Renfrew Animal Hospital offers a full range of diagnostic services for dogs and cats in East Vancouver, with in-house laboratory testing and imaging equipment that allow our team to gather results quickly and begin care without delay. From routine bloodwork and digital X-rays to advanced diagnostics such as ultrasound and cytology, our diagnostic findings guide informed decisions about your pet's health. We are open seven days a week at 1801 Renfrew St, Vancouver, welcoming walk-ins and scheduled appointments.
A complete blood count (CBC) and biochemistry panel are among the most valuable diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine. A CBC evaluates red and white blood cells and platelets, helping identify anemia, infection, inflammation, or immune system changes. A biochemistry panel assesses organ function, including the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, as well as glucose, protein, and electrolyte levels. Together, these tests provide a comprehensive picture of your pet's internal health and are recommended as part of wellness care, pre-surgical screening, and ongoing management of chronic conditions.
Digital X-rays allow our veterinary team to evaluate your pet's bones, joints, chest, and abdominal organs quickly and with minimal stress. We use digital radiography to assess fractures, joint conditions, lung and heart size, evidence of fluid accumulation, intestinal obstruction, and foreign bodies. Digital imaging provides immediate, high-resolution results that our team can review and discuss with you during your appointment, without the wait associated with traditional film X-rays.
Ultrasound imaging provides real-time visualization of your pet's internal organs, allowing our team to assess the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, reproductive organs, adrenal glands, and surrounding lymph nodes without surgery. Ultrasound is non-invasive, does not involve radiation, and can be performed on awake or lightly sedated patients. We also offer ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirates and biopsies, which allow us to collect tissue samples from specific areas with precision and minimal discomfort.
Urinalysis evaluates the composition of your pet's urine, providing information about kidney function, bladder health, glucose regulation, and the presence of infection, crystals, or blood. It is a routine component of wellness care and is particularly important for senior pets, pets with known kidney conditions, and those showing changes in drinking or urination patterns. We collect urine samples in clinic or can advise you on how to collect a sample at home for prompt analysis.
Hormonal imbalances are a common cause of health changes in dogs and cats, particularly as they age. We offer endocrine screening for conditions including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, Cushing's disease, Addison's disease, and diabetes. Progesterone testing is available for breeders managing reproductive health. Our team will interpret results in the context of your pet's clinical signs and health history and discuss appropriate management options.
Before any procedure requiring anesthesia, a preanesthetic health profile confirms that your pet's organ systems are functioning within safe ranges for anesthetic exposure. This panel typically includes a CBC and biochemistry, and may include clotting factor assessment in certain cases. The results allow us to customize the anesthetic protocol for your pet, minimizing risk and improving safety. Preanesthetic screening is recommended for all surgical patients and is particularly important for senior pets and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Skin scraping allows us to identify external parasites such as mites and assess for fungal infections. Ear cytology involves examining a swab from the ear canal under a microscope to identify bacteria, yeast, or parasites contributing to ear disease. Otoscopy provides a clear view of the ear canal and eardrum. Ophthalmoscopy allows examination of the internal structures of the eye, and tonometry measures intraocular pressure, an essential tool for identifying glaucoma early. These diagnostics are recommended for pets showing signs of skin, ear, or eye discomfort.
When a mass, lesion, or enlarged lymph node requires further assessment, tissue sampling provides the clearest picture of what is present. Fine needle aspiration collects cells from a mass for cytology analysis. Surgical biopsies are used when a larger sample is needed for histopathology. Samples are submitted to a veterinary pathology laboratory and results typically return within a few days. Biopsy is available as a standalone service at Renfrew Animal Hospital. For pets with rapidly changing lesions requiring same-day attention, our urgent care team can assess these cases during open hours.
Additional diagnostic services available at Renfrew Animal Hospital include lactate testing for assessing tissue oxygenation in critically ill pets, clotting factor testing for pets with suspected bleeding disorders, vaginal cytology for reproductive health assessment, laparoscopy for minimally invasive internal evaluation, and breeding standards orthopedic radiography for dogs being considered for breeding certification. Our team will discuss which diagnostics are appropriate based on your pet's clinical presentation and history.
