Accurate diagnostics are the starting point for effective care. At Edmonds St. Animal Hospital in Burnaby, BC, our in-house diagnostic capabilities allow Dr. Maan to assess your pet’s health quickly and thoroughly. From comprehensive blood panels and digital X-rays to urinalysis, cytology, and specialized testing, we bring key diagnostic tools together in one clinic. Faster results mean faster answers, and faster answers mean your pet receives the right care without unnecessary delay.
Blood Panels and In-House Laboratory Testing
Blood work provides an essential window into your pet’s overall health, organ function, and immune status. Our in-house laboratory capabilities allow us to run a full blood panel including a complete blood count (CBC) and biochemistry profile on the same day as your appointment. The CBC evaluates red and white blood cell counts, platelet levels, and signs of infection or anemia. The biochemistry panel assesses kidney function, liver enzymes, blood glucose, and electrolytes. We also run pre-anesthetic panels before surgical procedures, geriatric health panels for senior pets, progesterone testing for breeding management, and specialized endocrinology panels including ACTH stimulation testing for suspected endocrine conditions.
Digital X-Ray and Ultrasound Imaging
Digital X-ray imaging is one of the most useful tools available for assessing the internal structures of your pet’s body. We use digital X-ray to evaluate bones and joints for fractures, arthritis, and developmental conditions, as well as to assess the chest for signs of heart or lung changes and the abdomen for masses, fluid, organ size, or foreign objects. Ultrasound provides a real-time, dynamic view of soft tissue structures and organs that X-ray cannot fully capture, including the heart, liver, kidneys, bladder, and intestines. Ultrasound is particularly useful for assessing fluid accumulation, guiding needle aspirates, and evaluating pregnancy. In-house imaging means results are available immediately during your appointment.
Urinalysis, Cytology, Snap Testing, and Biopsies
Urinalysis evaluates kidney function, checks for urinary tract infections, and screens for crystals, glucose, and protein in the urine. It is a standard part of wellness panels for senior pets and essential in assessing any pet with urinary symptoms. In-house cytology allows Dr. Maan to evaluate skin scraping samples, ear discharge, and fine needle aspirate samples from masses or lymph nodes on the same day. Snap testing provides rapid results for common infectious diseases including parvovirus, FIV, FeLV, heartworm, Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma. Giardia testing via fecal assessment and microscopic evaluation for ear mites round out our in-house parasite screening capabilities. Biopsy samples requiring histopathology are submitted to an external veterinary laboratory and results are reviewed with you directly.
Specialized and Advanced Diagnostic Testing
For patients with complex or chronic conditions, we offer a range of specialized testing options. Endocrinology panels including thyroid testing, insulin levels, and adrenal function screening are used to evaluate suspected hormonal conditions. Clotting factor assessment evaluates your pet’s ability to manage bleeding and is important before surgical procedures in certain breeds or patients with a history of bleeding concerns. Progesterone testing supports accurate whelping timing for breeders. Titer testing measures your pet’s existing immunity to specific diseases and can help determine whether a booster vaccine is needed, which is particularly useful for pets with vaccination history gaps or sensitivities. All results are reviewed with you in full so you understand exactly what they mean for your pet’s care.
In-house blood panels including CBC and biochemistry profiles are typically available within the same appointment. Results that require external laboratory processing, such as histopathology and some specialized panels, take several business days. Dr. Maan will let you know which tests can be run in-clinic and which require external submission.
Does my pet need to fast before a blood panel?
For the most accurate biochemistry results, fasting for eight to twelve hours before the appointment is recommended, particularly for blood glucose and triglyceride levels. Water is fine. If fasting is not possible, let us know and we will note it when interpreting results.
What is a fine needle aspirate (FNA)?
A fine needle aspirate involves inserting a small needle into a mass or lump to collect a sample of cells. The sample is examined under a microscope at the clinic. It is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that often provides useful information about whether a growth is benign or suspicious without requiring surgery.
What does pre-anesthetic bloodwork check for?
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork evaluates kidney and liver function, red and white blood cell counts, and clotting factors. This gives Dr. Maan important information about how your pet will handle anesthesia and recover after the procedure. It is recommended for all surgical patients and is especially important for older pets.
Get answers faster with in-house diagnostics at Edmonds St. Animal Hospital in Burnaby, BC.
