worth your money.
Can I bring a stool sample?
Yes, and it is genuinely useful when worming keeps failing. Fresh, in a sealed container, same day if possible.
Read the full guide first
Book a vet in Nairobi
Clinic appointments, or a vet at your door across Nairobi. Tell us what is wrong and we will say how soon your pet needs to be seen.