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Pet Diagnostics in Point Grey, Vancouver
Pet diagnostics at University Vet in Point Grey give our veterinary team the information needed to make accurate assessments and confident care decisions for your dog or cat. Our clinic offers a comprehensive range of in-house and reference laboratory services including bloodwork, digital imaging, ultrasound, urinalysis, snap testing, cytology, and biopsy. Fast, reliable in-house diagnostics reduce wait times and allow our team to act quickly, especially during same-day urgent care visits. Call (604) 224-7743 to book a diagnostic appointment at our Point Grey clinic today.
Services Under Pet Diagnostics
Blood Panel Testing for Dogs and Cats
Blood panel testing provides a detailed snapshot of your pet's internal health, covering organ function, blood cell counts, and electrolyte levels. We run complete blood counts and chemistry panels in-house for rapid results, often available during the same visit. Blood panels are recommended before surgical procedures, as part of senior wellness monitoring, and whenever a pet shows signs of illness. A complete blood count and chemistry panel together give our team the most comprehensive view of your dog or cat's overall health status.
Digital X-Ray Imaging for Dogs and Cats
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 conditions, heart size, lung health, bladder stones, and foreign bodies quickly and with lower radiation exposure than traditional film radiography. Chest X-rays are particularly useful for pets with breathing concerns or known cardiovascular conditions. Our Point Grey team uses digital radiography as a standard part of pre-surgical assessments and urgent care evaluations.
Ultrasound Services for Dogs and Cats in Vancouver
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 useful for assessing abdominal fluid, masses, and changes in organ structure that are not visible on X-ray. Our Point Grey team uses ultrasound as a complementary tool alongside bloodwork and radiography to build a complete picture of your pet's internal health.
Urinalysis and Urine Culture Testing for Pets
Urinalysis and urine culture testing evaluate kidney function, detect urinary tract infections, identify crystals or stones, and monitor chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. Our team collects samples using the most appropriate method for your pet and runs analysis in-house. Culture and sensitivity testing for bacterial infections may be sent to a reference laboratory when needed. Regular urinalysis is particularly important for pets with a history of urinary issues, senior pets, and dogs or cats receiving long-term supportive products.
Snap Testing for Infectious Diseases in Pets
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. Annual heartworm and tick-borne disease screening is recommended for dogs in Vancouver that spend time on trails and in parks, where tick exposure risk is present year-round.
Cytology and Fine Needle Aspirate for Dogs and Cats
Cytology involves examining cells collected from lumps, skin lesions, ear discharge, or body fluids under a microscope. Fine needle aspirate is the quick, minimally invasive technique used to collect these cell samples from lumps, lymph nodes, and internal organs using a thin needle, usually without sedation. In-house cytology provides same-day preliminary results to guide the next steps in your pet's care. These services allow our team to distinguish between infection, inflammation, and abnormal cell populations without the need for open surgical biopsy in many cases.
Biopsy and Tissue Sampling for Dogs and Cats
Biopsy and tissue sampling provide a definitive cellular assessment of a lump, lesion, or organ tissue that cannot be fully evaluated by cytology alone. Collected samples are submitted to a reference laboratory for histopathology, and results typically return within three to seven business days. Biopsy is a standalone service at University Vet and is recommended whenever cytology results are inconclusive or when more detailed assessment is needed before surgical planning. Our Point Grey team will discuss the most appropriate collection method based on the location and size of the area being assessed.
Titer Testing for Vaccine Immunity in Pets
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 in certain circumstances, for pets with a history of adverse vaccine reactions, and for international travel documentation. Titer testing does not replace the veterinary judgment needed to determine appropriate vaccination schedules, but it provides useful information to support shared decision-making with our Point Grey team.
Biochemistry Testing for Dogs and Cats
Biochemistry testing measures organ-specific enzymes and metabolites that help assess liver function, kidney health, pancreatic status, and electrolyte balance. These tests are typically run alongside a complete blood count to provide a comprehensive internal health overview for your dog or cat. Biochemistry panels are a standard component of pre-surgical screening, senior wellness assessments, and evaluations for pets showing signs of systemic illness.
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Explore More Services
Medical services for condition-specific assessments
Surgical services requiring pre-operative diagnostics
Urgent care with same-day in-house rapid testing
FAQs
How long does it take to get blood test results for my pet at University Vet?
In-house blood panels typically produce results within 15 to 30 minutes. Some specialized tests sent to a reference laboratory may take one to three business days. Our team will let you know during the visit which tests can be completed in-house and which require external processing. We will follow up by phone as soon as reference lab results are received. Call (604) 224-7743 to book a diagnostic appointment in Point Grey.
Does my pet need to fast before bloodwork?
For most blood chemistry panels, we recommend fasting your pet for eight to 12 hours before the blood draw. This ensures accurate results for glucose, lipid, and liver enzyme values. Water is fine to offer. Puppies and kittens may have modified fasting requirements. Our team will provide specific instructions when you book your appointment. Call (604) 224-7743 for guidance before your pet’s diagnostic visit.
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, including the liver, kidneys, bladder, and spleen. Both are available at University Vet in Point Grey. Our team recommends the most appropriate method based on your pet’s symptoms and clinical findings. In some cases, both are used together to build a complete picture.
When is a biopsy recommended for my dog or cat?
A biopsy is recommended when a lump, lesion, or tissue change cannot be fully assessed by fine needle aspirate or cytology alone, when cytology results are inconclusive, or when a definitive cellular assessment is needed before surgical planning. Biopsy is a standalone service at University Vet and samples are submitted to a reference laboratory for histopathology. Call (604) 224-7743 to schedule a mass evaluation or biopsy consultation at our Point Grey clinic.
Book a diagnostic appointment for your dog or cat at University Vet in Point Grey. Fast in-house results, seven days a week. Call (604) 224-7743 or book online at universityvet.ca.