Pet diagnostic services at South Fraser Animal Hospital give our veterinary team the information needed to assess your dog or cat accurately and efficiently in Abbotsford, BC. In-house laboratory testing, digital imaging, and cytology allow us to evaluate most conditions without requiring a referral. When specialist support is needed, we coordinate promptly and send complete results and records with your pet.
A complete blood count and serum chemistry panel provide a detailed look at your pet's red and white blood cells, organ function, electrolytes, and metabolic health. We use blood panels routinely before surgical procedures, during wellness visits for senior pets, and whenever a clinical assessment suggests an underlying concern. In-house processing means results are available during your visit in the majority of cases, allowing us to discuss findings and next steps the same day.
Digital radiography allows our team to examine your pet's bones, chest, and abdominal cavity quickly and with excellent image clarity. We use X-rays to assess fractures, joint conditions, lung and heart size, organ position, foreign body ingestion, and more. Images are available immediately on screen and can be shared digitally with a specialist when a second opinion adds value to your pet's care.
Ultrasound provides real-time imaging of internal organs, including the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, and reproductive structures, without radiation exposure. At South Fraser Animal Hospital, ultrasound services are provided by a visiting veterinary specialist. Pre-booking is required. Please contact us at (604) 855-0770 to discuss whether ultrasound is the appropriate next step for your pet and to arrange scheduling.
Snap tests provide rapid results for specific conditions, including parvovirus in dogs, feline leukemia virus, FIV, and pancreatitis in both cats and dogs. These point-of-care tests are especially valuable in urgent situations where immediate answers guide the next step in your pet's care. We use snap testing as a first-line tool when clinical signs suggest any of these conditions may be present.
Urine analysis provides important information about kidney function, hydration status, glucose regulation, and the presence of infection, crystals, or blood. A urinalysis is recommended as part of routine wellness screening for senior pets, for pets with suspected urinary tract concerns, and as a monitoring tool for pets with known kidney or metabolic conditions.
Titer testing measures the level of protective antibodies your pet has against specific diseases, such as parvovirus and distemper. For pet owners who wish to minimize the frequency of booster vaccines, titer testing provides objective data about whether a booster is currently needed. We discuss the appropriate role of titer testing within your pet's individual care plan.
Skin scraping collects surface material from affected areas of the skin for microscopic examination, helping us identify external parasites such as mange mites, as well as superficial infections and other dermatological concerns. It is a quick, low-stress procedure that provides important information for managing skin conditions effectively and with precision.
Microscopic evaluation of material collected from the ear canal identifies the specific type of infection present, whether bacterial, yeast-based, or involving ear mites. This information guides the most effective care approach for each individual case and avoids using products that would not be effective against the specific organism causing the problem.
Fecal testing screens your pet's stool sample for internal parasites, including roundworms, hookworms, Giardia, and coccidia. Many pets carry parasites without obvious symptoms. We recommend at least one fecal screen per year for adult pets and more frequently for puppies, kittens, and those with regular outdoor or wildlife exposure in the Abbotsford area.
Fine-needle aspiration collects cells from a lump or mass for microscopic examination. Cytology can provide a rapid, non-surgical initial assessment of whether cells in a mass are consistent with a benign, inflammatory, or more concerning process. The procedure is brief and requires no anesthesia in most cases, making it a practical first step when a mass is found.
Geriatric blood panels provide a more comprehensive view of organ function for senior pets aged seven and older. These panels screen for early changes in kidney, liver, thyroid, and metabolic function before clinical signs appear, allowing us to start supportive measures sooner and adjust your pet's care plan with greater precision.
Endocrine panels evaluate hormonal function and are used in the workup for conditions such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, and diabetes. These panels help confirm a suspected endocrine condition and establish a baseline for ongoing monitoring as the care plan is implemented and adjusted over time.
Most routine blood panels are processed in-house and results are available during your visit or within a few hours. Specialized panels sent to an external laboratory typically take one to two business days.
For most routine panels, a 6 to 8-hour fast produces the most accurate results for glucose and lipid values. We will provide specific fasting instructions when you book. For urgent situations, we can process results from a non-fasted sample with that context noted.
No. Ultrasound is non-invasive and uses no radiation. Most pets lie calmly during the procedure. A small area of fur may be clipped for optimal image quality. At our Abbotsford clinic, ultrasound is performed by a visiting specialist. Contact us at (604) 855-0770 to discuss availability and scheduling.
Geriatric panels screen for early changes in kidney and liver function, thyroid levels, blood glucose, and other values that shift as pets age. Detecting these changes early allows us to start supportive care and adjust diet or lifestyle recommendations before clinical signs appear.
Geriatric panels screen for early changes in kidney and liver function, thyroid levels, blood glucose, and other values that shift as pets age. Detecting these changes early allows us to start supportive care and adjust diet or lifestyle recommendations before clinical signs appear.
