Pet Diagnostics for Dogs and Cats in Burnaby, BC

Accurate diagnostic testing guides every decision we make for your pet's health. At Deer Lake Animal Hospital in Burnaby, we offer a broad range of in-house and referral diagnostic services, from routine blood panels and urinalysis to advanced imaging, cardiac testing, and infectious disease screening. Results from our in-house laboratory are often available within minutes. We are open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Call (604) 563-6170 to schedule a diagnostic workup for your dog or cat.

Blood Tests Including CBC and Chemistry Panel

A complete blood count (CBC) evaluates red and white blood cells and platelets, while a chemistry panel assesses organ function, electrolytes, blood glucose, and protein levels. Together, these are among the most valuable tests we run. We recommend blood testing before anesthesia, for sick pets, for pets on long-term veterinary products, and as part of annual wellness monitoring for adult and senior animals. In-house results are typically available within 30 minutes during your appointment.

Digital X-Ray

Digital radiography provides high-quality images of the chest, abdomen, and skeletal system with minimal radiation exposure. We use digital X-rays to evaluate the heart and lungs, detect abdominal masses, foreign bodies, and bladder stones, assess bone and joint health, and confirm positioning during surgical procedures. Digital images are processed immediately, can be enlarged and enhanced for detailed review, and can be shared electronically with specialists when a second opinion or referral consultation is needed.

Abdominal Ultrasound

Ultrasound provides real-time, detailed visualization of abdominal organs without requiring sedation or radiation in most cases. We use abdominal ultrasound to assess the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, lymph nodes, and gastrointestinal tract. Ultrasound is particularly useful for detecting fluid accumulation, masses, structural abnormalities, and changes in organ size or echogenicity. It also guides minimally invasive procedures such as fine needle aspiration for cytology sampling.

Urinalysis

Urinalysis evaluates the physical properties, chemistry, and microscopic contents of urine. It is an essential test for assessing kidney function, detecting urinary tract infections, identifying bladder crystals or cells, and screening for metabolic conditions such as diabetes. We include urinalysis in senior wellness panels and recommend it for any pet showing urinary symptoms. Paired with a blood chemistry panel, urinalysis provides a comprehensive picture of kidney and metabolic health.

Fecal Testing

Routine fecal examinations detect intestinal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Giardia, and coccidia, many of which produce no obvious symptoms in affected pets. We recommend annual fecal testing for adult pets and more frequent testing for puppies, kittens, and dogs with high outdoor exposure. Some parasites found in dogs and cats can affect people, making regular stool testing an important part of household health for families with pets.

Biopsy and Histopathology

Biopsy provides a definitive evaluation of tissue architecture and cell type that cannot be achieved through cytology alone. We collect tissue samples through incisional, excisional, punch, or needle biopsy techniques under sedation or anesthesia. Samples are submitted to a veterinary pathologist who evaluates them under microscopy to identify cancer types, inflammatory conditions, infectious disease, or other abnormalities. Histopathology results guide recommendations regarding surgical margins, follow-up, and long-term management.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)

Fine needle aspiration is a minimally invasive procedure that collects cells from a mass, enlarged lymph node, or organ for microscopic evaluation. It is often performed without sedation and provides valuable initial information about whether a mass is benign or potentially malignant. While FNAC is less definitive than biopsy in some cases, it is frequently the first step in evaluating any new mass and helps guide decisions about whether surgical removal or further testing is indicated.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to evaluate the structure and function of the heart in real time, assessing chamber size, wall thickness, valve function, and blood flow. We recommend echocardiography for pets with known heart murmurs, suspected heart disease, or breeds predisposed to cardiac conditions. Serial echocardiograms allow us to monitor progression of heart disease and assess the effectiveness of ongoing cardiac management over time.

FIV and FeLV Testing for Cats

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) testing is recommended for all new cats, cats with outdoor access, and any cat exposed to other cats of unknown status. Both viruses compromise immune function and can lead to serious secondary conditions. We run rapid in-house tests that provide results within minutes. Knowing your cat's status guides decisions about vaccination, housing, and monitoring.

Titer Testing

Titer testing measures the level of circulating antibodies against specific diseases such as parvovirus and distemper. It is used to assess whether a pet has developed adequate immunity following vaccination and can help guide revaccination decisions for pets whose owners prefer an antibody-based approach to booster scheduling. Titer testing is also required for some international travel destinations as an alternative to or confirmation of vaccination status.

Additional Diagnostic Services

We also offer urine culture and sensitivity testing, ear and skin cytology, skin scraping, serum allergy testing, aerobic and anaerobic culture and sensitivity, cardiac ProBNP testing, Addison and Cushing disease testing, pancreatitis-specific testing for dogs and cats, respiratory disease PCR testing, and rabies titer testing for international travel. For dental radiography, please see our Dental Care page. Ask our team which tests are most appropriate for your pet's specific situation.

Explore More Services

Book a diagnostic workup for your dog or cat

Learn about our medical services for dogs and cats

View our dental care services and dental radiography

FAQs

How quickly will I get my pet's blood test results in Burnaby?

In-house blood test results are typically available within 30 minutes during your appointment for routine panels. For specialized tests that require submission to an external laboratory, such as hormone panels, titer testing, and cultures, results typically take two to five business days. We contact you as soon as external results are received and discuss findings and next steps by phone or at a follow-up visit.

Does my healthy adult dog or cat need blood work every year?

Annual blood and urine testing is strongly recommended for adult and senior pets. Many serious conditions, including kidney disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and liver disease, develop gradually and show no obvious symptoms in their early stages. Annual testing establishes a baseline for your individual pet, making it much easier to detect meaningful changes as they age. Early detection consistently leads to better outcomes.

What is an abdominal ultrasound used for in dogs and cats?

Abdominal ultrasound evaluates the internal organs in real time without sedation in most cases. It is used to investigate unexplained symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss, abdominal distension, or abnormal blood results. It also helps us assess the size, texture, and structure of the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and gastrointestinal tract, and can detect masses, fluid accumulation, or structural abnormalities that are not visible on radiographs.

When should my cat be tested for FeLV and FIV?

We recommend FeLV and FIV testing for all new cats regardless of their history, and for any cat with outdoor access or exposure to cats of unknown status. Testing is also recommended before introducing a new cat into a household with existing cats. Both viruses can be present without obvious symptoms, so testing is the only reliable way to know your cat’s status. Results are available within minutes from our in-house test.

Get the answers your pet's health needs with accurate, timely diagnostics at Deer Lake Animal Hospital in Burnaby. Call (604) 563-6170 or book online. We are open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..