Accurate, timely diagnostics are the foundation of effective veterinary care. At Bowness Animal Hospital, our pet diagnostics services give our team the information needed to understand what is happening inside your pet’s body, confirm a clinical impression, or catch a health change before it becomes a serious problem. We offer a full range of in-house diagnostic services for dogs and cats in Calgary, with same-day results available for most tests. Our clinic serves pets in Bowness and across NW Calgary, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
A complete blood count (CBC) evaluates red and white blood cells and platelets, revealing signs of infection, anemia, immune conditions, and clotting ability. A blood panel or baseline profile adds organ function markers including liver, kidney, and pancreatic values, giving our team a comprehensive view of your pet's systemic health. Blood work is recommended before surgery to ensure safe anesthetic management, as part of senior wellness screening, and whenever a pet is showing signs of illness that cannot be fully explained by a physical exam alone. Our in-house lab delivers results quickly so your pet's care is not delayed.
Digital X-rays allow our team to assess bones, joints, the chest, and abdominal organs with clarity and speed. We use radiography to evaluate fractures, joint changes, dental roots, lung changes, and abdominal concerns. Ultrasound adds a real-time, non-invasive view of soft tissue and organ structure, making it valuable for assessing the liver, kidneys, bladder, heart, and reproductive organs. Together, these two imaging tools provide a thorough view of your pet's internal health without the need for surgery. Echocardiograms (cardiac ultrasound) are available through a visiting specialist for pets requiring advanced cardiac assessment. Pre-booking is required for echocardiograms.
Urinalysis is a straightforward, non-invasive test that provides detailed information about kidney function, bladder health, blood sugar regulation, and urinary tract infections. We recommend urinalysis as part of wellness screening and whenever a pet shows signs of increased thirst, frequent urination, or urinary discomfort. Snap tests provide rapid results for time-sensitive conditions including parvovirus in dogs, FeLV/FIV in cats, and pancreatitis in both species. These tests allow our team to act quickly in cases where speed matters most.
Our in-house laboratory allows us to process a wide range of diagnostic samples without sending them to an outside facility, giving you faster answers. Skin scrapings identify mites, fungal organisms, and other causes of skin changes. Ear cytology involves examining a sample from the ear canal under a microscope to identify yeast, bacteria, or mites, giving us a precise target for care. Parasitology services cover fecal testing and broader parasite screening. Fine needle aspirate (FNA) and cytology provide cellular-level information about masses, lumps, and lymph nodes. Histopathology analyzes tissue samples from biopsies or removed masses to determine the cellular type and extent of disease.
Endocrinology testing covers hormone assessments for conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing's disease, and Addison's disease. Titer testing measures antibody levels to determine whether a pet has sufficient immunity from prior vaccination. Progesterone testing helps breeders determine the ideal timing for mating or planned c-section. Clotting factor assessments evaluate your pet's ability to form clots, important before surgical procedures in pets with bleeding history or certain breed predispositions. Geriatric panels combine multiple markers into a comprehensive screen for senior pets, giving our team a broad view of age-related changes.
For a non-invasive, detailed look at your pet’s internal organs, ultrasonography is a powerful tool. At Bowness Animal Hospital in Calgary, we use ultrasound technology to examine your pet’s heart, liver, kidneys, and more, without the need for surgery. Whether diagnosing internal issues or monitoring ongoing health conditions, ultrasonography provides real-time insights that allow us to create a precise treatment plan.
Most in-house blood panels are completed within an hour of sample collection. This means our veterinarian can review results and discuss findings with you during or shortly after the same appointment.
Fasting is recommended for most blood panels, typically 8 to 12 hours before the appointment. We will confirm fasting requirements when you book. Water is generally permitted throughout.
A titer test measures the antibodies your pet has from previous vaccinations, helping us determine whether boosters are currently needed. It is not appropriate for all vaccine types but can be useful for pets with health conditions or vaccine sensitivities.
An echocardiogram is a cardiac ultrasound performed by a visiting specialist at our clinic. It provides detailed images of heart structure and function and is used to assess valve disease, enlarged chambers, and cardiomyopathy. Pre-booking is required.
Accurate diagnostics lead to better care for your pet. Call Bowness Animal Hospital at (587) 391-3911 or book online at bownessvet.ca/make-an-appointment/ to schedule a diagnostic appointment for your dog or cat in Bowness, NW Calgary.
