SERVICES

Diagnostics for Dogs and Cats in New Westminster

DIAGNOSTICS

Getting accurate information quickly is one of the most valuable things a veterinary team can offer a concerned pet owner. Columbia Square Animal Hospital has invested in in-house diagnostic capabilities that allow our team to run bloodwork, imaging, and specialized tests right here at our New Westminster clinic. By processing many tests on-site, we reduce delays and give your pet’s veterinarian a fuller picture of what is happening sooner, without waiting for outside laboratory results. Our clinic is open seven days a week so that timely diagnostic care is always accessible.

Veterinarian and technician caring for a cat during an exam

In-House Laboratory Testing for Dogs and Cats

Our in-house laboratory at Columbia Square Animal Hospital allows us to run a wide range of tests for dogs and cats on the day of your visit. Complete blood panels, including CBC (complete blood count) and chemistry panels, urinalysis, clotting factor assessment, fecal testing, and snap testing for parvo, FeLV and FIV, and pancreatitis are among the evaluations we can process in-house. In-house laboratory testing is especially valuable during urgent care visits, pre-surgical evaluations, and senior wellness exams, where prompt results support more timely clinical decisions. We also perform parasitology assessments, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), microscopic evaluation including ear cytology, and geriatric blood panels for senior pets. Our laboratory capabilities help reduce the number of visits your pet needs before a clear care path can be outlined.

Ultrasound imaging in progress at Columbia Square Animal Hospital

Veterinary Imaging in New Westminster

Columbia Square Animal Hospital offers in-house digital X-ray and ultrasound for dogs and cats. Digital X-ray provides clear images of bones, the chest cavity, and abdominal structures, and is commonly used to evaluate fractures, foreign body ingestion, respiratory changes, and soft tissue concerns. Ultrasound provides a real-time view of abdominal organs including the liver, kidneys, bladder, and intestines. For pets requiring specialized cardiac imaging such as echocardiography, our team coordinates referrals with a visiting specialist. All imaging findings are interpreted by your veterinarian in the context of your pet’s full clinical picture and explained to you during the appointment. Having imaging and laboratory capabilities under one roof means your pet can receive a more complete evaluation in a single visit.

Titre Testing and Specialty Diagnostics

Beyond routine bloodwork and imaging, Columbia Square Animal Hospital offers specialty diagnostics for dogs and cats. Titre testing is available for clients who wish to assess their pet’s existing immunity to specific diseases before repeating a vaccination course. Titre testing measures the level of antibodies in your pet’s blood and can help inform vaccination decisions in conversation with your veterinarian. Additional specialty diagnostics include tonometry to measure intraocular pressure in dogs and cats susceptible to glaucoma, endocrinology panels for thyroid, adrenal, and diabetes-related assessment, histopathology for tissue samples, skin scraping for dermatological evaluation, and fungal assays. Our diagnostic range allows our veterinarians to gather meaningful information across many body systems without requiring external referrals for most routine testing.

GOOD TO KNOW

FAQs

Our in-house laboratory can run complete blood counts (CBC), comprehensive chemistry panels, urinalysis, snap tests for parvo, FeLV, FIV, and pancreatitis, clotting factor assessments, fecal tests, parasitology, geriatric wellness panels, and endocrinology panels including thyroid and adrenal function testing. Results from in-house tests are available much faster than those sent to an external laboratory, which helps your vet move forward with a care plan sooner.
Ultrasound gives your veterinarian a real-time view of your pet’s internal organs, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, intestines, and reproductive structures. It is particularly useful for evaluating abdominal concerns, assessing organ size and structure, and identifying masses or fluid accumulation that are not visible on X-ray. Ultrasound is non-invasive and does not require sedation in most cooperative patients.
A titre test measures the level of antibodies in your pet’s blood for specific diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, or feline panleukopenia. The results show whether your pet currently has meaningful immune protection and can help inform decisions about whether a booster vaccine is needed at a given time. Titre testing is an option for owners who wish to take a more individualized approach to vaccination. Speak with your veterinarian about whether titre testing is appropriate for your dog or cat.
Geriatric blood panels are designed to screen for age-related changes in organ function, including kidney health, liver function, thyroid levels, blood sugar, and red and white blood cell counts. These panels help identify early changes in senior dogs and cats before clinical signs develop, giving your veterinarian more options for management. Most veterinarians recommend geriatric screening starting around age seven for dogs and cats, and more frequently as pets advance further in age.
BOOK A VISIT

Faster answers mean faster care for your pet. Book a diagnostic visit at Columbia Square Animal Hospital in New Westminster and get results the same day. Call (604) 521-5572, seven days a week.

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