Pet Diagnostics for Dogs and Cats in Abbotsford

Accurate, timely diagnostics are at the heart of good veterinary care. At Abby Veterinary Hospital and Emergency in Abbotsford, our in-house diagnostic capabilities allow our team to gather critical information quickly, whether your pet is here for a routine wellness concern or an overnight emergency. From blood panels and imaging to specialized testing, our pet diagnostics services give our veterinary team the clarity needed to make informed decisions about your pet’s care.

Ultrasound

Veterinary ultrasound allows our team to visualize soft tissue structures including the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, lymph nodes, and abdominal cavity in real time. Ultrasound is valuable for identifying masses, free fluid in the abdomen, organ abnormalities, and pregnancy. It is a non-invasive, safe imaging tool that provides information not visible on radiographs. Ultrasound results are available immediately, allowing our veterinarians to make faster, better-informed decisions about your pet's care.

General Panel and CBC

A complete blood count (CBC) and general chemistry panel give our veterinarians a comprehensive overview of your pet's internal health. The CBC evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, identifying signs of infection, anemia, or immune system activity. The chemistry panel assesses organ function including the liver and kidneys, as well as blood glucose, protein levels, and electrolytes. These panels are routinely used in wellness assessments, pre-surgical evaluations, and emergency assessments.

Radiology

Digital radiography (X-ray) provides detailed images of your pet's bones, chest, and abdominal structures. At Abby Vet, our radiology services support the evaluation of fractures, respiratory conditions, bladder stones, spinal concerns, and foreign bodies. Results are available promptly and reviewed by our veterinary team to guide next steps. Chest radiographs are commonly used in the assessment of coughing, breathing difficulties, and cardiac concerns.

Urinalysis

A urine sample provides valuable information about kidney function, hydration status, and the presence of infection, crystals, blood, or abnormal cells. Urinalysis is routinely included in wellness assessments and is a key tool in the evaluation of urinary symptoms, endocrine conditions, and chronic disease monitoring. Our in-house urinalysis capabilities allow our team to review results quickly and incorporate findings into your pet's care plan on the same visit.

FNA and Cytology

Fine needle aspirate (FNA) and cytology involve the collection of cells from a mass, lymph node, or body fluid for microscopic evaluation. This minimally invasive technique provides valuable information about the nature of a lump or tissue change, helping our team determine whether further evaluation or surgical removal is appropriate. FNA and cytology are often performed during the same appointment as the physical assessment, with results guiding the conversation about next steps.

Snap Testing

Snap tests provide rapid in-house results for specific conditions, including parvovirus in dogs, feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in cats, and pancreatitis in both species. These tests are particularly valuable in emergency and urgent settings where fast answers are essential to beginning appropriate supportive care. Results are typically available within minutes of sample collection.

Skin Scraping

Skin scraping is a diagnostic technique used to identify external parasites, including mites such as Demodex and Sarcoptes, in pets presenting with hair loss, intense itching, or scaly skin. A small sample of skin cells is collected from the affected area and examined under a microscope. Identifying the specific parasite allows our team to recommend targeted management and monitor response to care over time.

Fecal Test

Fecal examination identifies internal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and Giardia in dogs and cats. Regular fecal testing is recommended as part of preventive care, particularly for pets with outdoor exposure, young animals, or those showing gastrointestinal symptoms. Our in-house fecal testing provides fast results to support appropriate parasite management decisions.

Ear Cytology

Ear cytology involves collecting a swab sample from the ear canal and examining it under a microscope to identify the type of organism causing an ear infection, whether bacterial or yeast-based. This information guides our team in selecting the most appropriate management approach and helps prevent the use of unnecessary broad-spectrum agents. Ear cytology is particularly useful for recurring or persistent ear conditions that have not responded to prior management.

Geriatric Panels

Senior pets benefit from more comprehensive blood work that evaluates thyroid function, organ health, and other parameters that become more relevant as pets age. Our geriatric panels are designed to support proactive health monitoring in older dogs and cats, catching age-related changes before they become symptomatic. We generally recommend geriatric panel screening starting at 7 years of age for most breeds, with some large breeds beginning earlier.

Clotting Factor Diagnostic

Clotting factor evaluation assesses your pet's ability to form blood clots, which is critical information before surgery and in pets presenting with unexplained bruising or bleeding. Clotting disorders may be inherited, such as Von Willebrand's Disease in certain breeds, or acquired through illness or toxin exposure. Our team uses clotting assessment to plan safely for surgical procedures and to evaluate bleeding concerns.

Titer Testing

Titer testing measures the level of antibodies in your pet's blood to specific diseases, providing an indication of existing immunity from prior vaccination or natural exposure. Titer testing is useful for pet owners seeking to make informed vaccination decisions, particularly for pets with prior vaccine reactions or specific health considerations. Results help our team determine whether booster vaccination is currently needed.

Progesterone Testing

Progesterone testing is used to determine the optimal timing for breeding in dogs and to monitor pregnancy progression. Accurate progesterone measurement supports informed decisions about natural mating or assisted reproduction and is an important tool for breeders. Our in-house testing capabilities allow results to be available quickly during the breeding cycle when timing is critical.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Blood pressure monitoring is a valuable tool in the assessment of cardiovascular health, kidney function, and endocrine conditions in dogs and cats. High blood pressure can cause organ damage if undetected and is often associated with kidney disease, hyperthyroidism in cats, and hyperadrenocorticism. Our team incorporates blood pressure checks into wellness visits for senior pets and into the assessment of pets with known risk factors.

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Medical services for ongoing health conditions

Emergency services available overnight in Abbotsford

Contact our Abbotsford vet team to book diagnostics

Does Abby Vet have in-house blood work and imaging available overnight?

Yes. Our emergency team has access to in-house blood panel testing and digital radiography overnight. Ultrasound and additional in-house testing are also available. Fast results allow our team to assess and respond to your pet’s condition without delay.

What is the difference between X-ray and ultrasound for pets?

X-ray provides detailed images of bony structures and is effective for evaluating the chest, bones, and dense abdominal organs. Ultrasound uses sound waves to visualize soft tissue structures in real time and is particularly useful for examining organs, fluid, and masses that are not clearly visible on radiographs. Our team recommends the most appropriate imaging based on your pet’s symptoms.

How is blood work used in a wellness exam for senior pets?

Geriatric blood panels evaluate kidney and liver function, thyroid levels, blood glucose, and red and white blood cell counts. These panels allow our team to detect age-related health changes early, often before symptoms develop, and to make informed adjustments to your senior pet’s care plan.

Can you test my dog for heartworm and tick-borne diseases at the same time?

Yes. We offer combination snap tests that can detect heartworm disease and select tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis in dogs in a single in-house test. Results are available within minutes. Annual testing is recommended for dogs with outdoor exposure.

Fast, in-house diagnostics for dogs and cats are available at Abby Vet in Abbotsford from 12 PM daily, with emergency diagnostics available overnight from 8 PM. Call (604) 969-0911 or visit our contact page to book a diagnostic appointment.