Imaging & Testing

Diagnostics & Imaging

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Our in-clinic diagnostic capabilities — from digital imaging to comprehensive laboratory testing — give our veterinary team the information needed to make confident, timely decisions about your pet's care.

Why In-Clinic Diagnostics Are Important

Answers When They Matter Most

When your pet is unwell, waiting days for test results can feel agonising — and in some situations, delay genuinely affects outcomes. Our investment in in-clinic diagnostic equipment means that in many cases, we can assess your pet's blood work, imaging, and samples during the same appointment.

Diagnostics are not only for sick animals. Pre-surgical blood screening gives us a baseline picture of organ function before anaesthesia. Annual wellness panels allow us to track trends in your pet's health over time — catching gradual changes early before they become clinical problems.

For cases requiring specialist expertise or advanced imaging beyond our in-clinic capabilities, we work closely with referral centres and diagnostic laboratories across British Columbia. Our team coordinates referrals and ensures your specialist has the information they need to provide the best possible care.

Our Diagnostic Capabilities

Digital Radiography (DR) — full-body and dental imaging
Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
Complete blood count (CBC) and biochemistry panels
Urinalysis and urine culture
Faecal parasite testing
Cytology and in-house microscopy
Heartworm, tick-borne disease, and parvovirus testing
Thyroid function testing
Rapid in-house results for urgent cases
Referral to external diagnostic laboratories when required

How We Investigate

Our Diagnostic Modalities

We use a range of complementary diagnostic tools to build a complete picture of your pet's health — each providing unique information that guides our clinical decision-making.

Digital Radiography

Our digital radiography (DR) system produces high-resolution images of your pet's bones, chest, and abdomen with lower radiation exposure than conventional film X-rays. Images are available immediately on screen, allowing our veterinarians to assess findings quickly — which matters greatly when your pet is unwell. Digital files are easily shared with specialist colleagues or referral centres if a second opinion or specialist consultation is needed.

Key capabilities

Clear, high-resolution images for accurate assessment
Lower radiation dose than traditional film
Immediate image availability for faster diagnosis
Easy digital sharing with specialists
Full dental radiography also available

Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of soft tissues and organs — structures that X-rays alone cannot fully characterise. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) allows us to rapidly assess the abdomen and heart without sedation in many cases. It is particularly valuable for detecting fluid accumulations, evaluating abdominal organs, and screening for cardiac abnormalities that may require further investigation.

Key capabilities

Non-invasive and well-tolerated by most patients
Real-time imaging of abdominal organs
Assessment of free fluid in the chest or abdomen
Cardiac screening and evaluation
Guidance for diagnostic or therapeutic fluid sampling

Comprehensive Laboratory Testing

Our in-house laboratory equipment allows us to run a wide range of blood and urine tests with rapid turnaround times. Complete blood counts, biochemistry panels, electrolytes, and urinalysis can all be processed in-clinic — giving us results when we need them most. For specialised or confirmatory testing, we work with trusted external veterinary diagnostic laboratories that provide expert analysis and rapid reporting.

Key capabilities

Complete blood counts and differentials
Comprehensive biochemistry panels
Electrolytes and blood glucose
Urinalysis and sediment examination
Thyroid and hormonal testing

Microscopy

In-house microscopy gives us the ability to examine samples directly and immediately — whether it's a skin scraping, ear swab, fine needle aspirate, or urine sediment. This hands-on approach to cytology allows us to identify parasites, bacteria, inflammatory cells, and abnormal cell populations quickly, supporting faster treatment decisions without the delay of sending samples to an external laboratory.

Key capabilities

Skin and ear cytology
Fine needle aspirate assessment
Urine sediment examination
Faecal flotation and direct smear
Blood smear evaluation

Diagnostics

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my vet need to run blood work on my pet?+

Blood work gives us a detailed picture of your pet's organ function, blood cell counts, and metabolic health. It helps us detect conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or infection that may not yet be showing outward symptoms, and it is essential for safe anaesthesia planning.

How long does it take to get diagnostic results back?+

Our in-house laboratory can return results for most blood panels, urinalysis, and microscopy within 15 to 30 minutes. Some specialised tests may be sent to an external laboratory, in which case results typically arrive within 1 to 3 business days.

What is point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and when is it used?+

POCUS is a focused ultrasound exam performed right in our clinic to quickly assess the heart, abdomen, or bladder. It is especially useful in urgent situations where we need rapid answers, such as checking for fluid in the chest or abdomen.

Does my pet need to fast before blood work?+

In most cases, yes. We recommend withholding food for 8 to 12 hours before a blood draw so that recent meals do not affect results like blood glucose and lipid levels. Water is fine to offer, and our team will confirm fasting instructions when you book.

Questions About Your Pet's Diagnostics?

Whether you have questions about a test result or want to understand what to expect during a diagnostic workup, our team is happy to walk you through the process.