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Medical Services in Vancouver West Side
When your pet is unwell, clear answers and compassionate care matter most. At Alma Animal Hospital in Dunbar, we take every concern seriously — whether it's something you can't quite put your finger on or a health issue you've been managing for a while. We offer medical services for dogs and cats that range from everyday check-ups to more involved care, all under one roof. As a neighbourhood clinic on Vancouver's West Side, we've become the practice that families across Dunbar, Point Grey, Kerrisdale, Kitsilano and Dunbar-Southlands trust when their pet needs real attention — not just a quick visit. We take the time to really listen — to you and your instincts as a pet owner — before walking you through every finding in plain, honest language. Whether something just seems off or your pet is managing an ongoing condition, we're here to help you figure it out, together.
Physical Exams and Wellness Assessments
A comprehensive physical exam is the foundation of good veterinary care. At Alma Animal Hospital, every physical exam includes a systematic review of your pet’s eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, lymph nodes, heart, lungs, abdomen, and musculoskeletal system. We record any changes from previous visits and discuss observations with you in detail. Regular exams allow us to catch developing concerns early, before they become more serious. We recommend at least one full physical exam per year for adult pets and twice-yearly exams for senior dogs and cats over the age of seven.
Dermatology and Skin Care
Skin and coat problems are among the most common reasons pets visit the veterinarian. At Alma Animal Hospital, we assess itching, redness, hair loss, recurring infections, and skin odor with a systematic approach designed to identify the underlying cause rather than simply managing the surface symptoms. Common concerns we see include allergic skin disease, bacterial and yeast infections, ear disease, and parasitic skin conditions. We may recommend skin scrapings, cytology, or allergy testing to support our assessment. Our goal is to develop a management plan that improves your pet’s comfort and quality of life over the long term.
Gastrointestinal Care
Digestive concerns including vomiting, diarrhea, appetite changes, and weight loss can arise from a wide range of causes. Our gastroenterology services at Alma Animal Hospital involve a thorough history, physical assessment, and targeted diagnostic testing to identify the source of your pet’s discomfort. We assess the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas as appropriate, and develop a supportive care plan tailored to your pet’s specific condition. Chronic digestive issues are managed with regular monitoring and dietary adjustments as needed. We also carry a selection of veterinary-grade nutritional support products for pets with ongoing digestive sensitivities.
Ear and Eye Infections
Ear infections are one of the most common conditions we see in dogs, particularly in floppy-eared breeds and dogs who swim regularly. Signs include head shaking, scratching at the ears, odor, and dark discharge. Eye infections in both dogs and cats can present as discharge, redness, squinting, or cloudiness. Both conditions require proper assessment to determine whether bacteria, yeast, or another cause is involved before a care plan is developed. Left unmanaged, ear and eye infections can become chronic and lead to more serious complications. We address both conditions promptly and follow up to confirm resolution.
Cardiology
Heart health is critical to your pet’s stamina, comfort, and long-term wellbeing. At Alma Animal Hospital, we assess heart rhythm, murmurs, and circulation as part of every physical exam. Pets showing signs of heart disease, such as a persistent cough, reduced exercise tolerance, labored breathing, or fainting, receive a more detailed cardiac workup including auscultation, blood pressure assessment, and referral for echocardiogram when indicated. Early detection of cardiac conditions allows for more effective long-term management and a better quality of life for your pet.
Endocrinology and Hormonal Conditions
Hormonal imbalances can affect nearly every system in the body. At Alma Animal Hospital, we assess for common endocrine conditions including diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism in dogs, hyperthyroidism in cats, Cushing’s disease, and Addison’s disease. These conditions often develop gradually and can be easy to miss until symptoms become significant. Signs to watch for include increased thirst, urination, appetite changes, weight fluctuation, lethargy, and skin or coat changes. We use in-house and reference laboratory testing to confirm our assessments and develop a long-term management plan suited to your pet’s needs.
Pain Management and Comfort Care
Pain in pets is frequently under-recognized because animals instinctively mask discomfort. At Alma Animal Hospital, pain assessment is integrated into every physical exam. We look for behavioral and physical signs of acute and chronic pain, including changes in movement, posture, appetite, and temperament. For pets with arthritis, post-surgical discomfort, or other painful conditions, we develop multimodal comfort care plans that may include supportive veterinary products, weight management guidance, and environmental modifications. Our goal is to ensure your pet maintains a good quality of life and that you have the tools to monitor and support their comfort at home.
Neurology and Infectious Disease
Neurological conditions including seizures, tremors, sudden weakness, and changes in coordination require prompt evaluation. We perform a structured neurological assessment at Alma Animal Hospital and provide supportive care and monitoring for conditions that can be managed at the primary care level, referring to a veterinary neurologist for cases requiring advanced imaging. We also assess and manage infectious disease concerns including respiratory illness, parvovirus, leptospirosis, feline herpesvirus, and other conditions common to the Vancouver region. Early assessment and supportive care significantly improve outcomes for most infectious conditions.
FAQs
Your pet’s health concerns deserve prompt, thorough attention. Book a medical appointment at Alma Animal Hospital in Dunbar today. Call (604) 229-5564 or visit alma.usw2.ezyvet.com/external/portal/calendar.