Pet X-Rays and Lab Testing in Middle Sackville: What to Expect

Quick answer: When your dog or cat is unwell and the cause isn't obvious from an exam, diagnostic tests help our veterinarians find out what's really going on. Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre has digital radiography (x-rays) and an on-site laboratory, so many tests can be done right at our clinic, with results our veterinarians explain to you clearly before building a treatment plan.

Pets can't tell us where it hurts, and many illnesses look alike from the outside. Diagnostic testing takes the guesswork out of care. Here's what pet owners in Middle Sackville and the surrounding Sackville area can expect when their pet needs x-rays or lab work at our animal hospital on Sackville Drive.

Digital x-rays for dogs and cats

Radiography, or x-rays, is one of the most important imaging tools in veterinary medicine. Our digital radiography equipment captures detailed images of your pet's internal structures. Digital x-rays help our veterinarians:

• Detect fractures and other bone problems
• Find swallowed foreign objects
• Identify tumours, cysts and other soft tissue issues
• Look at the size and shape of organs such as the heart and lungs

On-site laboratory testing

Our in-house laboratory can run a variety of diagnostic tests, from blood counts to specialized assays. Because the work is done on site, we can often get rapid, reliable results and start treatment without delay. Lab testing is used in many parts of your pet's care, including:

• Routine health screenings during wellness exams
• Pre-anesthetic testing before surgery and dental procedures
• Blood tests and urinalysis to check hormone levels for conditions like diabetes and thyroid disease
• Monitoring how a pet is responding to ongoing treatment

What happens after the tests

1. Timely results and clear explanations

We know waiting for results is stressful. Our team works efficiently to process tests, and our experienced veterinarians interpret the results and walk you through what they mean, answering any questions you have.

2. A treatment plan made for your pet

Once we have a diagnosis, we build a personalized treatment plan. Depending on the findings, that may involve medical management, surgery or supportive care.

3. Ongoing monitoring and follow-up

Our care continues after the diagnosis. Follow-up visits and repeat testing help us track your pet's progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Frequently asked questions about pet diagnostics

Why does my healthy pet need blood work?

Routine screening can reveal changes before your pet shows signs of illness, and pre-anesthetic testing helps our team tailor anesthesia safely before surgery or dental work.

Are dental x-rays included with dental procedures?

Yes. Every dental procedure at our clinic includes a complete set of dental x-rays. Learn more in our guide to dog and cat dental care.

What are your hours?

We're open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. We're closed weekends.

Book a visit in Middle Sackville

If your pet isn't acting like themselves, our team is here to help find answers. Learn more about our veterinary diagnostics, request an appointment online, or call us at (902) 864-2882. New to the clinic? Visit our new clients page to get set up.

Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre is a veterinary-owned, CVMA- and NSVMA-accredited animal hospital at 1622 Sackville Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3A8. This article is general information and is not a substitute for an examination of your pet by a veterinarian.