Veterinary care
Pet Diagnostics for Dogs and Cats in Port Coquitlam
Pet diagnostics at Tricity Animal Hospital in Port Coquitlam allow our veterinary team to look beneath the surface and gather the information needed to guide your pet’s care. From routine wellness bloodwork to urgent imaging and specialized testing, our in-house diagnostic capabilities help us make faster, more informed decisions for your dog or cat. Many of our tests are processed on-site, reducing turnaround time and getting your pet on the right path to care as quickly as possible.
Blood Panel and Complete Blood Count
A blood panel and complete blood count (CBC) are among the most informative diagnostic tools available for evaluating your pet's overall health. A CBC measures red and white blood cells and platelets, helping to identify infections, anemia, immune disorders, and clotting issues. Chemistry panels assess organ function including the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, and screen for conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disease. Blood panels are recommended as part of annual wellness care, before surgical procedures, and whenever your pet is unwell.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging provides a real-time, non-invasive view of your pet's internal organs, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, and heart. It is particularly useful for evaluating abdominal masses, fluid accumulation, bladder stones, reproductive structures, and cardiac function. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound captures soft tissue detail without using radiation. We recommend ultrasound when physical examination or bloodwork findings suggest an internal concern that warrants further investigation.
Digital X-Ray
Digital radiography allows our team to evaluate bones, joints, the chest cavity, and the abdomen quickly and with excellent image clarity. X-rays are commonly used to assess fractures, joint disease including arthritis, lung conditions, and the size and position of internal organs. Digital X-ray images are available immediately, supporting faster clinical decision-making. We recommend X-rays as part of pre-surgical evaluation, orthopedic assessments, and urgent care workups when internal concerns are suspected.
Baseline Panel and Profile
Baseline panels and profiles are comprehensive health screening tools that provide a broad picture of your pet's internal health. These panels are particularly valuable as a starting reference for young adult pets, establishing normal values for your individual dog or cat. When future bloodwork is compared against your pet's own baseline, subtle changes become easier to identify. We recommend a baseline panel at your pet's first adult wellness visit and as part of pre-anesthetic screening.
Urinalysis
Urinalysis provides important information about kidney function, urinary tract infections, bladder health, and metabolic conditions including diabetes. A urine sample can be collected at the clinic or brought from home in a clean container. Results help us identify infections, crystals, blood in the urine, and early signs of kidney or metabolic disease. Urinalysis is often recommended alongside bloodwork during wellness exams and is an essential part of any workup involving urinary symptoms.
Biopsies
When a lump, lesion, or unusual tissue requires closer evaluation, a biopsy provides a definitive understanding of the cell type involved. Tissue or fluid samples are submitted to an external diagnostic laboratory for analysis by a veterinary pathologist. Results guide our recommendations for monitoring, surgical removal, or further care. Biopsy and same-day cytology sampling can also be performed in urgent situations when prompt tissue evaluation is needed. Routine biopsy requests are handled through our Pet Diagnostics team.
FNA and Cytology
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) and cytology involve collecting cells from a lump or tissue site using a small needle, then evaluating them under a microscope. This minimally invasive technique is often the first step in evaluating a new mass. Results can frequently be available the same day when processed in-house, providing early information to guide next steps. FNA and cytology do not replace a full biopsy but can help determine whether more invasive evaluation is warranted.
Snap Testing, Titer Testing, and Fecal Testing
Snap tests provide rapid on-site results for conditions including heartworm, parvovirus, and tick-borne diseases, allowing for faster clinical decisions when time is a factor. Titer testing measures your pet's immune response to specific diseases, which can be used to inform vaccination decisions or meet international travel requirements. Fecal testing screens for intestinal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, and giardia. We recommend fecal testing at least annually for dogs and cats and whenever digestive symptoms are present.
Geriatric Panels, Parasitology, and Ear Cytology
Geriatric panels are expanded blood and urine profiles designed for senior pets, assessing a broader range of organ function markers and early disease indicators. Parasitology testing provides a detailed evaluation of internal parasites, useful for pets with recurring gastrointestinal issues or those in higher-risk environments. Ear cytology involves collecting a sample from the ear canal to identify the type of infection present, whether bacterial, yeast, or mixed, allowing us to select the most effective approach for resolution.
Tonometry, Skin Scraping, and BP Monitoring
Tonometry measures intraocular pressure to screen for glaucoma, a painful condition that can progress rapidly if undetected. Skin scraping evaluates cells and organisms on or just below the skin surface, helping to identify mites, fungal infections, and other dermatological conditions. Blood pressure monitoring is used for pets with kidney disease, thyroid conditions, or heart disease, and for all patients under anesthesia, providing critical information for safe management of both chronic conditions and surgical patients.
Explore More Services
We recommend annual bloodwork for healthy adult pets and more frequent testing for senior pets or those with known health conditions. Bloodwork gives us a baseline to compare over time, helping us catch changes before they become more serious.
What is the difference between an FNA and a biopsy?
Yes. A clean, fresh urine sample collected at home within two hours of the appointment is suitable for urinalysis in most cases. We can provide a sterile collection cup on request. Early morning samples before your pet eats or drinks are generally the most reliable.
Titer testing measures the concentration of antibodies in your pet’s bloodstream against specific diseases. Results can help inform vaccination decisions for pets with vaccine sensitivity and are required for international travel to certain countries, including some that require proof of rabies immunity.
Book a diagnostic appointment at Tricity Animal Hospital in Port Coquitlam. Call (604) 942-2225 or schedule online. Fast, on-site diagnostics help us identify what is going on and get your dog or cat on the right path to care.