Skip to content Accurate assessment is the foundation of effective veterinary care. At Elgin Park Animal Hospital in South Surrey, our diagnostic services give us a detailed picture of your pet's internal health, allowing us to make well-informed decisions and start appropriate care quickly. From in-house blood panels and imaging to specialized testing, we bring a wide range of diagnostic capabilities together in one location. Call (604) 531-3394 or book online to schedule a diagnostic appointment for your dog or cat.
A complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel are the most commonly used diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine. The CBC assesses red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, providing insight into infection, anemia, immune function, and clotting ability. The chemistry panel evaluates organ function including liver, kidneys, and pancreas, as well as electrolytes and blood glucose. Together, these tests provide a comprehensive snapshot of your pet's internal health and are recommended before anesthesia, during wellness exams for senior pets, and whenever a health concern is being evaluated.
Digital radiology (X-ray) allows us to visualize your pet's bones, chest, and abdomen quickly and with excellent image quality. We use digital X-rays to assess fractures, joint disease, chest conditions such as pneumonia and heart enlargement, abdominal organ size and position, and the presence of foreign objects or bladder stones. Digital images are available immediately and can be shared with specialists or emergency facilities if needed. X-rays are a non-invasive first step in many diagnostic workups.
Ultrasound provides real-time imaging of soft tissue organs including the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and gastrointestinal tract. It is particularly valuable for detecting masses, fluid accumulation, organ architecture changes, and pregnancies. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound shows internal organ detail and movement in real time. Abdominal ultrasound is available at Elgin Park Animal Hospital and is often performed alongside bloodwork and X-rays for a comprehensive diagnostic picture.
Urine provides valuable information about kidney function, urinary tract health, and systemic conditions including diabetes and liver disease. A complete urinalysis assesses physical properties, chemical composition, and microscopic sediment. We recommend urinalysis as part of the annual wellness workup for senior pets and whenever urinary symptoms such as frequency, straining, blood in urine, or increased water consumption are present.
Point-of-care snap tests provide rapid results for conditions including heartworm, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma. These tests take minutes and allow us to act quickly when early identification matters. Titer testing measures the level of antibody protection from previous vaccinations, allowing a more tailored approach to booster decisions for adult pets with known vaccine history or sensitivities.
Senior pets benefit from more comprehensive bloodwork that goes beyond the standard chemistry panel. Geriatric panels typically include thyroid function testing, urinalysis, and an expanded organ function panel to catch age-related changes early. We recommend geriatric panels starting at age seven for dogs and cats, or earlier for giant breeds. Early detection of kidney disease, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, or adrenal conditions allows us to intervene before these conditions significantly affect your pet's quality of life.
Skin scraping collects cells from the skin surface for microscopic examination to identify mange mites, bacteria, or yeast. Fungal testing using a specialized culture or assay (fungassay) helps identify dermatophyte infections such as ringworm. Both tests provide rapid answers for skin conditions that may not respond as expected to standard management. Accurate identification means targeted care and faster resolution for your pet.
When a lump, skin lesion, or internal mass requires further evaluation, biopsy and cytology provide cellular-level information to guide decisions. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology collects cells from a mass using a small needle and is a minimally invasive first step. Histopathology involves submission of a tissue sample to an external laboratory for more detailed analysis. Biopsy results help determine whether a mass is benign or requires further surgical or medical management. For urgent lesion evaluation, same-day biopsy sampling is available at Elgin Park Animal Hospital.
Microscopic evaluation of ear discharge identifies the specific organisms causing infection, allowing targeted care rather than a generic approach. Ear cytology is particularly valuable for recurring infections. Tonometry measures intraocular (eye) pressure to screen for or monitor glaucoma, a painful condition that can progress rapidly without appropriate management. Both tests are quick, non-invasive, and significantly improve the precision of care for the conditions they address.
Hormone testing covers thyroid function, adrenal function (Cushing's disease, Addison's disease), blood glucose regulation for diabetic monitoring, and progesterone testing for breeding timing. Clotting factor testing (coagulation panels) is performed before surgery when bleeding disorders are suspected or when a pet is on certain supplements or has a relevant history. Parasitology examines stool samples for intestinal parasites beyond what standard fecal tests identify. Echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) is available through a visiting veterinary specialist with pre-booking required.
Senior pets benefit from a geriatric panel that includes a complete blood count, comprehensive chemistry panel, thyroid hormone levels, and urinalysis. This combination screens for kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, anemia, and liver changes. We recommend this panel annually starting at age seven for most dogs and cats, and more frequently for pets with known health conditions. Call (604) 531-3394 to book a senior wellness appointment.
Both have different strengths and are often used together. X-rays are excellent for evaluating bones, chest conditions, and detecting dense objects like bladder stones. Ultrasound provides detailed views of soft tissue organs and is better for assessing masses, fluid, organ architecture, and abdominal conditions. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate imaging based on your pet’s symptoms and clinical findings.
A titer test measures the level of protective antibodies from previous vaccinations. It helps determine whether your pet still has adequate immunity or needs a booster. Titer testing is useful for pets with vaccine sensitivity, unknown vaccine history, or for owners who prefer to minimize vaccine frequency for adult dogs. It is not a substitute for initial vaccine series in puppies and kittens.
The first step is usually fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology, which collects cells from the lump using a small needle. This is quick, minimally invasive, and can provide valuable information. Depending on the results, the next step may be surgical removal with histopathology for definitive identification. Not all lumps are dangerous, but they all deserve evaluation. Call us at (604) 531-3394 to book an assessment.
Book diagnostic testing for your pet at Elgin Park Animal Hospital in South Surrey. Open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Call (604) 531-3394 or book online at elginparkvets.ca/make-an-appointment/.
