Veterinary care
Medical Services for Dogs and Cats in Port Coquitlam
Medical services at Tricity Animal Hospital in Port Coquitlam address the range of conditions that affect your pet’s internal systems, skin, senses, and long-term health. Our team approaches each case through a combination of clinical examination, targeted diagnostics, and individualized care planning. Whether your dog is dealing with recurring skin issues, your cat has been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, or your pet needs ongoing pain management, we are here to provide consistent, informed medical care throughout Port Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities.
Dermatology
Skin conditions are among the most common reasons pet owners bring their dogs and cats in for medical care. Our dermatology services address allergic skin disease, bacterial skin infections, fungal infections, seborrhea, and a range of less common skin disorders. A thorough skin examination combined with diagnostics such as skin scraping, cytology, or bloodwork helps us identify the underlying cause rather than only managing surface symptoms. Many skin conditions are highly manageable with the right approach and consistent follow-through.
Allergy Management
Allergies in dogs and cats can manifest as itchy skin, recurrent ear infections, digestive upset, or respiratory symptoms. Environmental allergens, food sensitivities, and flea allergy dermatitis are among the most common causes we evaluate. We approach allergy management by identifying likely triggers through a structured history and diagnostics, then building a care plan that may include dietary changes, parasite control, topical management, and supportive care. Consistent management makes a meaningful difference in quality of life for allergic pets.
Ear Infections
Ear infections in dogs and cats can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both, and are often triggered by moisture, allergies, or anatomical factors such as floppy ears. Signs include head shaking, scratching at the ears, discharge, odor, and apparent discomfort. We use ear cytology to identify what is causing the infection and select the most appropriate approach for resolution. Recurring ear infections often signal an underlying cause that we will also work to identify and address.
Eye Infections and Conditions
Eye infections, corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, and other ocular conditions can progress quickly if left unmanaged. We assess eye health during every wellness exam and can evaluate acute eye concerns promptly as part of our medical services. Tonometry is available in-house to screen for glaucoma. Conditions involving the cornea, eyelids, or conjunctiva are addressed with appropriate care tailored to the specific cause, and we provide clear guidance on home care and follow-up monitoring.
Gastrointestinal Care
Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, and changes in appetite are among the most common presenting concerns in small animal practice. Gastrointestinal issues in dogs and cats can stem from dietary indiscretion, parasites, infections, food sensitivities, inflammatory conditions, or structural problems. We evaluate GI concerns through physical examination, bloodwork, fecal testing, and imaging as needed, then build an appropriate management plan. Many GI conditions respond well to tailored nutritional guidance alongside direct medical care.
Cardiology
Heart disease in dogs and cats often develops gradually, and early detection significantly improves the ability to manage the condition and maintain quality of life. Our cardiology services include cardiac auscultation during wellness exams, blood pressure monitoring, chest radiographs, and referral to a veterinary cardiologist for echocardiography when indicated. Common conditions we monitor include murmurs, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. We also provide ongoing monitoring and supportive care for pets with established cardiac conditions.
Endocrine Disease Management
Endocrine diseases, including hypothyroidism in dogs, hyperthyroidism in cats, and diabetes in both species, are among the most manageable chronic conditions in veterinary medicine when caught and monitored appropriately. We assess these conditions through bloodwork and specific hormone testing, then guide you through long-term management including nutritional adjustments and monitoring schedules. Regular check-ins and bloodwork allow us to track your pet's response and adjust their care plan as needed over time.
Pain Management
Recognizing and managing pain in dogs and cats requires careful observation, as pets often mask discomfort until it becomes significant. We assess pain as part of every physical examination and develop pain management plans tailored to the cause, including acute post-surgical pain, injury-related pain, and chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. Our approach combines safe, effective pain management options with physical care strategies and environmental modifications to support your pet's comfort and mobility at every stage of their life.
Medical Assessment
A thorough medical assessment is the foundation of every clinical encounter at Tricity Animal Hospital. We evaluate your pet from head to tail, noting physical findings and comparing them to previous baseline data where available. Medical assessments guide diagnostic recommendations, care planning, and referral decisions. Whether your pet is in for a routine check or a specific concern, every assessment is approached with the same attention to detail and commitment to individualized care.
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Both conditions can look similar on the surface, with itching, redness, and hair loss being common signs of each. A veterinary examination and skin cytology can help distinguish between the two. Many pets have both conditions occurring together, with allergies creating the conditions for a secondary infection to develop.
Increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss despite a good appetite, and lethargy are the most common signs of feline diabetes. Blood and urine testing can confirm the assessment. Feline diabetes is manageable, and many cats achieve good control with appropriate care and nutritional adjustments.
Regular ear cleaning, managing underlying allergies, and ensuring ears are dried after swimming or bathing can reduce the frequency of ear infections in predisposed dogs. If your dog has recurring ear infections, we will work to identify and address the underlying cause as part of a longer-term management plan.
A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during auscultation and may indicate a problem with blood flow through the heart. Not all murmurs are equally significant. We grade murmurs on a scale and may recommend further evaluation including chest X-rays or referral to a cardiologist depending on the grade and your pet’s clinical signs.
We use a combination of physical examination, observation of posture and movement, and behavioral history to assess pain. Changes in activity level, reluctance to jump, sensitivity to touch, altered facial expression, and changes in grooming or appetite can all be indicators of pain in dogs and cats.
Book a medical appointment at Tricity Animal Hospital in Port Coquitlam. Call (604) 942-2225 or schedule online. Whether your pet has a new concern or an ongoing condition, our team is here to help you manage it effectively.