Medical Services for Dogs and Cats in Nanaimo
When your dog or cat is not feeling their best, getting to the root of the problem requires experience, careful assessment, and the right diagnostic tools. At Coastal City Animal Hospital in Nanaimo, our medical services cover a wide range of conditions affecting dogs and cats, from skin and ear problems to internal medicine and gastrointestinal concerns. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, so you can reach us quickly when your pet needs care.
Dermatology and Skin Care
Skin conditions are among the most common reasons pet owners bring their dogs and cats to a veterinarian. Itching, hair loss, redness, crusting, and recurrent skin infections can all have different underlying causes, and a systematic approach to assessment is essential for effective care. At Coastal City Animal Hospital, we evaluate skin conditions through physical examination, skin cytology, and other in-clinic assessments. Common skin conditions we see include allergic skin disease, pyoderma, seborrhea, and fungal skin infections. Effective long-term management often requires identifying and addressing the underlying cause rather than managing surface symptoms alone. We work with you to develop a realistic, ongoing care plan.
Ear and Eye Infections
Ear infections are one of the most frequently seen conditions in small animal veterinary practice. Dogs with floppy ears, skin allergies, or a history of water exposure are particularly prone. Cats can develop ear infections related to mites, bacteria, or yeast. We assess ear infections through examination and cytology to identify the cause and select the appropriate care. Eye infections, conjunctivitis, and corneal issues are also common, particularly in brachycephalic breeds. We assess all eye concerns carefully, as certain conditions can deteriorate quickly if not addressed. Any redness, discharge, squinting, or cloudiness in your pet’s eyes warrants a prompt appointment.
Gastrointestinal Care
Vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and weight changes in dogs and cats often originate in the digestive system. While occasional stomach upset is common in pets, recurring or severe gastrointestinal signs warrant a thorough assessment. We investigate gastrointestinal conditions using physical examination, bloodwork, urinalysis, imaging, and fecal analysis. Common conditions we address include inflammatory bowel conditions, parasitic infections, food sensitivities, and gastric irritation. We tailor care plans to the individual patient based on assessment findings and the pet’s overall health history. If a condition requires the involvement of a specialist, we are happy to coordinate a referral.
Allergy Assessment and Care
Allergies in dogs and cats commonly present as itchy skin, recurrent ear infections, eye discharge, paw chewing, or gastrointestinal upset. Identifying whether an allergy is environmental, food-related, or a combination of both takes time and a structured process. We begin with a thorough history and physical exam to identify patterns and rule out other causes. From there, we may recommend dietary trials, environmental management strategies, or other approaches based on our findings. There is no quick fix for most allergy cases, but consistent management can significantly improve your pet’s comfort and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
Endocrine Disease Management
Hormonal conditions including hypothyroidism in dogs, hyperthyroidism in cats, and diabetes in both species require careful assessment and long-term management. These conditions often develop gradually, and early signs can be subtle. Common signs include changes in weight, water intake, urination frequency, coat condition, and energy level. If we identify signs consistent with an endocrine condition during a wellness exam or a medical visit, we will recommend appropriate bloodwork and next steps. Many pets with endocrine conditions live comfortably for years with the right monitoring and management approach.
Pain Management
Unmanaged pain affects your pet’s mobility, appetite, sleep, and overall quality of life. Pain management is an integral part of how we approach surgery, injury, dental procedures, and chronic conditions such as arthritis. We assess pain using validated clinical tools and owner observations, and we tailor pain care plans to each patient’s age, weight, and health status. Long-term pain management for conditions such as osteoarthritis requires regular reassessment to ensure the approach remains appropriate as your pet’s needs change over time.
Behavioral Counseling
Behavioral changes in pets can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition rather than a purely behavioral problem. We take a systematic approach when addressing concerns such as sudden aggression, anxiety, changes in elimination habits, or excessive vocalization, ruling out medical causes before recommending behavioral management strategies. Our team provides in-clinic behavioral counseling for dogs and cats and can guide you through evidence-based approaches for common concerns. For cases requiring more specialized behavioral support, we can coordinate a referral to a veterinary behaviorist.
Cardiology Referrals
Cardiac conditions including heart murmurs, arrhythmias, and heart enlargement require careful monitoring and, in many cases, specialist-level assessment. Our team performs routine cardiac auscultation at every wellness exam and will alert you to any findings that warrant further investigation. For cases requiring echocardiography, electrocardiography, or specialist management, we refer clients to a visiting veterinary specialist. A referral includes your pet’s full history and clinical notes for continuity of care.
Oncology Referrals
Cancer in pets ranges from highly manageable to complex, and early identification significantly improves outcomes in most cases. When we identify a mass, unusual growth, or laboratory finding that raises concern, we discuss the next steps openly with you and recommend the appropriate assessments. For cases requiring specialist-level oncology care, we coordinate referrals to a veterinary oncologist and remain involved in your pet’s ongoing primary care.
Persistent itching without visible fleas is one of the most common presentations of allergic skin disease in dogs. Environmental allergens, food sensitivities, or skin infections can all cause similar signs. We recommend a skin exam and a thorough history to identify the pattern. In some cases, flea allergy dermatitis can be present even when fleas are not visible, as sensitive animals can react to a single bite.
Occasional vomiting in cats is common and often relates to hairballs or dietary indiscretion. Vomiting that occurs more than once or twice a week, contains blood, is accompanied by weight loss, or is associated with changes in appetite or behavior warrants a veterinary assessment. Chronic vomiting can indicate underlying conditions that are much easier to manage when identified early. Call us at (778) 441-3989 if you are unsure.
The most common early signs include increased water intake, increased urination, weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite, and lethargy. In cats, weakness in the hind legs is a characteristic sign. If you notice any of these changes, we recommend booking a wellness exam so we can assess your pet and run appropriate bloodwork. Early identification makes diabetes far easier to manage.
Most allergies in dogs and cats are managed on an ongoing basis rather than fully resolved. The goal of allergy management is to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups and improve your pet’s long-term comfort. With a consistent approach, many pets with allergies do very well. The specific management approach depends on the type of allergy identified.
If your dog or cat is showing signs of illness, skin problems, or any condition that concerns you, our medical team in Nanaimo is here to help. Call Coastal City Animal Hospital at (778) 441-3989 or book an appointment online. We are open 7 days a week.