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Pet Diagnostics for Dogs and Cats in South Surrey and White Rock, BC
Accurate diagnostics are the foundation of effective veterinary care. Without them, clinical signs can be misinterpreted, the wrong conclusions drawn, and time lost pursuing the wrong approach. At Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital in South Surrey, we maintain in-house diagnostic capabilities that allow us to generate results during your appointment rather than waiting days for an outside laboratory. Blood panels, urinalysis, digital radiography, ultrasound, and cytology are all available at our clinic. For specialized testing, we work with reference laboratories and consulting specialists to ensure your pet receives a complete picture. Call (604) 536-3131 to book a diagnostic appointment.
Blood Panel and Blood Test
A complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry panel provide a detailed snapshot of your pet's internal health. The CBC evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, revealing conditions such as anemia, infection, and immune-mediated disease. The chemistry panel assesses liver, kidney, and pancreatic function, blood glucose, protein levels, and electrolytes. At Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital, our in-house analyzer produces results within minutes, allowing us to discuss findings and next steps during your visit. We recommend blood panels annually for adult pets and more frequently for seniors, pets on long-term products, and those managing known health conditions.
Digital X-Ray
Digital radiography at Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital provides clear, high-resolution images of your pet's chest, abdomen, and skeletal structures. Radiographs are essential for evaluating the heart and lungs, identifying foreign bodies, assessing bone density and joint health, and visualizing abdominal organs. Our digital system produces images immediately and allows our team to assess findings during your appointment. We can also share images electronically with consulting specialists when a second opinion is needed. Most radiographic studies are completed quickly and without sedation, though some pets benefit from a mild sedative to allow proper positioning.
Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound allows our team to visualize internal organs in real time, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, and gastrointestinal tract. It is often used alongside radiographs to provide additional detail about organ size, texture, and the presence of masses, fluid, or abnormal structures. Our clinic has an on-site ultrasound unit. For complex cardiac evaluations requiring echocardiography, we coordinate with a consulting board-certified cardiologist who provides this service at our clinic by appointment, with the disclosure that pre-booking is required. Abdominal ultrasound is particularly useful for evaluating pets with abdominal pain, weight loss, or abnormalities detected on blood panels.
Urinalysis and Urine Culture Testing
Urinalysis evaluates the physical and chemical properties of urine, including concentration, pH, glucose, protein, and the presence of blood, crystals, or bacteria. It is a valuable diagnostic step for pets showing changes in urination habits, increased thirst, or suspected kidney, bladder, or urinary tract concerns. When a urinary tract infection is suspected, a urine culture allows us to identify the specific bacteria present and determine which approach will be most effective. This prevents the common problem of using a broad approach when a more specific one would work better. We offer both free-catch and cystocentesis (sterile) urine collection depending on the clinical situation.
Skin Scraping and Cytology
Skin scraping identifies external parasites such as mites and Demodex organisms that are not visible to the naked eye. Ear and skin cytology examines samples under a microscope to identify yeast, bacteria, inflammatory cells, and other findings that guide management decisions. At Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital, cytology is one of our most frequently used diagnostic tools because it provides actionable information quickly and at a low cost. For pets with recurring skin or ear conditions, cytology helps us determine what we are managing at each episode, rather than assuming the cause is the same as before. We also offer fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for evaluating lumps and masses.
Biopsy Histopathology
Biopsy histopathology involves submitting a tissue sample to an external veterinary pathology laboratory for detailed microscopic evaluation. It provides definitive information about the type of tissue, whether it is benign or malignant, and whether surgical margins were complete. At Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital, we submit biopsy samples routinely following mass removals, unusual tissue findings during surgery, and when skin or organ biopsies are needed to clarify a clinical picture. Results are typically returned within one to two weeks and are discussed with you at a follow-up appointment or by phone. Histopathology findings directly inform recommendations for monitoring or further care.
FELV and FIV Testing for Cats
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are serious infections that suppress the immune system and affect a cat's long-term health. Testing is recommended for all newly acquired cats, cats with unknown history, cats showing signs of illness, and cats in multi-cat households where a new cat is being introduced. At Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital, we offer FELV and FIV testing using an in-house assay that provides results during your appointment. Knowing your cat's status allows us to make appropriate recommendations about vaccination, household management, and long-term monitoring.
Specialized Diagnostics
In addition to our core in-house testing, Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital offers a range of specialized diagnostics through reference laboratories and on-site visiting services. These include serum allergy testing, titer testing for vaccine immunity assessment, Rabies Titer Testing FAVN for international travel, pancreatitis testing, Addison's and Cushing's disease testing, cardiac Pro-BNP testing, ECR respiratory disease testing, aerobic and anaerobic culture and sensitivity testing, and parasitology. Titer testing for travel documentation is handled in coordination with our Pet Travel Services team. We will advise which tests are appropriate based on your pet's clinical presentation and history.
Explore More Services
Our in-house blood analyzer produces CBC and chemistry results within minutes. You will typically have results and a discussion with your veterinarian before you leave your appointment. Specialized panels and reference laboratory tests take longer and are generally returned within one to five business days depending on the test type.
For routine chemistry panels, a 4 to 6 hour fast is recommended to get accurate lipid and glucose values. However, emergency bloodwork can be drawn at any time. If you are booking a planned diagnostic appointment, we will advise on fasting requirements when you book. If you are coming in for urgent care, do not delay because your pet has recently eaten.
Titer testing measures the level of protective antibodies in your pet’s blood, indicating whether they have sufficient immunity from previous vaccination to be protected without an additional booster. It is an option for pet owners who prefer to minimize the number of booster vaccines their adult pet receives over time. We offer titer testing for dogs and cats. Ask our team whether it is appropriate for your pet at their next visit.
Yes. We coordinate echocardiography visits with a consulting board-certified cardiologist who provides this service at our clinic. Pre-booking is required as this service is provided on a scheduled basis rather than as a walk-in service. Contact us at (604) 536-3131 to schedule an echocardiogram appointment for your pet.
Diagnostics at Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital are designed to give you answers, not more uncertainty. Call (604) 536-3131 or book online to schedule a diagnostic appointment for your dog or cat. We serve pets from South Surrey, White Rock, Delta, and Langley.