Diagnostics for Dogs and Cats in Nanaimo
Accurate information drives better care. When your dog or cat is unwell, your veterinarian needs reliable data quickly to make sound decisions about what comes next. Harewood Pet Hospital in Nanaimo offers in-house diagnostic services that produce results during your visit in most cases, reducing the time between concern and clarity. Our diagnostic suite includes bloodwork, digital X-rays, FAST ultrasound, laboratory services, and fine needle aspirate sampling for dogs and cats. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and same-day diagnostic appointments are available for urgent concerns when you call ahead.
In-House Bloodwork in Nanaimo
Blood work is one of the most informative tools available in veterinary medicine. A complete blood count and blood chemistry panel reveal information about red and white blood cell levels, organ function, blood sugar, protein levels, and electrolytes, among many other values. In-house blood analysis at Harewood Pet Hospital means results are available quickly, within the same appointment in most situations. Blood work is valuable in several contexts: when a pet is unwell and a rapid assessment is needed, when an older pet's wellness exam warrants organ function screening, and before any anaesthetic procedure. Pre-anaesthetic blood work allows your veterinarian to evaluate your pet's organ function and adjust the anaesthetic plan accordingly. This is a standard step at Harewood Pet Hospital for any surgical or dental procedure.
Digital X-Rays for Pets in Nanaimo
Digital radiography allows your veterinarian to assess bones, joints, the chest cavity, and the abdomen in detail. X-rays are used to investigate limping, breathing difficulty, suspected fractures, abdominal concerns, tooth root involvement in dental patients, and changes in organ size or shape. Digital imaging produces high-resolution images that are available for review immediately during your pet's appointment. When specialist input is needed, digital images can be shared with referral partners without delay. Harewood Pet Hospital uses digital X-ray for a wide range of diagnostic situations in dogs and cats, from routine pre-anaesthetic screening to the assessment of acute concerns on the same day. Chest and abdominal radiographs are among the most commonly requested studies and provide important context for clinical decision-making.
FAST Ultrasound in Nanaimo
FAST ultrasound (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) is a rapid, point-of-care imaging technique used to evaluate the abdomen and chest for the presence of fluid or other abnormalities. It is particularly useful when a pet presents with acute abdominal pain, trauma, respiratory distress, or a suspected mass. FAST ultrasound complements radiographs by providing real-time information about soft tissue structures and fluid distributions that radiographs cannot always show. The procedure is non-invasive, does not require sedation in most cases, and produces results immediately. This in-house capability allows your veterinarian to make informed decisions quickly and is an important part of Harewood Pet Hospital's same-day urgent care service in Nanaimo.
Lab Services and Fine Needle Aspirate in Nanaimo
In-house laboratory services at Harewood Pet Hospital include urinalysis, ear cytology, skin cytology, and fine needle aspirate (FNA) sampling. FNA is a minimally invasive technique used to collect cells from a lump, mass, or enlarged lymph node for cytology review. In-house cytology provides a rapid preliminary result that guides next steps in the same appointment. For cases requiring more complex testing, Harewood Pet Hospital works with reference laboratories for allergy panels, histopathology, hormone assays, and advanced blood panels. Reference laboratory results are typically available within a few business days. Your veterinarian reviews results with you directly and clearly explains what they mean and what is recommended going forward.
Explore More Services
In-house blood work results at Harewood Pet Hospital are typically available within the same appointment. This allows your veterinarian to review findings with you before you leave and discuss next steps on the same day. Reference laboratory testing for more specialized panels takes a few business days, and your veterinarian will contact you when results are ready.
Fasting is recommended before blood work in many cases, as food can affect certain blood values including triglycerides and blood glucose. Your veterinarian will advise you on whether fasting is appropriate for your pet and for how long when scheduling the appointment. For urgent blood work, fasting may not always be possible, and your veterinarian will note any relevant context when reviewing results.
FAST stands for Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma. It is a rapid, point-of-care ultrasound technique used to look for fluid accumulation or abnormalities in the abdomen or chest. It is commonly used when a pet presents with sudden abdominal pain, trauma, respiratory difficulty, or a suspected mass. The procedure is non-invasive and does not typically require sedation.
Yes. Fine needle aspirate (FNA) sampling can be performed in-clinic to collect cells from a lump or mass for cytology review. In-house cytology provides a quick preliminary assessment during or after your visit. For cases where more detailed evaluation is needed, samples can be submitted to a reference pathology laboratory. Your veterinarian will advise which option is most appropriate based on the size, location, and characteristics of the mass.
If your dog or cat needs bloodwork, X-rays, or same-day assessment in Nanaimo, call Harewood Pet Hospital at (250) 268-3133. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and aim to get you answers the same day.