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Diagnostic Testing & Radiology

Mike’s Vet laboratory is fully equipped to perform the diagnostic tests your pet needs to stay healthy — and to recover faster when they’re unwell.

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When time matters, we’re able to run a wide range of tests in-house, allowing for rapid results and quicker treatment decisions. This means less waiting, faster answers, and better outcomes for your pet.

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Why Do We Perform Diagnostic Tests?

Diagnostic testing is one of the most powerful tools in protecting your pet’s long-term health. Many pets instinctively hide pain or illness, which means underlying issues can progress quietly before obvious symptoms appear.

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Routine screening — especially during annual wellness visits — allows us to detect problems early, when they are easier, safer, and often more affordable to treat. Diagnostic tests are equally essential when your pet is unwell, helping us reach an accurate diagnosis quickly and start the right treatment without delay.

In-House Diagnostic Testing

Our laboratory is fully equipped to perform a wide range of routine and advanced diagnostic tests, allowing for fast results and immediate medical decisions when necessary.

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We offer:

  • Bloodwork ( IDEXX bloodwork suite) 

  • Urinalysis  IDEXX bloodwork suite) 

  • Fecal testing

  • Parasite screening ( VetScan Imagyst) 

  • Tick-borne and heartworm testing

  • Cytology

  • Digital X-ray

  • Ultrasound imaging ( we have got the latest Ultrasound technology powered by Mindray) 

 

Regular testing provides reassurance when your pet is healthy — and clarity when they are not.

Bloodwork

Blood testing typically includes:

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Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It helps detect infections, anemia, dehydration, immune responses, and blood disorders.

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Blood Chemistry Panel
Assesses organ function, including the liver and kidneys, and measures enzymes, electrolytes, minerals, and hormones. Abnormal values often indicate early organ dysfunction.

 

Bloodwork is also essential before anesthesia to ensure your pet is safe to undergo procedures.

Fecal Testing

Fecal analysis identifies internal parasites such as worms or giardia. Many pets show no early symptoms, yet parasites can affect long-term health and may be transmitted to other pets — or even people.

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Samples are also evaluated for consistency, color, and the presence of blood or mucus.

Urinalysis

Urine testing helps diagnose urinary tract infections, kidney disease, bladder conditions, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Many urinary issues can be serious, but are highly manageable when caught early.

Tick-Borne & Heartworm Testing

We recommend annual testing alongside monthly preventatives. While preventatives are highly effective, no medication is 100% foolproof.

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Tick-borne diseases and heartworm can remain silent for months before symptoms appear. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Cytology

Cytology involves examining cells under a microscope. It is commonly used to diagnose:

  • Ear infections

  • Skin infections

  • Inflammatory conditions

  • Lumps and masses

In some cases, a small sample from a lump (fine needle aspirate or biopsy) can help determine whether abnormal or cancerous cells are present.

Radiology & Advanced Imaging

Our in-house imaging equipment allows us to see what cannot be detected during a physical exam.

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Digital X-Rays
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X-rays use a safe, low dose of radiation to evaluate bones and internal structures. They help diagnose:

  • Fractures

  • Foreign bodies

  • Intestinal blockages

  • Bladder stones

  • Tumors

  • Organ enlargement

  • Pregnancy (to determine litter size)

Sedation may be required depending on the area being examined and your pet’s comfort level.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves — not radiation — to create detailed images of internal organs. It is particularly useful for evaluating the liver, kidneys, bladder, spleen, and abdominal structures.

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Most pets do not require anesthesia, though a small area of fur may need to be shaved for image clarity.

Echocardiogram (Cardiac Ultrasound)

An echocardiogram is a specialised ultrasound of the heart. It is recommended if abnormal heart sounds are detected during an exam.

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This test evaluates heart structure and function, allowing us to diagnose congenital or acquired heart disease and create an appropriate treatment plan.

Early testing saves lives.
Waiting for symptoms often means treating a more advanced condition. Proactive diagnostics allow us to intervene sooner — and that leads to better outcomes for your pet.

How to Collect a Fecal Sample

If your pet is scheduled for fecal testing, please bring a sample to your appointment whenever possible.

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How to collect it at home:

  • Collect a fresh sample, ideally within 12 hours of your visit.

  • Store it in the refrigerator (not the freezer) until your appointment.

  • Use gloves or a clean plastic bag to pick it up, avoiding dirt, grass, or litter contamination.

  • Place the sample in a sealed bag or clean container.

We only require a small amount — approximately the size of a coin — though a little extra is perfectly fine.

How to Collect a Urine Sample

For urinalysis, we will provide collection materials during your visit, including gloves, a collection tray, a syringe, a sample cup, and non-absorbent litter for cats.

For Dogs

  • Collect the first morning urine on the day of the appointment, or within 6 hours of your visit.

  • Wearing gloves, place the tray under your dog once they begin urinating.

  • Transfer the urine into the sample cup using the syringe if needed.

  • Refrigerate the sample until your appointment.

For Cats

  • Thoroughly clean the litter box with soap and water.

  • Replace regular litter with the provided non-absorbent litter.

  • Once your cat urinates, use gloves and the syringe to transfer the urine into the sample cup.

  • Refrigerate and return the sample within 6 hours of collection.

How Much Do We Need?

Ideally, collect 5 mL (about one teaspoon). The minimum required amount is 1 mL.

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If the urine sample is being submitted alongside bloodwork, please provide it within 3 weeks of the blood draw to ensure laboratory cost coverage.

If collecting a urine sample at home proves difficult — which is common — don’t worry. We can always assist you in-house upon your visit.

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