Pet medical care at PoCo West Animal Hospital in Port Coquitlam covers the full range of health concerns that affect dogs and cats from puppyhood through their senior years. Whether your companion is managing a chronic condition or showing signs of something new, our veterinary team provides careful evaluation and personalized care plans. We are open seven days a week in Port Coquitlam, including evenings, so that getting timely answers does not require waiting for a specific day.
Allergies in pets can be triggered by environmental factors, food ingredients, or contact allergens, and symptoms often overlap, making evaluation important for proper management. Common signs include persistent itching, hair loss, skin redness, ear infections, and gastrointestinal upset. Our team conducts a thorough physical assessment and reviews your pet's history to identify likely triggers. Management approaches are individualized and may include dietary adjustments, environmental modifications, and supportive care. We work with you to find a practical, sustainable plan that keeps your pet comfortable.
Skin and coat conditions are among the most visible health concerns in dogs and cats, and they are often among the most uncomfortable. Dermatological issues can range from bacterial skin infections and hot spots to sebaceous cysts, ringworm, and more complex autoimmune skin conditions. Our team assesses the skin using a combination of physical examination and, where indicated, diagnostic testing such as skin scrapings, cytology, or fungal culture. Early assessment prevents secondary infections from taking hold and keeps your pet more comfortable over time.
Ear infections in dogs and cats are frequently recurring if the underlying cause is not addressed. Our team evaluates the ear canal, identifies the contributing factors including bacteria, yeast, mites, or structural anatomy, and provides a targeted care plan. Eye infections, conjunctivitis, and corneal conditions are also assessed and managed at our clinic. Many eye concerns require prompt attention because symptoms can progress quickly. If your dog or cat is shaking their head, scratching at an ear, squinting, or showing discharge from the eye, we recommend bringing them in the same day when possible.
Gastrointestinal issues are among the most common reasons pets visit the veterinarian. Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight changes can have many causes, from dietary indiscretion to parasites to inflammatory bowel conditions. Our team performs a full assessment including history review, physical examination, and targeted diagnostic testing to identify the source of the problem. We develop a care plan that addresses the underlying issue, not just the surface symptoms. Dietary guidance is included when food plays a role in your pet's gastrointestinal health.
Pets are often stoic about pain, which means discomfort can be well advanced before it is recognized at home. Signs of pain include reluctance to move, changes in grooming habits, altered posture, behavioral changes, and vocalizing when touched. Our team performs a thorough physical assessment to identify the source and severity of pain. We develop individualized pain management plans using current veterinary protocols. For post-surgical recovery, chronic conditions, or acute injuries, effective pain management is central to your pet's wellbeing and recovery.
Endocrine conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing's disease, and Addison's disease require ongoing monitoring and personalized care. These conditions are often diagnosed through bloodwork and hormonal testing, and their management involves regular follow-up assessments to evaluate how well your pet is responding. Our team in Port Coquitlam works closely with you to monitor your companion, interpret results, and adjust care plans as needed. Living with a pet who has an endocrine condition is manageable with consistent veterinary support.
When your pet's health concern does not fit a clear category, a comprehensive medical assessment helps identify what is happening. Our team conducts a head-to-tail physical examination and reviews your pet's history to gather a complete picture of their health. Assessment findings guide the next steps, whether that involves diagnostic testing, a referral to a specialist, or a watchful monitoring plan. We take time with each patient and never rush through a concern that matters to you.
Allergies and skin infections can look nearly identical from the outside. An in-clinic evaluation is the most reliable way to tell them apart. Our team uses physical assessment, and sometimes cytology or skin scrapings, to identify the cause. Getting an accurate answer early prevents unnecessary product use and keeps your pet more comfortable.
Increased thirst and urination are classic signs of several medical conditions, including diabetes, kidney concerns, and endocrine imbalances. We recommend a same-day or next-day appointment when these signs appear. A blood panel and urinalysis provide the most useful starting point for understanding what is happening.
Yes, diabetes is relatively common in cats, particularly in overweight male cats over 8 years old. It is managed with a combination of dietary adjustments and, in many cases, insulin administration. Monitoring appointments are important for adjusting the care plan over time. Our team will walk you through what daily management looks like and answer every question you have.
Morning stiffness that improves with movement is a common pattern in pets with joint conditions, especially older or larger breed dogs. It is worth a checkup to assess joint health and discuss a management plan. Early attention often makes a meaningful difference in your pet’s quality of life.
If your pet is showing signs that concern you, our veterinary team in Port Coquitlam is here to help. Call PoCo West Animal Hospital at (604) 554-1255 or book online at pocowestvets.ca/make-an-appointment/. Open seven days a week, evenings included.
