Pet Diagnostic Services in Mission, BC

Accurate information is the foundation of good veterinary care. Without a clear picture of what is happening inside your pet's body, managing their health effectively is not possible. Mission Veterinary Hospital in Mission, BC, offers a comprehensive range of in-house and referral diagnostic services for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters. Our in-house laboratory allows our team to perform and review many tests on the same visit, reducing the time between assessment and next steps. We are open seven days a week so that Cedar Valley families and pet owners across Mission can access diagnostic services without unnecessary delays.

In-House Laboratory and Blood Testing in Mission

Our in-house laboratory allows us to perform complete blood counts, serum biochemistry panels, thyroid panels, urinalysis, and faecal parasite screening on-site and receive results quickly. Blood panels assess red and white blood cell counts, organ function markers including kidney and liver values, blood glucose, protein levels, and electrolytes. In-house results allow your veterinarian to discuss findings with you during the same visit in many cases.

Digital X-Rays and Radiography in Mission

Digital X-rays provide detailed images of your pet's skeletal structure, chest, and abdomen and are used to evaluate bones, joints, organ size, and the presence of foreign objects, masses, or fluid. Our digital radiography system produces high-quality images quickly and with lower radiation exposure than older film systems. Chest X-rays are commonly used to assess heart size and lung changes. Abdominal X-rays help evaluate organ position and can identify gas patterns associated with obstruction or other gastrointestinal concerns. Orthopaedic X-rays are used to evaluate fractures, joint disease, and bone density. Digital dental X-rays are also available and are performed as part of our dental care services.

Veterinary Ultrasound in Mission, BC

Ultrasound imaging provides real-time, non-invasive assessment of soft tissue organs including the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and reproductive organs. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not use radiation and offers excellent detail for evaluating organ architecture, identifying masses, assessing fluid accumulation, and guiding sample collection. We use diagnostic ultrasound for abdominal assessment in pets presenting with vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, abdominal distension, and other internal health concerns. Ultrasound can also be used to evaluate pregnancy and to monitor certain organ conditions over time. More complex or specialist-level ultrasound cases may be referred to an internal medicine specialist for advanced assessment.

Cytology and Biopsy Services

Cytology involves collecting a small sample of cells from a mass, lump, skin lesion, or fluid accumulation and evaluating those cells under a microscope. It is a minimally invasive approach that can provide meaningful information about whether a lesion appears inflammatory, infectious, or concerning for a neoplastic process. Cytology samples collected in-house are submitted to an external veterinary laboratory for pathologist review in most cases. Biopsy involves collecting a tissue core or surgical sample for histopathological evaluation. Biopsy provides a definitive tissue assessment that cytology alone cannot always achieve. Our team discusses both approaches with you clearly, explaining what each test can and cannot tell us, so you can make informed decisions about your pet’s care.

Titer Testing in Mission, BC

Titer testing measures the level of antibodies present in your pet's blood and can be used to assess whether a prior vaccination has produced measurable immune protection. Our team can discuss the role of titer testing in your pet's care plan and what the results mean in practical terms. Titer testing is also required for international pet travel and is available as part of our pet travel services.

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FAQs

How quickly do I get my pet's test results at Mission Veterinary Hospital?

Many in-house tests, including blood panels and urinalysis, produce results within the same appointment. Tests that require submission to an external laboratory, such as cytology, biopsy, and some specialty panels, typically return within a few business days depending on the laboratory’s current processing time.

What is the difference between cytology and a biopsy?

Cytology involves collecting a small sample of individual cells from a lesion using a needle or impression technique. It is minimally invasive and provides useful preliminary information. Biopsy involves collecting a tissue sample that preserves the architectural relationship between cells, providing a more definitive assessment of whether a lesion is benign or requires further action. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate approach based on the type and location of the concern.

Can Mission Veterinary Hospital perform an ultrasound on my pet during the same visit?

In many cases, yes. Our team performs diagnostic abdominal and soft tissue ultrasound in-house. Some cases require scheduling to ensure the appropriate preparation and dedicated time for the procedure. Please call us at (604) 826-8456 to discuss your pet’s situation and arrange an appropriate appointment.

Does my pet need to fast before a blood test or ultrasound?

Fasting is recommended before some diagnostic tests. Blood chemistry panels and abdominal ultrasound tend to produce more accurate results when a pet has not eaten for several hours beforehand. Our team will advise you on fasting requirements when you book the appointment. If your pet’s situation is urgent, testing is still performed regardless of fasting status and results are interpreted in that context.

Get the answers your pet's health deserves. Call Mission Veterinary Hospital at (604) 826-8456 to book a diagnostic appointment in Mission, BC. Our in-house laboratory and imaging services are available seven days a week.