Accurate diagnostic information is the foundation of effective veterinary care. At McCurdy Animal Hospital in Kelowna, our diagnostic services allow us to investigate your pet's health concerns thoroughly and develop care plans based on real data. From in-house blood panels and urinalysis to digital X-rays and ultrasound, we offer a broad range of diagnostic tools for dogs and cats. We explain every result clearly and use findings to guide the most appropriate next steps for your pet.
A complete blood count and comprehensive blood panel provide a detailed picture of your pet's organ function, blood cell counts, and metabolic status. These panels are used to screen for disease, monitor chronic conditions, assess anesthetic risk before surgery, and evaluate a sick pet's overall health. We run panels in-house for rapid results. Whether your pet is due for a wellness screen or showing signs of illness, blood work is often the most direct way to understand what is happening internally.
Digital X-rays allow our team to evaluate your pet's bones, joints, chest, and abdomen quickly and with high image clarity. X-rays are used to assess fractures, joint disease, lung and heart conditions, foreign bodies, bladder stones, and many other conditions affecting internal structures. Digital imaging provides immediate results for review during your visit. We explain what we see on the images and how findings inform the next steps for your pet's care.
Ultrasound imaging provides a real-time view of internal organs and soft tissues that X-rays cannot fully evaluate. It is particularly useful for assessing the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs, and for identifying masses, fluid accumulation, and structural changes. Ultrasound is non-invasive and does not require anesthetic in most cases. It is often used alongside X-ray and blood work to build a more complete picture of a pet's health when multiple body systems are involved.
Urinalysis evaluates the composition of your pet's urine, providing information about kidney function, urinary tract infections, bladder crystals, and metabolic conditions such as diabetes. It is one of the most informative tests we can run for pets showing signs of increased thirst, frequent urination, accidents, blood in the urine, or straining. A fresh urine sample can be submitted at any visit, and we can also collect samples in clinic when needed. Results are reviewed in the context of your pet's full health picture.
Rapid snap tests allow us to screen for common infectious diseases quickly in a single clinic visit. Tests are available for heartworm, Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, parvovirus, feline leukemia virus, FIV, and other conditions. Results are available within minutes, allowing us to act quickly when a test is positive. Snap testing is a practical option for wellness screening, for sick pets, and for dogs and cats coming from areas with higher disease prevalence.
Titer testing measures the level of antibodies in your pet's blood for specific diseases, helping determine whether existing immunity is sufficient before repeating a vaccine. Titer testing is a useful option for pet owners who prefer to avoid revaccination when adequate protection is already present, and for pets with a history of vaccine reactions. We offer titer testing for core vaccines and can discuss whether it is an appropriate option for your dog or cat at your next visit.
Skin scraping is used to evaluate for mite infestations including mange, while fine needle aspiration (FNA) and cytology allow us to collect and examine cells from masses, lumps, or abnormal tissue. These tests help determine the nature of skin conditions, enlarged lymph nodes, and suspicious growths without requiring surgery. Samples are examined in-house or submitted to a reference laboratory depending on the complexity of the findings. We review results with you and explain what they mean for your pet's care plan.
Fecal testing screens for intestinal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Giardia, coccidia, and other organisms that can affect your pet's digestive health and potentially spread to people in the household. We recommend annual fecal testing for most pets, and more frequent testing for puppies, kittens, outdoor cats, and pets with regular exposure to other animals or natural environments. A fresh stool sample submitted at your visit provides results that guide appropriate deworming and monitoring.
A biopsy involves collecting a small sample of tissue for laboratory analysis, providing a definitive assessment of the nature of a mass, lesion, or abnormal area. Biopsies are recommended when FNA cytology results are inconclusive, when tissue architecture is needed to understand a finding, or when a confirmed assessment is required before making major care decisions. We perform biopsies as a same-day service for appropriate cases and coordinate laboratory submission and result review as part of the process.
Ear cytology involves collecting and examining a sample from the ear canal under a microscope to identify the type of organism causing an infection. Distinguishing between bacterial, yeast, and mite-related ear problems is essential for selecting the most effective approach, since different causes require different management. Ear cytology is a routine part of our assessment for pets presenting with ear discomfort, discharge, or odor, and allows us to act with greater accuracy rather than relying on empirical selection alone.
Parasitology services at McCurdy Animal Hospital include fecal examination, skin scraping, and testing for both internal and external parasites. Parasitology screens are recommended as part of routine wellness monitoring and when a pet presents with symptoms that could be parasite-related. We discuss findings in context and recommend appropriate follow-up including deworming, recheck testing, and prevention strategies suited to your pet's lifestyle.
Progesterone testing measures hormone levels in female dogs to accurately determine the optimal time for breeding or to predict whelping. Accurate timing based on progesterone levels improves conception rates and helps anticipate the expected delivery window. We offer progesterone testing for breeding dogs and can discuss the testing schedule appropriate for your dog's cycle. Results are reviewed with you promptly so that time-sensitive decisions can be made confidently.
We run in-house blood panels that provide results within the same visit in most cases. For more specialized testing that requires an external laboratory, results typically return within 24 to 72 hours depending on the test. We will let you know at your appointment which tests will be available same-day and which require laboratory processing. Call (778) 484-9446 if you have questions about a specific test.
Yes. Wellness bloodwork provides a baseline for your pet’s normal values and helps detect early changes in organ function before symptoms appear. Many conditions including kidney disease, liver disease, and thyroid disorders develop gradually and are most manageable when caught early. We recommend annual panels for adult pets and more frequent monitoring for seniors.
Both tests provide information about kidney function but from different angles. Bloodwork measures waste products in the blood that the kidneys should be filtering out. Urinalysis evaluates the concentration and composition of the urine the kidneys are producing. Together, they give a more complete picture of kidney health than either test alone. We often recommend both when kidney disease is a concern.
For routine blood panels, fasting for 8 to 12 hours before the appointment is recommended for the most accurate results, though it is not always required. We will advise on this at the time of booking. For abdominal ultrasound, fasting helps reduce gas in the intestines, which can interfere with image quality. Call (778) 484-9446 if you have questions about how to prepare your pet before their appointment.
Book a diagnostic appointment for your dog or cat at McCurdy Animal Hospital in Kelowna. Our team provides thorough testing and clear explanations of every result. Call (778) 484-9446 or book online at mahvet.ca/book-an-appointment/.
