Pet Diagnostic Services in Nanaimo
Accurate assessment requires more than a physical examination. At Coastal City Animal Hospital in Nanaimo, our in-house diagnostic capabilities allow us to gather important clinical information quickly, often within the same appointment. When your pet is unwell, fast results mean faster answers and, where possible, same-day care. Our diagnostic services are available for dogs and cats and cover imaging, blood analysis, urinary evaluation, cytology, and more. 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.
Digital X-Ray (Radiography)
Digital radiography allows us to visualize the skeletal structure, thoracic cavity, and abdominal organs with a clear, high-resolution image generated in seconds. We use X-rays to assess bone fractures, joint disease, organ size, foreign body location, chest conditions, and abdominal masses. Digital X-rays produce high-quality images with a lower radiation dose than conventional film radiography and allow us to share images easily with specialists when a referral is needed. We can take thoracic and abdominal radiographs at the same appointment as your pet’s general exam or urgent care visit.
Blood Panel and CBC
A complete blood count and blood chemistry panel provide essential information about your pet’s overall health. A CBC evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, identifying conditions such as anemia, infection, and clotting abnormalities. A chemistry panel assesses organ function including the kidneys, liver, and pancreas, as well as blood sugar and electrolytes. We use blood panels for pre-anesthetic screening, senior wellness assessments, investigation of illness, and monitoring of pets on long-term veterinary products. Most results are available within the same appointment, allowing us to discuss findings and next steps while you are still with us.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging provides real-time visualization of internal organs, fluid pockets, and soft tissue structures that X-rays alone cannot fully characterize. We use abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, and gastrointestinal tract. Ultrasound is particularly valuable for identifying masses, assessing organ texture and size, detecting free abdominal fluid, and guiding fine needle aspirates from internal structures. Dr. Pannu has a specific clinical interest in diagnostic imaging and ultrasonography and performs abdominal ultrasound as part of our in-house diagnostic services. For cardiac ultrasound, we refer to a visiting veterinary specialist with cardiology expertise.
Urinalysis
Urine analysis provides important information about kidney function, bladder health, and systemic conditions including diabetes and liver disease. We evaluate urine specific gravity, pH, protein, glucose, ketones, red and white blood cells, casts, and crystals. Urinalysis is frequently used alongside bloodwork to obtain a more complete picture of your pet’s health, particularly in senior pets and those with conditions affecting the urinary tract. A fresh urine sample is ideal. We can provide a collection container and instructions for collecting a sample at home prior to your appointment.
Medical Assessment
A thorough medical assessment combines a complete physical examination with a structured review of your pet’s history and presenting concerns. This forms the foundation of any clinical workup. During a medical assessment, we evaluate all body systems systematically, document abnormal findings, and prioritize the diagnostic steps most likely to answer your pet’s clinical question efficiently. We discuss our findings with you clearly and explain the reasoning behind each recommended next step. A medical assessment is the appropriate starting point for any pet showing signs of illness.
Snap Testing
Snap tests provide rapid point-of-care results for several common and clinically important conditions. We use snap tests to screen for heartworm, feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, canine parvovirus, giardia, and canine distemper. Results are typically available within 10 minutes. Snap tests are useful for confirming suspected conditions quickly so that appropriate care can begin without delay. A positive snap test is followed up with a clinical assessment and, in some cases, confirmatory testing before a definitive course of action is recommended.
Fecal Testing
Fecal analysis allows us to identify intestinal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, giardia, and coccidia. Many pets carry parasites without obvious symptoms, making routine fecal testing an important part of annual wellness care. We recommend bringing a fresh fecal sample to every annual wellness visit. Giardia is particularly common in dogs and cats in the Nanaimo area given the prevalence of outdoor water exposure from streams, puddles, and parks. A small amount collected within 24 hours is sufficient for testing.
Titer Testing
Titer testing measures the level of circulating antibodies against specific pathogens, providing an indication of your pet’s current immune status. It is commonly used to assess whether revaccination is needed for core vaccines including parvovirus and distemper in dogs, and panleukopenia in cats. Titer testing is also used for international pet travel requirements for certain destinations. We can run in-house titers for certain vaccines and send samples to an external laboratory for others. Ask us whether titer testing is appropriate at your pet’s next wellness visit.
Explore More Services
How long does bloodwork take at Coastal City Animal Hospital in Nanaimo?
Yes, we recommend annual bloodwork for healthy senior cats from age 7 onward, and twice-yearly panels for cats with known health conditions. The kidneys and thyroid gland are particularly prone to change in older cats, and catching changes early allows us to begin management before significant function is lost. Early-stage kidney disease in cats can be managed much more effectively when identified before clinical signs appear.
A fine needle aspirate involves inserting a fine needle into a mass or lymph node to collect cells for cytology. Most pets tolerate the procedure without sedation, as it is quick and causes minimal discomfort, similar to a routine injection. The cells collected are examined under a microscope to characterize the tissue. While a fine needle aspirate does not always provide a definitive answer, it is a useful first step in assessing the nature of a lump before committing to surgery.
Collecting a fresh urine sample within 2 to 4 hours before the appointment is ideal. We provide a clean collection container on request. For a routine wellness check, midstream urine collected in the morning is appropriate. If your pet is showing signs of a urinary problem, we may recommend a sterile sample collected directly from the bladder by cystocentesis, which is safe and minimally uncomfortable.
Fast, accurate diagnostic results make a real difference in your pet’s care. Book a diagnostic appointment at Coastal City Animal Hospital in Nanaimo. Call (778) 441-3989 or request an appointment online. We are open 7 days a week for dogs and cats.