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Pet Diagnostics in Vancouver West Side
Accurate information is the foundation of good veterinary care. At Alma Animal Hospital in Dunbar, Vancouver, our diagnostic services help us understand what is happening inside your pet so we can provide targeted, effective care. Serving pet owners across Dunbar, Point Grey, Dunbar-Southlands, Kerrisdale, and Kitsilano, we offer a comprehensive range of in-house diagnostic tools including blood panels, urinalysis, abdominal ultrasound, cytology, and allergy testing. We explain every test, review all results with you in detail, and use findings to develop a clear, practical care plan.
Blood Tests and Complete Blood Panels
Blood testing provides a detailed picture of organ function, hydration status, and immune health. At Alma Animal Hospital, we offer complete blood counts, biochemistry panels, and targeted blood tests for specific conditions including thyroid function, adrenal function, and infectious disease screening. Many tests are processed in-house for rapid results. We use blood testing to screen for disease in healthy pets during annual wellness visits and to investigate symptoms in unwell pets. Results are reviewed with you at the time of the appointment with a clear explanation of any abnormal values.
Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound provides real-time imaging of the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, stomach, intestines, and lymph nodes without radiation. It is particularly useful for investigating unexplained weight loss, vomiting, abdominal pain, and urinary concerns. We perform abdominal ultrasound at Alma Animal Hospital for routine screening and targeted assessment. When a more detailed study or interventional procedure is required, we refer to a veterinary radiologist or internal medicine specialist with ultrasound expertise.
Urinalysis and Urine Culture
Urinalysis assesses kidney function, hydration, urinary tract infection, crystals, and early metabolic disease. It is one of the most informative and cost-effective screening tools available in veterinary medicine. We include urinalysis in annual senior pet panels and order it for any pet showing signs of urinary concern. Urine culture testing identifies specific bacterial organisms and their responsiveness to different veterinary products, allowing us to select the most effective approach for persistent urinary infections.
Cytology and Biopsy
Fine needle aspiration cytology collects cells from a lump, lymph node, or organ for microscopic evaluation. It is a minimally invasive way to characterize masses before deciding on the best course of action. Biopsy histopathology involves collecting a tissue sample for a more detailed assessment of skin lesions, internal masses, and chronic inflammatory conditions. At Alma Animal Hospital, biopsy is available as a standalone service for pets with unexplained skin changes, lumps, or chronic conditions requiring tissue-level evaluation. We coordinate sample submission and review all results with you directly.
Allergy and Infectious Disease Testing
Serum allergy testing identifies specific environmental allergens contributing to your pet’s skin and respiratory symptoms, supporting the development of an avoidance and management plan. We also offer FIV and FeLV testing for cats, heartworm testing for dogs, parvovirus snap testing, pancreatitis panels, and ECR testing for respiratory disease. Titer testing is available for dogs and cats to measure immunity levels and support informed vaccine planning or travel documentation requirements. All test results are reviewed with you and used to guide ongoing care.
Echocardiogram and Cardiac Testing
An echocardiogram provides detailed imaging of the heart’s chambers, valves, and function and is used to assess pets with murmurs, suspected heart disease, or signs of cardiac compromise. We coordinate echocardiogram referrals for pets requiring this level of cardiac assessment. Cardiac ProBNP testing is an in-house blood test that helps evaluate heart stress in pets showing respiratory signs or exercise intolerance. We integrate cardiac testing into our standard management protocol for pets with confirmed or suspected heart disease.
FAQs
Clear answers start with the right tests. Book a diagnostic appointment at Alma Animal Hospital in Dunbar today. Call (604) 229-5564 or book at alma.usw2.ezyvet.com/external/portal/calendar.