Accurate, timely diagnostic testing is the foundation of effective veterinary care. At Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Dunbar, Vancouver, our in-house and referral diagnostic services give our team the information needed to make informed decisions quickly. Whether your pet needs routine bloodwork, imaging, or a specialized test, we use the results to build the most appropriate care plan and explain every finding to you in clear, plain language.
Digital radiography provides high-resolution images of bones, joints, the chest, and the abdomen, allowing our team to evaluate fractures, joint changes, organ size, masses, and certain foreign objects quickly and without significant stress to your pet. Digital X-rays are available same-day and produce images immediately, which means our team can review findings with you during the same visit in most cases. Sedation is used when needed to ensure clear images and a comfortable experience.
Ultrasound imaging allows our team to assess internal organs, including the heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and abdominal structures, in real time and without radiation. Ultrasound is particularly valuable for evaluating fluid in the abdomen, assessing organ texture and size, and guiding fine needle aspirate or biopsy procedures. Ultrasound is available at Alta Vista Animal Hospital. Please contact us at (604) 221-5858 to discuss whether an ultrasound is appropriate for your pet and to confirm scheduling.
A complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel provide a comprehensive picture of your pet's overall health, including red and white blood cell counts, platelet levels, organ function, electrolyte balance, and blood glucose. These tests are used for routine wellness screening, pre-anesthetic assessment, monitoring of chronic conditions, and workup of illness. Results are typically available within the same day for in-house panels, allowing our team to begin care promptly.
Senior pets benefit from more frequent health screening to detect age-related changes in organ function, hormone levels, and blood cell parameters before clinical signs appear. Alta Vista Animal Hospital recommends comprehensive geriatric panels for dogs and cats aged 7 and older, or earlier for breeds predisposed to age-related conditions. These panels include a CBC, chemistry profile, urinalysis, and thyroid testing where appropriate, and are typically recommended twice per year for senior patients.
Skin scraping is used to identify parasites such as Demodex and Sarcoptes mange mites as well as fungal spores. Ear cytology helps identify the type of organism causing an ear infection and guides the most effective care plan. Skin cytology involves collecting a small number of cells from a skin lesion for microscopic evaluation and is a quick, minimally invasive way to gather useful diagnostic information about masses, nodules, and skin changes.
Tonometry measures the intraocular pressure in your pet's eyes and is an important tool for detecting glaucoma, a painful condition that can cause permanent vision loss if not identified and managed promptly. The procedure is performed with a handheld device that makes gentle contact with the cornea and takes only a few seconds. It is recommended for breeds predisposed to glaucoma and for any pet showing signs of eye discomfort, cloudiness, or changes in pupil size.
Fungassay testing allows our team to evaluate for fungal infections such as ringworm (dermatophytosis), which can affect both pets and people. A small sample is collected and evaluated to confirm or rule out a fungal cause, which helps guide the appropriate management plan. Biopsy involves collecting a tissue sample from a skin lesion, mass, or internal site for histopathological evaluation by a veterinary pathologist, providing definitive information about the nature of the tissue and guiding follow-up decisions.
Book a diagnostic appointment for your dog or cat at Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Dunbar, Vancouver. Call (604) 221-5858 or book online at https://altavistaanimalhospital.ca/make-an-appointment/. We are open seven days a week.
