Veterinary Diagnostics for Dogs & Cats in Calgary

Diagnostic Imaging for Dogs & Cats

Diagnostic imaging lets our veterinarians see inside your pet’s body without surgery. It helps us find the cause of a problem, confirm a diagnosis and choose the right treatment.

X-Rays

We have digital X-ray equipment on site, so dog and cat X-rays can usually be taken and reviewed during your pet’s appointment.

Digital radiography gives clear, detailed images in seconds, which means less time on the table for your pet and faster answers for you.

Our veterinarians may recommend X-rays for dogs and cats to:

• Check for broken bones, joint problems and arthritis
• Look for swallowed objects or intestinal blockages
• Assess the heart and lungs when a pet is coughing or having trouble breathing
• Find bladder or kidney stones
• Check for masses or tumours

After the X-rays, your veterinarian will walk you through the images and explain the next steps.

For complex cases, we can send images to a veterinary radiologist for a specialist opinion.

Our In-House IDEXX Lab

Our clinic has its own in-house veterinary lab with IDEXX diagnostic equipment. Many common tests can be run right here, with results often ready in minutes.

Having a lab on site means:

• Faster answers, often during your pet’s visit
• Treatment can start sooner, which matters most for sick or injured pets
• Pre-anesthetic bloodwork can be done the same day as surgery or a dental procedure
• Fewer return trips for you and your pet

For more specialized tests, we send samples to an outside reference laboratory. Results can take a few days to a few weeks depending on the test, and we’ll contact you to go over them.

Lab Tests for Dogs & Cats in Calgary

Lab tests show us what’s happening inside your pet’s body that an exam alone can’t. We use them to check organ health, find infections and parasites, screen healthy pets for early signs of disease and track ongoing conditions over time.

Bloodwork

Bloodwork is one of the most common vet lab tests we run on dogs and cats. A small blood sample tells us how the kidneys, liver and other organs are working, and whether there are signs of infection, anemia or inflammation.

Our veterinarians choose the panel that fits your pet’s age, health and the reason for the visit.

General Blood Panels

A general blood panel is often the first test we run when a pet is unwell, and a common part of wellness checkups. It usually includes a complete blood count (CBC), which looks at red and white blood cells and platelets, and a chemistry panel, which measures kidney and liver values, blood sugar, protein and electrolytes.

Together they give a broad picture of your pet’s health from a single sample.

Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork

Before a surgery or dental procedure, we recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork to check that your pet’s organs can safely process anesthesia. It looks at the kidney and liver values, blood sugar and red blood cell count that matter most under anesthesia.

Because our lab is in-house, the test can be run the morning of the procedure.

Senior Blood Panels

As dogs and cats age, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes and thyroid problems become more common. Many of these show up in bloodwork before a pet shows signs at home.

A senior blood panel combines a CBC and chemistry panel with a thyroid test, and is often paired with a urinalysis. Catching problems early means they are usually easier to manage.

We recommend a senior panel as part of your pet’s senior wellness exams.

Thyroid Testing

Thyroid disease is common in middle-aged and older pets. Dogs tend to develop an underactive thyroid, which can cause weight gain, hair loss and low energy. Cats tend to develop an overactive thyroid, which can cause weight loss, a bigger appetite and restlessness.

A T4 test measures thyroid hormone levels. In dogs, we may also check free T4 and TSH for a full thyroid panel.

Pets on thyroid medication are retested regularly so the dose can be adjusted.

Infectious Disease Tests

Many infections can be checked from a blood sample with a rapid in-house test, often within minutes. Common tests we run include:

• Heartworm testing for dogs, usually as a combined test that also screens for Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections
• FeLV/FIV testing for cats, recommended for new kittens and newly adopted cats, cats that go outdoors and any cat joining a home with other cats

Results help your veterinarian guide treatment right away.

Titre Tests

A titre test measures the antibodies in your pet’s blood to check their immunity from past vaccines. We draw the sample here and send it to an outside laboratory. Results can take a few weeks.

Titre tests are often needed for travel, since some countries require a rabies titre before a dog or cat can enter. The timing rules can be strict, so contact us well ahead of any trip.

Titres are also an option for owners who would rather check immunity to core vaccines, like distemper and parvo, before giving a booster.

Urinalysis

A urinalysis checks your pet’s urine for signs of infection, crystals, blood, protein and sugar. It also measures how well the kidneys are concentrating urine.

We recommend it for any pet that is drinking more, urinating more often, straining or having accidents in the house. It’s also often done alongside bloodwork for senior pets and pets with kidney disease or diabetes.

If an infection is suspected, we may send the sample out for a urine culture to confirm it and find the right antibiotic.

Fecal Exams

A fecal exam checks a small stool sample for intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, giardia and coccidia. Many of these cause no signs until the infection is heavy, and some can spread to people.

We recommend a fecal exam for every puppy and kitten, as part of regular wellness care for adult pets, and any time a pet has diarrhea that doesn’t clear up.

For puppies and unvaccinated dogs with vomiting or diarrhea, we can also run a rapid in-house parvo test from a stool sample.

Cytology

Cytology is the examination of cells under a microscope. A small sample from the ear, skin or a lump is collected during the exam and usually checked in the clinic.

It tells us whether we’re dealing with infection, inflammation, parasites or abnormal cells, so we can choose the right treatment.

Ear Cytology

A swab from inside the ear shows whether an infection is caused by yeast, bacteria or ear mites. Each is treated differently, so we check before prescribing.

We recommend it for any dog or cat that is shaking its head, scratching at its ears or has a smell or discharge from the ear.

Skin Cytology & Skin Scrapings

Skin cytology uses tape or a glass slide pressed onto an itchy, red or scabby patch of skin. It checks for yeast or bacterial infection on the skin surface.

A skin scraping goes a little deeper to look for mites, such as those that cause mange. Hair loss, scabs and intense itching are the usual reasons to check.

Fine Needle Aspirates

A fine needle aspirate is usually the first step for a new lump or bump. A tiny needle draws cells from the lump, with no sedation needed for most pets.

Many lumps turn out to be harmless, such as fatty lumps, but they can’t be told apart by feel alone. If the cells are unclear or look abnormal, we send the slides to a veterinary pathologist or recommend a biopsy.

Why Choose Us for Pet Diagnostics

• In-house diagnostics: Digital X-rays and an IDEXX lab on site, so many results are ready during the visit.
• Proven track record: The clinic has served Calgary since 2010, cared for more than 20,000 pets and holds a 4.4/5 rating from 267+ client reviews.
• Canadian and privately owned: Every decision is made by the people in the building, not a head office.
• Walk-ins and same-day appointments: When your pet is unwell, there’s no need to wait days for an opening. Call ahead and we can often see them the same day.

About Our NW Calgary Animal Clinic

Founded in 2010, Panorama Hills Animal Hospital is an independent, full-service clinic with a team of experienced veterinarians and registered veterinary technologists. The clinic is located at 1110 Panatella Blvd NW #410 in Panorama Hills, and is open six days a week, including Saturdays.

Dog & Cat Diagnostics FAQs

How much do dog and cat X-rays cost?

The cost depends on how many views are needed and whether sedation is used. We give you a quote before any X-rays are taken. Call us for an estimate.

How much do bloodwork and other lab tests cost?

It depends on which tests your pet needs, such as a blood panel, urinalysis, fecal exam, titre or FeLV/FIV test. We go over the cost with you before any testing, and you can call us for an estimate.

How long do results take?

Many in-house tests, including bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal exams and cytology, are back during the visit. Tests sent to the outside lab, such as titres, cultures and biopsies, usually take a few days to a few weeks, and we contact you when they are in.

Does my pet need to fast before bloodwork?

It depends on the test. If fasting is needed, we’ll let you know when you book.

Will my pet be sedated for X-rays?

It depends on your pet and the X-ray. Many pets hold still with gentle help from our team. Others need mild sedation, especially if they are in pain, anxious or hard to keep still. Your veterinarian will go over it with you during the exam.

Do I need an appointment for diagnostic testing?

Walk-ins and same-day visits are welcome. We just ask that you call us first, so we can make sure a veterinarian is available and your pet’s tests can be run that day.

Are you accepting new clients?

Yes. New clients are always welcome. Bring any records from your pet’s previous clinic so we can compare results.

Book a Diagnostic Appointment Today

Whether your pet needs X-rays, bloodwork or another test, our team is here to help. Call us to book today.