Accurate diagnostics are the foundation of effective veterinary care. At Alpha Animal Hospital in Abbotsford, we offer a comprehensive range of in-house and reference laboratory diagnostic services for dogs and cats. Our in-house capabilities allow us to get results quickly when time matters, while our reference laboratory partnerships provide access to specialized testing when needed. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A complete blood count and chemistry panel provide a detailed snapshot of your pet's internal health. A CBC measures red and white blood cells and platelets, while a chemistry panel assesses organ function including the kidneys, liver, and pancreas, as well as glucose and electrolyte levels. We recommend baseline bloodwork as part of annual wellness visits for adult pets and more frequently for seniors or pets managing ongoing conditions. In-house processing means we can have results ready within the same appointment in many cases.
Digital radiography allows our team to evaluate your pet's bones, joints, chest, and abdominal organs. Digital X-rays produce high-resolution images quickly and with significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. We use digital X-rays to assess fractures, joint conditions, foreign bodies, lung changes, and abdominal organ abnormalities. Images can be shared digitally with specialists when a second opinion or referral is needed.
Abdominal ultrasound provides real-time imaging of your pet's internal organs, including the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and gastrointestinal tract. It is particularly valuable for evaluating organ size and texture, identifying masses or fluid accumulation, and guiding needle aspirates or biopsies. Ultrasound does not use radiation and is generally well-tolerated by pets. For cardiac assessment, we can arrange specialist echocardiography.
Urinalysis evaluates the physical and chemical properties of your pet's urine. It provides information about kidney function, hydration status, the presence of infection, bladder stones, protein loss, and glucose levels. Urinalysis is often paired with bloodwork for a more complete picture of your pet's health and is a standard component of wellness screening for senior pets.
In-house snap tests provide rapid results for a range of conditions, including heartworm, tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis, as well as feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. These tests can be run during your appointment and provide results in minutes, allowing our team to begin appropriate care without delay.
Titer testing measures the level of antibodies your pet has against specific diseases. It can be used to assess whether previous vaccinations are still providing adequate immunity, which is useful for pets with vaccine sensitivities or those with documented vaccination histories who may not require immediate boosters. Our team can discuss whether titer testing is appropriate for your pet's situation.
Fine needle aspirates, cytology, and tissue biopsies allow our team to evaluate cells from masses, lesions, lymph nodes, and other tissue samples. These samples are submitted to our reference laboratory for assessment. Results provide important information about the nature of abnormal cells and guide further care and management decisions. When a biopsy is needed urgently due to a rapidly changing mass or acute presentation, same-day assessment can be arranged.
Microscopic evaluation of ear discharge allows our team to identify the type of infection present, whether bacterial, yeast, or mixed. This information directly guides the most appropriate management approach and is more accurate than visual assessment alone. Ear cytology is a routine part of our ear infection work-up.
Skin scraping is used to identify external parasites such as demodex and sarcoptic mange mites, as well as certain fungal infections. It involves gently collecting cells from the surface of the skin and evaluating them under a microscope. It is a quick, low-stress procedure that can be performed during a routine visit.
Our diagnostic capabilities also include progesterone testing for breeding programs, clotting factor assessment, geriatric panels, histopathology for surgically removed tissue, endocrinology panels, parasite screening, tonometry for eye pressure assessment, and in-house glucose testing. For pets requiring echocardiography, this is performed by a visiting specialist by referral. Our team will recommend the most appropriate combination of tests based on your pet's individual presentation.
Urinalysis is a diagnostic test that evaluates your pet’s urine to identify potential health issues. This test helps us detect conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes. At our Abbotsford clinic, we perform urinalysis with precision, analyzing various components of urine, including its appearance, concentration, and chemical composition. This information supports accurate diagnoses and effective treatment planning for your pet’s health.
Clotting factor diagnostics are essential for assessing your pet’s blood clotting ability. This test helps identify disorders related to blood clotting, such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia. At Alpha Animal Hospital, we perform detailed clotting factor evaluations to diagnose bleeding disorders and guide treatment strategies. Accurate results from this diagnostic test are crucial for managing your pet’s blood health and ensuring appropriate care.
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In-house blood panels can often be processed during the same appointment. Reference laboratory results are typically returned within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the test. Our team will let you know what to expect at the time of testing.
For most comprehensive blood panels, fasting for eight to twelve hours beforehand is recommended to ensure accurate results, particularly for glucose and lipid values. Our team will advise you on preparation when scheduling the appointment.
A blood panel provides a broad assessment of organ function, cell counts, and chemistry values through laboratory analysis. A snap test is a rapid in-house test that checks for specific antibodies or antigens related to particular diseases such as heartworm or tick-borne illness. Both are useful and are often run together depending on your pet’s situation.
In many cases, yes. Fine needle aspirates can often be collected during a scheduled appointment. Tissue biopsies collected during a surgical procedure are submitted to our reference laboratory and results are generally returned within a few days. If a biopsy is needed urgently, please call us so we can prioritize your appointment.
Get answers quickly for your pet. Book a diagnostic appointment at Alpha Animal Hospital in Abbotsford. Call (604) 859-6322, open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Online booking is also available.
