Pet Diagnostics in Bedford: Bloodwork, Digital X-Rays and Ultrasound Under One Roof

When your dog or cat is not feeling well, the hardest part is often not knowing why. A thorough physical exam tells us a lot, but sometimes we need to look a little deeper to understand what is happening inside your pet's body.

That is where diagnostics come in. At Vetcetera Animal Hospital in Bedford, we have an in-house laboratory, digital x-ray and ultrasound, so in many cases we can get the information we need without sending you somewhere else and without a long wait.

When does a pet need diagnostic testing?

Every exam we do is comprehensive, but there are times when we need more information to understand your pet's specific condition. Diagnostic testing can help when:

• Your pet is sick and we need to find the cause
• We want to check how organs such as the kidneys and liver are working
• Your pet has a new lump, bump, skin problem or ear issue
• We are planning anesthesia and want to choose the safest plan
• We are monitoring an ongoing condition or how your pet is responding to treatment
• We want baseline values during a wellness visit to compare against in the future

Our in-house laboratory

Our hospital is equipped with laboratory equipment that allows rapid evaluation of organ health, blood cell counts and urine. Having these tests on site gives us timely, accurate data to guide treatment decisions, which matters a lot when your pet is unwell.

We also have a dedicated focus on microscopic evaluation. Our team looks at urine and blood cells under the microscope, along with samples taken from lumps, bumps, ears and skin.

For cases that need more advanced testing, we work with a leading diagnostic laboratory, so we can access expert insights when they are needed.

Digital x-rays

Radiography, or x-rays, remains a cornerstone of diagnostic imaging in veterinary medicine. Our digital x-ray system lets us closely examine your pet's vital organs and skeleton and helps us detect problems such as fractures, foreign bodies and other abnormalities.

Digital x-rays have a few advantages for your pet:

• Fast and accurate images we can review right away
• Less radiation exposure for your pet
• No chemical development, which fits our commitment to environmentally friendly practices

Ultrasound imaging

Ultrasound gives us a real-time look at your pet's internal organs, showing both their structure and how they are functioning. It is non-invasive and can help us identify tumours, cysts and other soft tissue abnormalities.

Ultrasound is also an important part of the in-house chemotherapy and ultrasound services provided by Dr. Nadine, where it is used to assess a pet's health, monitor treatment response and watch for complications. Other veterinary hospitals can refer patients to us for ultrasound as well.

What happens after the tests

Results are only useful if you understand them. Our team works to process tests efficiently so you get timely reports and can move forward with a treatment plan without delay.

Our veterinarians take the time to explain your pet's results in detail and answer your questions. Once we have a diagnosis, we build a personalized treatment plan for your pet. That could mean medical management, surgery or supportive care, depending on what your pet needs.

Our care does not stop after the first test. We provide ongoing monitoring and follow-up to track your pet's progress and adjust treatment if needed.

Frequently asked questions about pet diagnostics

Do you do bloodwork in-house?

Yes. Our in-house laboratory lets us rapidly evaluate organ health, blood cell counts and urine. For more specialized tests, we partner with a leading diagnostic lab.

Are digital x-rays safe for my pet?

Digital x-rays are fast and accurate, and they minimize radiation exposure compared with older methods. They also do not require chemical development.

Can you look at a lump on my pet?

Yes. We do microscopic evaluation of samples from lumps and bumps, as well as ears and skin. Read more in our guide to finding a lump on your dog or cat.

Can my regular vet refer my pet to you for an ultrasound?

Yes. Our chemotherapy and ultrasound services are available to other veterinary hospitals. Referring clinics can use our referral forms.

More from our team

You may also want to read what happens at a pet wellness exam and why we start every dental procedure with x-rays.

Book a visit in Bedford

If your pet is not acting like themselves, call Vetcetera Animal Hospital at (902) 450-4973, email info@vetcetera.ca or request an appointment online. Learn more on our diagnostics page. We are located at 1144 Bedford Highway, Bedford, Nova Scotia.