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Yes. When indicated, we can perform ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirates (FNA) or biopsies to obtain tissue or cell samples for further diagnostic testing.

Cytology involves collecting cells using a fine needle and examining them under a microscope. This is minimally invasive and provides rapid preliminary information about the nature of a mass or organ change—whether it is inflammatory, infectious, or potentially neoplastic.

A fine needle aspirate (FNA) is performed using a thin needle, often without the need for general anesthesia, to collect a small number of cells from an organ or lesion. This is useful for screening and staging, particularly in cases involving the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, or abdominal masses.

Preliminary findings are often discussed the same day, with a detailed interpretation provided shortly thereafter by our board-certified  veterinary radiologist.

Most ultrasounds take 30–60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional procedures (such as fine needle aspirates) are needed.

Yes. The area of interest is shaved to allow the probe to make direct contact with the skin and achieve the clearest images.

Fasting for 8–12 hours is typically recommended to reduce interference from gas in the intestines. Water is generally allowed. Specific preparation instructions will be provided by a PetDerm technican when your appointment is scheduled.

Yes. Ultrasound does not use radiation and is considered safe, lower risk procedure. Most pets do require sedation to allow for precise imaging position.

Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to create real-time pictures of your pet’s internal organs. It helps assess their structure and detect abnormalities without surgery.

It is not recommended to use raw food for an elimination diet trial. Raw diets can pose health risks due to potential contamination with harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria. These bacteria can make both pets and their owners’ sick. For a safe and effective elimination diet, it’s best to use a specially formulated commercial diet or a home-cooked diet prepared under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Food allergy is a genuine allergic response where the immune system becomes overly sensitive to ingredients a pet has previously eaten. For food allergy to occur, the pet must have been exposed to the problematic allergen or a similar one with cross-reactivity. On the other hand, food intolerance doesn’t need prior sensitization and can happen on the first exposure. In dogs and cats, food intolerance reactions typically manifest as gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or vomiting. 

An elimination diet for a cat or dog involves feeding them a special diet that excludes all the ingredients they have previously eaten. This helps identify which foods might be causing allergies. The process typically lasts for at least 8 weeks, but it can extend up to 12 weeks. During this time, it’s crucial to avoid giving your pet any treats, chews, or flavored medications that could interfere with the trial. If symptoms improve, potential allergens are reintroduced one at a time to pinpoint the specific cause of the allergy. The PetDerm team can help you develop an elimination diet to improve your pet’s quality of life.

The only reliable way to diagnose food allergies in dogs and cats is through a strict elimination diet trial. While some tests claim to detect food allergies using blood, hair, or saliva, they are not reliable or dependable. 

Symptoms of food allergies in dogs and cats may include behaviours such as licking, scratching, chewing, and rubbing various regions like the face, ears, rear, armpits, and other body parts. Additionally some pets with food allergies may present gastrointestinal manifestations such as loose stool and vomiting. Distinguishing food allergies from environmental allergies can be complicated and that is why we are here to help. Diet consultations with a veterinary dermatologist can help your pet enjoy food again! 

Food allergies account for up to approximately 30% of pets with allergies, but they can be layered with allergies to house dust mites, pollens, grasses, and trees, which makes it hard to treat with diet alone. And because there is no accurate food allergy testing available in veterinary medicine, a change in diet might only work when addressing other factors that could be causing your pet’s rash, itch, or ear infection.