Diagnostic Testing for Pets
Our in-house lab allows us to perform a range of essential tests, including:
-Pet bloodwork to evaluate organ function, infection, and overall health
-Urinalysis to assess kidney function and urinary conditions
-Cytology to diagnose skin issues, ear infections, and abnormal growths
-Fecal testing to check for intestinal parasites and support digestive health
These diagnostic tools help us identify health concerns early and provide timely care for your pet.
Advanced Testing When Needed
For more specialized diagnostics, we partner with trusted reference laboratories. This allows us to access advanced testing when needed, ensuring your pet receives comprehensive veterinary care in Mississauga.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our In-House Lab Services
What are the main benefits of having an in-house laboratory?
The biggest benefit is speed. When a pet is critically ill or injured, waiting days for an outside lab to send back results can delay life-saving care. With our advanced on-site diagnostic equipment, our veterinary team can process blood work, urinalysis, and skin tests right here in our clinic, giving us accurate answers within minutes so we can start targeted treatments immediately.
What exactly does a complete pet blood work panel show?
A standard blood panel is divided into two parts: a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and a Chemistry Profile. The CBC analyzes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to check for anemia, active infections, and blood clotting ability. The Chemistry Profile measures vital biomarkers to evaluate how well your pet’s internal organs—specifically the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and gallbladder—are functioning.
Why does my pet need a urinalysis if they are already getting blood work?
While blood work tells us how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the body, a urinalysis tells us how well the kidneys are concentrating that waste, and checks the physical health of the bladder. A urinalysis is essential for diagnosing urinary tract infections (UTIs), detecting microscopic bladder crystals or stones, and catching early-stage kidney disease or diabetes that might not show up on a blood test alone.
What is cytology, and how does it help my pet's skin or ear issues?
Cytology is the microscopic study of cells. If your pet has an ear infection, an itchy skin rash, or a mysterious lump, we take a tiny swab or needle sample and place it under our high-powered laboratory microscopes. This allows us to instantly see exactly what is causing the irritation—such as specific bacteria, yeast organisms, microscopic mites, or abnormal cell growths—so we can prescribe the exact correct medication.
How do I collect a fresh urine or fecal sample from my pet at home?
For a fecal test, collect a fresh sample (about the size of a thumb) in a clean, plastic container or baggie, ideally within 4 to 6 hours of their appointment. For a urinalysis, use a clean, dry container to catch a mid-stream sample during their morning walk or in a clean, empty litter box filled with non-absorbent plastic litter beads. Keep the samples refrigerated if you cannot bring them to our Mississauga clinic right away.