Advanced Veterinary Diagnostics in NW Calgary
When your dog or cat is unwell, clear answers are essential for guiding the next steps in their care. At NorthWest Animal Hospital in Carrington, NW Calgary, our in-house diagnostic services allow us to collect, analyze, and act on results quickly, reducing stress and wait times for your pet and your family. We are open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, and Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. Call (403) 930-3500 to schedule a diagnostic appointment.
Blood Panel and Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A complete blood count and blood chemistry panel provide a comprehensive picture of your pet's internal health. The CBC evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, giving us information about immune function, anemia, infection, and clotting. The chemistry panel assesses organ function including the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, as well as blood sugar and electrolyte levels. Blood panels are used for pre-anesthetic screening, annual wellness monitoring in senior pets, and the investigation of illness. Results from our in-house analyzer are typically available within minutes, allowing our team to begin discussing findings with you the same day.
Digital X-Ray
Digital radiography allows our team to visualize bones, joints, chest structures, and abdominal organs quickly and with high image clarity. We use digital X-rays to evaluate fractures, arthritis, lung and heart conditions, intestinal obstruction, bladder stones, and other internal changes. Digital X-ray produces images immediately, requires no chemical processing, and exposes your pet to less radiation than conventional film radiography. Images can be easily stored and shared with specialists when referral input is needed.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging complements X-ray by providing real-time visualization of soft tissue structures including the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, and lymph nodes. It is particularly useful for evaluating fluid accumulations, masses, and organ texture changes that X-rays cannot fully characterize. Ultrasound is non-invasive and does not require sedation in most cooperative patients. Our in-house ultrasound capabilities allow us to perform abdominal evaluations during your visit. For cardiac echo or more specialized abdominal imaging, we coordinate access to visiting specialist services, provided by a qualified visiting veterinary specialist with pre-booking required.
Urinalysis and Urine Culture
Urinalysis evaluates the physical and chemical properties of urine, including protein, glucose, blood, and cellular elements. It is one of the most useful screening tools for detecting urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, and bladder inflammation. A urine culture may be added when bacterial infection is suspected, to identify the organism involved and confirm the most effective course of care. We collect urine samples by sterile cystocentesis when culture accuracy is required.
Fecal Testing and Parasitology
Fecal tests detect intestinal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, tapeworm segments, Giardia, and coccidia. Many parasites are present long before your pet shows visible symptoms, and regular annual fecal testing is recommended for all adult patients. Puppies and kittens are tested at each of their early visits as part of their parasite prevention protocol. Parasitology testing extends beyond routine fecals to include targeted testing for specific organisms when warranted by clinical signs.
Snap Testing and Titer Testing
Snap tests provide rapid in-clinic results for conditions including heartworm, feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, Giardia, parvovirus, and tick-borne diseases. Results are available within minutes and allow us to respond to your pet's situation without delay. Titer testing measures your pet's current level of immunity against specific diseases, such as parvovirus or distemper, which can be useful when evaluating whether a booster vaccine is currently needed. Titer testing is available for dogs and cats at NorthWest Animal Hospital.
Geriatric Panels and Endocrinology
Senior pets benefit from expanded blood panels that evaluate thyroid function, adrenal gland health, and more detailed organ markers than a standard chemistry panel. Endocrine testing for conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing's disease, Addison's disease, and progesterone levels supports both medical management and breeding decisions. Fine needle aspiration (FNA), ear cytology, histopathology, skin scraping, and clotting factor assessment round out our in-house diagnostic capabilities for patients requiring deeper investigation.
Our in-house blood analyzer produces results within minutes for most panels, which means our veterinarian can review findings with you the same day. We do not need to send routine bloodwork to an external laboratory for most cases.
Annual bloodwork is recommended for adult pets as part of their wellness exam, and twice-yearly for senior pets. Many conditions, including early kidney disease and thyroid problems, are detectable through bloodwork long before symptoms appear. Early detection significantly improves management outcomes.
A urinalysis evaluates the concentration, chemical composition, and cellular content of urine. It can detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, and bladder inflammation. It is one of the most useful routine tests we run, especially for cats and senior dogs.
For a lump or mass, we typically begin with a fine needle aspiration (FNA) to collect cells for microscopic evaluation. This helps us determine what type of tissue is involved and whether surgical removal or further investigation is recommended.
Get clear answers for your pet’s health questions at NorthWest Animal Hospital in Carrington, NW Calgary. Call (403) 930-3500 or book online at nwvet.ca/book-an-appointment/. Serving dogs and cats in NW Calgary seven days a week.