Timely and thorough diagnostics help us understand what your pet can’t say. With advanced tools and gentle care, we aim to uncover health concerns early, so your pet receives the treatment they need with comfort and clarity.
Timely and thorough diagnostics help us understand what your pet can’t say. With advanced tools and gentle care, we aim to uncover health concerns early, so your pet receives the treatment they need with comfort and clarity.
Fungal infections can present through skin changes, hair loss, or nail abnormalities. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, we use fungassay testing to identify dermatophytes such as ringworm. This diagnostic involves culturing hair or skin samples under specific conditions to observe fungal growth. Results typically develop over several days, allowing us to determine the appropriate treatment plan and help prevent further spread, especially in multi-pet households.
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) and general biochemistry panel provide insight into your pet’s overall health status. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, these blood tests help detect signs of infection, inflammation, anemia, and organ function changes. Whether for a routine checkup or to investigate specific symptoms, these panels allow us to make informed decisions about your pet’s care based on measurable biological indicators.
As pets age, their health needs change. Geriatric panels at Lougheed Animal Hospital include bloodwork and urine analysis designed to screen for age-related conditions such as kidney disease, liver dysfunction, and metabolic imbalances. These panels help us detect developing issues early and adapt your pet’s care plan as needed. Regular testing can provide peace of mind and support your senior pet’s ongoing comfort and well-being.
When pets show signs of itching, hair loss, or redness, a skin scraping can help identify the underlying cause. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, this diagnostic test involves collecting a small sample of surface skin to examine under a microscope. It helps detect external parasites, mites, or signs of infection. The findings assist us in selecting appropriate treatments and monitoring progress over time.
Radiology allows us to evaluate your pet’s bones, chest, and abdominal organs noninvasively. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, we use digital X-rays to investigate symptoms such as limping, coughing, or gastrointestinal discomfort. X-rays can reveal fractures, foreign bodies, or changes in organ size and structure. Interpretation is done with attention to your pet’s clinical history to help build a more complete understanding of the situation.
Tonometry is used to measure intraocular pressure in your pet’s eyes, which helps detect conditions like glaucoma. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, this test is often performed when pets show signs of eye pain, swelling, or cloudiness. It is a quick and minimally invasive procedure, and the results can support further evaluation or treatment to preserve your pet’s eye health and comfort.
Ultrasound provides a non-invasive way to visualize soft tissues and internal organs in real time. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, ultrasonography is used to assess conditions involving the liver, kidneys, bladder, or abdomen. It helps guide diagnoses or procedures, especially when symptoms are not explained by physical exams alone. This imaging tool offers added detail and helps us evaluate changes that may not appear on X-rays.
Hormonal disorders in pets can affect everything from appetite and weight to energy and coat condition. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, we perform endocrinology testing to evaluate hormones linked to diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, Addison’s disease, and Cushing’s disease. Blood tests are interpreted in the context of your pet’s history and symptoms. If imbalances are found, we’ll discuss treatment options and monitoring strategies.
Progesterone testing plays an important role in timing breeding or planning artificial insemination. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, we use this blood test to measure hormone levels during estrus to determine the optimal window for conception. This can be particularly helpful in reproductive planning for breeders and clients seeking managed breeding outcomes. Timing and repeat testing may be required depending on individual cases.
When a tissue sample or mass is surgically removed, histopathology can help determine its nature. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, samples are sent to a veterinary pathologist for microscopic evaluation. This process assists in diagnosing tumors, inflammatory conditions, or unexplained tissue changes. The results support us in developing a suitable treatment or monitoring plan based on the pathology findings and your pet’s clinical background.
Urinalysis provides valuable information about kidney function, hydration status, and urinary tract health. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, we examine urine samples to detect infections, crystals, glucose levels, and other abnormalities. This test often complements bloodwork during health evaluations or is used to monitor chronic conditions. In some cases, further testing such as cultures or imaging may be recommended based on the findings.
When a pet has unexplained bruising, prolonged bleeding, or a condition requiring surgery, clotting tests may be performed. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, clotting factor diagnostics help us assess your pet’s ability to form blood clots and detect issues like platelet disorders or inherited clotting conditions. These tests guide our approach to surgery or medical management, especially in breeds prone to bleeding concerns.
Chronic scratching or discharge from the ears may indicate parasites or infection. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, we perform microscopic ear evaluations to identify mites, yeast, or bacteria. Ear cytology involves examining samples to determine the type of infection, which allows for more targeted treatment. Follow-up testing is sometimes recommended to assess how the ear is responding to therapy over time.
Fecal testing helps identify internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, or protozoa. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, we analyze stool samples using flotation and microscopic techniques. Routine fecal exams are recommended for puppies, kittens, and pets exposed to shared environments. If parasites are detected, a deworming plan can be initiated. Ongoing testing may be advised depending on lifestyle and exposure risks.
Snap tests are in-clinic diagnostics that help screen for certain infections and conditions quickly. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, we offer snap tests for canine parvovirus, feline leukemia virus (FELV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and pancreatitis in dogs and cats. These tests are helpful in emergencies or when rapid results support timely treatment decisions. Positive results may be followed by further confirmatory diagnostics.
Echocardiograms are advanced heart ultrasounds performed by a specialist to evaluate heart structure and function. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, we coordinate referrals with board-certified professionals who come on-site for echocardiography. This service is valuable when pets show signs of murmurs, heart disease, or unexplained weakness. The findings help guide long-term treatment plans for cardiac conditions or monitor changes over time.
Titer testing checks your pet’s immunity to specific diseases like distemper or parvovirus by measuring antibody levels in the blood. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, this test may be offered as an alternative to routine revaccination, especially for pets with medical sensitivities. It helps determine whether a booster is needed based on existing immunity, and results are interpreted in the context of your pet’s health and vaccination history.
Parasitology testing helps detect both internal and external parasites that may affect your pet’s health. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, we use a range of diagnostic tools to identify worms, protozoa, and skin parasites such as mites or fleas. Depending on the findings, we provide a treatment plan tailored to the type of parasite and your pet’s condition. Preventive guidance is also discussed when needed.
FNAC is a minimally invasive technique used to examine cells from lumps or swellings. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, this procedure involves inserting a small needle into the mass to collect samples for cytological analysis. The results can help differentiate between cysts, inflammation, or tumours and may guide the decision for surgical removal or further diagnostics. Sedation is not always required, depending on the case.
Lougheed Animal Hospital offers access to mobile echocardiography and abdominal ultrasound services by visiting specialists. This means advanced imaging can be arranged on-site, minimizing travel stress for your pet. These procedures provide detailed insight into heart and organ health and are used to investigate complex cases or monitor chronic conditions. Scheduling and case reviews are done in collaboration with your primary care veterinarian.
