Medical Services for Dogs and Cats in Burnaby, BC

When your dog or cat is unwell, accurate assessment and a clear plan make all the difference. At Deer Lake Animal Hospital in Burnaby, we provide comprehensive medical services for a wide range of conditions affecting dogs and cats, from skin and digestive concerns to heart, kidney, and neurological issues. Our team conducts thorough physical examinations and uses in-house and referral diagnostics to evaluate your pet’s health. 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 or book an appointment online.

Dermatology for Dogs and Cats

Skin conditions are among the most common reasons pet owners seek veterinary care. We evaluate and manage allergies, bacterial and yeast infections, mange, immune-mediated skin diseases, and hormonal conditions affecting the skin and coat. Our approach begins with a thorough physical examination of the skin, coat, and ears, followed by in-house testing such as skin scrapings and cytology when appropriate. For complex or recurring cases, we may coordinate with a board-certified veterinary dermatologist. Managing skin conditions often takes time, and we work with you to find a plan that keeps your pet comfortable long-term.

Gastroenterology

Gastrointestinal concerns, including vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and changes in appetite, are common in dogs and cats and can have many underlying causes. We assess the digestive system through physical examination, blood work, stool testing, and imaging. Conditions we manage include inflammatory bowel conditions, pancreatitis, food sensitivities, and gastrointestinal foreign material. For pets with chronic or recurring digestive issues, we build an ongoing management plan that may include dietary changes, supportive care, and monitoring. Referral to a specialist is available for complex cases.

Physical Examination and Medical Assessment

A thorough physical examination is the starting point for every medical concern and every routine wellness visit. We systematically assess all body systems including the heart, lungs, abdomen, eyes, ears, skin, musculoskeletal structure, and lymph nodes. When a concern is identified, we discuss the findings with you clearly and walk through the recommended next steps before proceeding.

Pain Management and Control

Recognizing and managing pain in pets requires careful assessment, as dogs and cats often mask discomfort. We assess pain levels at every visit and use a multimodal approach that may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory options, supportive care, and lifestyle modifications tailored to the underlying cause. Pain management is an important component of post-surgical recovery and of long-term care for chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Endocrinology

Hormonal conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism in cats, Cushing’s disease, and Addison’s disease require careful management and regular monitoring. We conduct specialized blood testing to assess hormone levels, identify the underlying cause, and establish a baseline for ongoing monitoring.

Cardiology

Heart disease in dogs and cats may present with subtle signs such as reduced energy, a persistent cough, or changes in breathing. We evaluate cardiac health through physical examination, auscultation, chest radiography, and blood pressure measurement. When a heart murmur or arrhythmia is identified, we discuss the significance, recommend further cardiac testing such as an echocardiogram, and refer to a board-certified veterinary cardiologist when indicated.

Nephrology and Urology

Kidney disease is common in older cats and dogs, and early detection significantly improves outcomes. We evaluate kidney function through blood panels, urinalysis, blood pressure monitoring, and urine protein assessment. Urinary concerns including infections, bladder stones, and obstructions are also assessed and managed at our clinic.

Respiratory Medicine

Breathing difficulties, chronic coughs, and recurring respiratory infections are always taken seriously. We assess respiratory health through physical examination, chest radiography, and oxygen saturation measurement when needed. Conditions we manage include upper respiratory infections, asthma in cats, chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Hematology and Immunology

Blood disorders and immune-mediated diseases require specialized testing and careful management. We assess red and white blood cell counts, platelet levels, and clotting factors through complete blood panels. Conditions including anemia, immune-mediated destruction of blood cells, and tick-borne blood parasites are evaluated and managed at our clinic.

Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Conditions

The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas play critical roles in digestion and metabolism. We assess these organs through blood chemistry panels, specialized liver function testing, and abdominal imaging. Conditions such as hepatitis, portosystemic shunts, pancreatitis, and biliary obstructions are evaluated and managed with a combination of dietary modification, supportive care, and monitoring.

Neurology

Neurological signs such as seizures, sudden weakness, head tilts, vestibular episodes, and behavioral changes require a systematic evaluation. We conduct detailed neurological examinations to localize the area of concern and determine the appropriate next steps. Seizure management, including monitoring protocols and long-term care plans, is an area where we work closely with pet owners to maintain safety and quality of life.

Ophthalmology

Eye health is essential to your pet’s comfort and quality of life. We assess and manage common ocular conditions including corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), and eyelid abnormalities. Eye conditions can deteriorate rapidly and benefit from prompt assessment.

Infectious Disease

Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections affect dogs and cats of all ages. We diagnose and manage a range of infectious conditions, including Giardia, ringworm, parvovirus, upper respiratory infections, and tick-borne illness. For contagious diseases, we follow appropriate isolation and hygiene protocols to protect other patients.

Specialist Referrals

Some conditions require expertise, equipment, or procedures beyond the scope of general practice. Deer Lake Animal Hospital maintains referral relationships with board-certified specialists across the Lower Mainland in disciplines including internal medicine, surgery, cardiology, oncology, neurology, and ophthalmology. When a referral is in your pet’s best interest, we coordinate the transfer of records, communicate with the receiving specialist, and continue to support your pet’s general health care throughout the specialist process.

Dental Care

Dental disease is one of the most common conditions affecting adult dogs and cats. We include an oral health assessment as part of every physical examination. For dental cleanings, dental radiography, extractions, and oral surgery, please visit our dedicated Dental Care page for a full overview of our dental services.

Explore More Services

Book a medical assessment for your pet

View our pet diagnostics services

Learn about surgical services for dogs and cats

FAQs

How do I know if my dog or cat needs to see a vet for a skin problem?

If your pet is scratching, licking, or chewing at their skin more than usual, losing patches of fur, developing sores or scaling, or producing an unpleasant skin odor, a dermatology assessment is a good first step. Many skin conditions are manageable with the right plan, but they tend to worsen without attention. Book an appointment at our Burnaby clinic so we can identify the cause and get your pet more comfortable.

What signs of kidney disease should I watch for in my older cat or dog?

Early kidney disease often shows subtle signs including increased thirst, increased urination, reduced appetite, or unexplained weight loss. Some pets show no obvious signs at all in the early stages. This is why we recommend annual blood and urine testing for senior pets, as early detection significantly improves the outcome. If you notice any of these changes, please call us at (604) 563-6170 to arrange an assessment.

My dog has had two seizures in a month. What should I do?

Two or more seizures in a short period warrants a veterinary evaluation. We will take a detailed history, perform a physical and neurological examination, and recommend appropriate testing to look for an underlying cause. If seizures are occurring, keeping a brief log of each episode including the duration, behavior before and after, and any potential triggers can be very helpful. Call us at (604) 563-6170 to book an assessment.

When would you refer my pet to a specialist in Burnaby or Vancouver?

We refer when a condition requires expertise, equipment, or procedures beyond the scope of general practice, such as advanced cardiac imaging, orthopedic surgery, oncology consultation, or MRI. We maintain referral relationships with board-certified specialists across the Lower Mainland. When we recommend a referral, we coordinate the process, transfer records, and stay involved in your pet’s overall care throughout.

Does Deer Lake Animal Hospital manage chronic conditions like diabetes or Cushing’s disease?

Yes. We manage a range of chronic medical conditions including diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism in cats, Cushing’s disease, and Addison’s disease. Long-term management of these conditions involves regular monitoring appointments, blood testing, and periodic adjustment of the management plan. We explain the monitoring schedule clearly and are available to answer questions between visits.

If your dog or cat is unwell or you have been noticing changes you cannot explain, book a medical assessment 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..