Pet Diagnostics

Pet care services at Cypress St. Animal Hospital provide the foundation for a long and healthy life for your dog or cat. Our Kitsilano veterinary team offers comprehensive preventive care designed to catch potential health concerns early, before they become serious. From core vaccinations and wellness exams to parasite control and microchipping, every visit is tailored to your pet's age, breed, and lifestyle. Whether you are bringing home a new puppy or maintaining the health of a senior companion, our clinic is open seven days a week to support every stage of your pet's life.

Blood Panel Testing for Dogs and Cats

Blood panel testing provides a detailed snapshot of your pet's internal health, including organ function, blood cell counts, and electrolyte levels. We run complete blood counts and chemistry panels in-house for rapid results. Blood panels are essential before surgical procedures, for senior wellness monitoring, and whenever a pet shows signs of illness.

Digital X-Ray Imaging for Pets

Digital X-ray imaging produces high-resolution images of your pet's bones, joints, chest, and abdomen within minutes. This technology allows our team to assess fractures, joint disease, heart size, lung conditions, bladder stones, and foreign bodies quickly. Digital radiography uses lower radiation levels than traditional film and provides instant results.

Ultrasound Services for Dogs and Cats

Ultrasound provides real-time imaging of your pet's internal organs without radiation exposure. It is commonly used to evaluate the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and reproductive organs, and to guide sample collection procedures. Ultrasound is particularly helpful for assessing abdominal fluid, masses, and pregnancy.

In-House Lab for Urgent Care Cases

Our in-house laboratory is equipped for urgent care cases that require rapid results. We can run bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal tests, and cytology on-site, reducing the time between assessment and action. For same-day urgent visits, in-house testing ensures our team has the data needed to make timely care decisions.

Urinalysis and Culture Testing for Pets

Urinalysis and urine culture testing help evaluate kidney function, detect urinary tract infections, identify crystals or stones, and monitor chronic conditions such as diabetes. Our team collects samples using the most appropriate method for your pet and runs analysis in-house. Culture and sensitivity testing may be sent to a reference lab when needed.

Snap Testing for Infectious Diseases

Snap testing provides rapid, in-clinic results for common infectious diseases in dogs and cats. We screen for heartworm, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, feline leukemia, and feline immunodeficiency virus. Results are available within minutes, allowing our team to begin care planning during the same visit.

Biochemistry Testing for Pets

Biochemistry testing measures organ-specific enzymes and metabolites that help assess liver function, kidney health, pancreatic status, and electrolyte balance. These tests are often run alongside complete blood counts to provide a comprehensive picture of your pet's internal health.

Cytology Services for Dogs and Cats

Cytology involves examining cells collected from lumps, skin lesions, ear discharge, or body fluids under a microscope. This minimally invasive service helps identify infection, inflammation, and abnormal cell populations. In-house cytology provides same-day preliminary results.

Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) for Pets

Fine needle aspirate is a quick, minimally invasive technique used to collect cell samples from lumps, lymph nodes, and internal organs. The procedure uses a thin needle and usually does not require sedation. FNA samples are evaluated by cytology to help determine whether a mass requires surgical removal or monitoring.

Titer Testing for Vaccine Immunity

Titer testing measures the level of specific antibodies in your pet's blood to assess whether existing immunity from previous vaccinations is still protective. This testing is useful for owners who prefer to minimize revaccination, for pets with prior adverse vaccine reactions, and for international travel documentation.

Giardia Testing for Dogs and Cats

Giardia is a common intestinal parasite that causes diarrhea, gas, and weight loss in dogs and cats. It spreads through contaminated water and fecal contact. Our in-house snap test provides rapid results, allowing us to begin management promptly. Environmental cleaning guidance is included to reduce reinfection risk.

Skin Scraping for Dermatology Assessment

Skin scraping collects surface and deep skin samples to check for mites, fungal infections, and other microscopic organisms. This quick in-clinic service is commonly used to assess pets with chronic itching, hair loss, or crusty skin lesions.

Endocrinology Testing for Hormonal Conditions

Endocrinology testing evaluates thyroid function, adrenal gland output, and blood glucose regulation. These tests are critical for assessing conditions such as hypothyroidism in dogs, hyperthyroidism in cats, Cushing's disease, and diabetes.

Progesterone Testing for Breeding Management

Progesterone testing measures hormone levels to determine the optimal breeding window and predict whelping dates in dogs. Accurate timing improves conception rates and helps prepare for delivery. Our in-house testing provides same-day results.

ACTH Stimulation Testing for Adrenal Assessment

ACTH stimulation testing evaluates adrenal gland function and is commonly used to assess Cushing's disease and Addison's disease in dogs. The test involves a baseline blood draw, an injection of synthetic ACTH, and a follow-up blood draw approximately one hour later.

Clotting Factor Assessment for Pets

Clotting factor assessment evaluates your pet's ability to form blood clots normally. This testing is essential before surgical procedures for at-risk patients and for pets showing signs of abnormal bleeding.

Microscopic Evaluation for Ear Mites

Microscopic evaluation for ear mites involves collecting a small sample of ear debris and examining it under magnification to confirm the presence of Otodectes cynotis mites. Ear mites are highly contagious among pets and cause intense itching, dark waxy discharge, and head shaking.

Explore More Services

Medical services for condition-specific assessments

Surgical services requiring pre-operative diagnostics

Urgent care with in-house rapid testing

FAQs

How long does it take to get blood test results for my pet?
In-house blood panels typically provide results within 15 to 30 minutes. Some specialized tests sent to a reference laboratory may take one to three business days.
Does my pet need to fast before bloodwork?
For most blood chemistry panels, we recommend fasting your pet for eight to twelve hours before the blood draw. This ensures accurate results for glucose, lipid, and liver enzyme values. Water is fine to offer.
What is the difference between an X-ray and an ultrasound for pets?
X-rays are best for evaluating bones, joint alignment, heart size, and lung conditions. Ultrasound provides real-time imaging of soft tissues and internal organs. Our team recommends the most appropriate method based on your pet’s symptoms.

Call Cypress St. Animal Hospital at (604) 734-2500 or schedule an appointment online.
Our Kitsilano team is here seven days a week.

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