Our Clinical Approach to Veterinary Care

Thoughtful, evidence-based veterinary care for dogs and cats in Stittsville, Kanata, and West Ottawa.

What We Mean by “Approach”

At Stittsville Kanata Veterinary Hospital, our approach refers to how medical decisions are made, not just which services are offered.

We focus on careful assessment, appropriate diagnostics, clear communication, and shared decision-making so that care is tailored to each pet and situation.

This approach applies to both urgent medical concerns and ongoing preventive care.

How Medical Decisions Are Made

Every visit follows a structured clinical process designed to reduce guesswork and support safe, appropriate care.

Assessment

We begin by evaluating your pet’s condition based on presenting concerns, history, and clinical findings.
Diagnostic Consideration

When needed, diagnostic testing such as bloodwork, imaging, or cytology is used to better understand what is happening internally. Clinical signs alone cannot reliably determine severity.
Clear Explanation

Findings are explained in plain language, including what is known, what is uncertain, and what conditions may need to be ruled out.
Options & Costs Reviewed

Diagnostic and treatment options, along with associated costs, are discussed before proceeding.
Care Plan Selection

A care plan is chosen collaboratively, guided by medical judgment and the needs of your pet.

Veterinary exam room at Stittsville Kanata Veterinary Hospital used for clinical assessment and medical decision-making.

Why Diagnostic Testing Is Recommended

Many conditions look similar on the surface but differ significantly in severity, cause, and required treatment. Diagnostic testing allows veterinarians to distinguish between minor and serious disease, avoid unnecessary treatment, and identify problems early.

Testing is not ordered automatically — it is recommended when it helps guide safer, more appropriate care.

In-House Diagnostics and Procedures

Our clinic is equipped to provide a wide range of diagnostic testing and procedures on site, allowing for timely assessment and continuity of care when appropriate. This may include laboratory testing, imaging, dental procedures, and surgical care.

Providing diagnostics and procedures in-house helps reduce delays, improve communication, and support informed decision-making.

Urgent and Non-Urgent Care Are Approached Differently

Urgent care focuses on assessing medical stability, identifying time-sensitive conditions, and determining appropriate next steps during clinic hours.
Wellness and routine care focus on prevention, early detection, and long-term health planning for stable patients.

While the goals differ, the same decision-making principles apply to both.

Second Opinions and Complex Medical Decisions

We provide second-opinion consultations for cases where clarity is needed or when treatment decisions feel uncertain. This may involve reviewing prior diagnostics, reassessing clinical findings, or discussing alternative approaches.

Second opinions are approached with respect, objectivity, and a focus on what is best for the patient.

Clear Communication and Informed Consent

We believe that clients should understand what is happening, why recommendations are made, and what options are available.

Costs and expectations are discussed before treatment, and questions are encouraged throughout the visit.

Referral and Advanced Care

Some conditions require specialty or referral-level care. When this is the case, we discuss findings openly and help guide appropriate next steps so that care continues without delay.

Who This Approach Is Best Suited For

Our approach is well suited for pet owners who value:

Thoughtful medical assessment
Clear explanations and transparency
Evidence-based recommendations
Shared decision-making

If you’re unsure which type of visit is appropriate or would like to discuss your pet’s care, our team is happy to help guide you.