Veterinary Lab & Diagnostics
On-site Diagnostics & Testing for Dogs & Cats
At Lady Hammond Animal Hospital, our in-house lab can provide us with a detailed look at the internal health of your dog or cat.
Diagnostic testing may be recommended during wellness exams, sick pet consultations, and pre-surgery assessments. These tests can help identify health issues, confirm or rule out diseases, and monitor treatment responses to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet.
Rapid results from our on-site lab mean your four-legged friend can get the treatments they need the same day, helping your furry friend get back to their normal day-to-day activities sooner.
Our Diagnostic Services
The diagnostic services and laboratory testing performed at Lady Hammond Animal Hospital include:
- Radiography (Digital X-rays)
Radiography is safe, painless and non-invasive. The level of radiation required to perform radiography is so low that even pregnant females and very young pets can undergo this procedure.
Radiographs can be used to evaluate bones and organs, and diagnose conditions including broken bones, chronic arthritis, bladder stones, spinal cord diseases and some tumours.
- Digital Dental X-Rays
If your cat or dog is suffering from periodontal disease, much of this damage occurs below the gum line where it can't be easily seen. Digital X-rays allow our team to examine the roots, bones and internal anatomy of your cat or dog's teeth.
With digital X-rays, the risk of radiation exposure for your pet is significantly lower than with traditional X-ray technology. We are able to see below the surface of your pet's gum line to fully evaluate each tooth.
- Bloodwork
At our veterinary lab in Halifax, we are able to run a number of common and targeted blood tests to help us determine the health of your pet and to diagnose illness.
Some of the most common veterinary blood tests we do are complete blood count (CBC), white blood count, hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hematocrit, platelets, eosinophils, and blood serum profile.
- Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a key diagnostic test that provides your veterinarian with essential insights into the physical and chemical properties of your pet's urine.
Urinalysis is primarily used to assess the health of your animal's kidneys and urinary tract system, but it can also be helpful in detecting issues in other organ systems and is important for diagnosing metabolic diseases such as diabetes.
- Fecal Exams
A fecal exam is a diagnostic test used to identify and treat any gastrointestinal (GI) infections that could be compromising your pet's health. Fecal exams allow your veterinarian to determine if your pet has intestinal parasites such as roundworms or hookworms.
In-House Veterinary Pharmacy
Once we diagnose your pet's condition, your veterinarian can prescribe and supply the medications to help resolve or manage your pet's issue.
When it's time to renew your pet's prescription, let us know. We can have your pet's medicine ready and waiting when you come in.
In-House Pet Health Supplies
At Lady Hammond Animal Hospital, we are committed to providing pet parents with the best diet and health care products to treat their pet's medical issues and maintain their good health.
Our animal hospital is well-stocked with prescription diets, parasite prevention products, medications and more, allowing our team to provide you with the products your four-legged friend needs.
New Patients Welcome
Lady Hammond Animal Hospital is accepting new patients from across the Halifax Regional Municipality! We'd love to welcome you and your cat or dog into our veterinary family. Get in touch to book your companion's first appointment.