Gaining Valuable Insight Into Your Companion's Health
Our in-house laboratory is equipped with radiographic imaging (digital X-rays), ultrasound technology and several types of diagnostic testing, including bloodwork and urinalysis.
Having this technology in our Thornhill hospital helps our veterinary team identify the exact cause of your cat or dog's symptoms, helping you receive a quick diagnosis and a prompt treatment plan for your pet.
We use our lab to assist in diagnosing and treating various health conditions, such as deadly heartworm and tick-borne diseases, that can impact the health of your pet.
Early detection can also help prevent the spread of contagious diseases among dogs and cats, ensuring a healthier environment for them and their families.
Our Diagnostic Services
At Smith Veterinary Hospital, our in-house lab is equipped with advanced diagnostic testing and tools that can help us perform the following diagnostics:
- Radiography (Digital X-rays)
Radiography is a safe, painless and non-invasive procedure. It uses very low doses of radiation. These doses are so low that even pregnant females and very young pets can undergo the process without risk.
Radiographs are used to evaluate diagnose conditions such as broken bones, chronic arthritis, bladder stones, spinal cord diseases, and certain tumours.
- Ultrasound
With ultrasound imaging, we expose part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. Because we capture ultrasound images in real time, we can see the structure and movement of your pet's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through the blood vessels.
- Endoscopy
Endoscopy involves inserting small camera and light that is attached to a thin, flexible tube directly into the body to observe internal organs or tissues in detail. Endoscopes are minimally invasive and can be inserted into the openings of the body such as the mouth or anus.
- Bloodwork
At our veterinary lab in Thornhill, we are able to run a number of common and targeted blood tests to help us determine the health of your cats and dogs.
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 pet'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 the microscopic examination of your pet's feces, which can be done at our in-house veterinary lab in Thornhill.
Fecals allow your veterinarian to determine if your cat or dog has hidden intestinal parasites such as roundworms or hookworms.
The ultimate goal of a fecal exam is to identify and treat any GI infections that could be compromising your pet's health and even the health of your family.
On-Site Veterinary Pharmacy
Once we've diagnosed your cat or dog's condition using our veterinary technology, we can prescribe and supply the medications to help resolve or manage their issue.
Our on-site pharmacy allows for swift access to the necessary antibiotics for your cat or dog, ensuring treatment can commence without delay.
When your companion needs a refill on their prescription, please call us. We can prepare their medications ahead of your arrival.
In-House Pet Health Supplies
At Smith Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to providing pet parents with the best diet and healthcare 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 pet friend needs.