Veterinary Diagnostics in Columbus, OH
Great Southern Animal Hospital offers veterinary diagnostics, from its South Columbus location on S. High Street since 1953. Call (614) 491-5632 or contact the team online to schedule your pet's diagnostic visit today.
When something seems off with your pet and you need clear answers fast, Great Southern Animal Hospital provides comprehensive veterinary diagnostics, at 2685 S. High St., Dr. Dustin B. Sears, D.V.M., MS, has served dogs and cats throughout South Columbus, and nearby neighborhoods since 1953. The team can often complete multiple diagnostic tests on a single visit.
What Diagnostic Tests Are Available at Great Southern Animal Hospital?
Great Southern Animal Hospital offers a broad range of in-house diagnostic modalities so results may be available on the same day rather than days later waiting on a reference lab.
In-House Blood Work and Laboratory Testing
Blood chemistry profiles can reveal organ function, cell counts, glucose levels, and more. The hospital also performs heartworm testing, feline leukemia and FIV screening, intestinal parasite examinations, and urinalysis in-house. Presurgical bloodwork is completed before any procedure to screen for anesthetic risks, and Dr. Sears reviews results with each patient prior to surgery.
Digital Radiography (X-Rays)
Digital X-rays allow the veterinary team to evaluate bones, joints, the chest, and the abdomen with greater clarity and speed than traditional film. For pets that have experienced trauma, rapid imaging supports faster diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound complements X-rays by providing soft-tissue detail that radiographs cannot show. Abdominal ultrasound may evaluate the liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and reproductive organs, often without sedation.
Cytology and Additional Screenings
Cytology assists in identifying skin and ear conditions, masses, or fluid samples. Allergy and cardiac screenings are also available on-site, expanding what can be evaluated at a single appointment rather than requiring an immediate specialist referral.
How Does the Diagnostic Process Work?
Here is what pet owners can typically expect when bringing their dog or cat in for diagnostic testing at Great Southern Animal Hospital.
1. Your pet receives a thorough physical exam so Dr. Sears can identify which tests best fit the presenting symptoms.
2. In-house samples such as blood, urine, or cytology swabs are collected and processed at the on-site laboratory.
3. Imaging studies like digital X-rays or ultrasound are performed if indicated by exam findings or lab results.
4. Dr. Sears reviews all results with you, explains what findings mean, and outlines next steps for treatment or monitoring.
5. A follow-up plan is established, which may include additional diagnostics, medication, or a specialist referral if needed.
Diagnostics Support Every Stage of Pet Care
Accurate diagnostics are the foundation of effective treatment. Veterinary diagnostics help the team at Great Southern Animal Hospital catch conditions like kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, and respiratory illness early when they are most manageable. For senior pets, periodic blood panels track changes over time and allow care plan adjustments before problems escalate. For puppies and kittens, baseline screening establishes normal values early in life. South Columbus pets face year-round heartworm exposure and seasonal parasite pressure, making routine blood screening an important part of preventive care for Franklin County families. Pet owners seeking veterinary diagnostics will find that Great Southern's in-house capabilities cover the full spectrum of preventive and illness-related testing in one convenient location. Learn more on the veterinary pet care benefits page or explore dog veterinary services and cat care services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Routine Diagnostic Tests Does a Vet Recommend for Pets in Columbus, OH?
Routine diagnostics often include a complete blood count, blood chemistry panel, urinalysis, fecal exam, and heartworm or FIV/feline leukemia testing depending on species. For South Columbus pets with outdoor exposure, intestinal parasite testing is commonly recommended at least annually. Senior pets or those with ongoing health concerns may benefit from more frequent panels.
Can My Pet Get Both X-Rays and Bloodwork Done on the Same Visit?
Yes. Because Great Southern Animal Hospital runs blood work in-house and has digital radiography on-site, combining tests at one visit is often possible and may reduce the need for a return trip.
How Quickly Will I Get My Pet's Diagnostic Results?
In-house laboratory results and digital X-ray images can often be reviewed with you the same day. If reference laboratory testing is needed, turnaround time will vary, and the team will let you know what to expect before your pet leaves.
Do Pets Need to Be Sedated for X-Rays or Ultrasound?
Many studies can be completed without sedation when a pet is calm and cooperative. The team will discuss positioning and comfort options with you and will recommend sedation only when necessary for image quality or your pet's wellbeing.
How Do I Schedule a Diagnostic Appointment at Great Southern Animal Hospital?
Call (614) 491-5632 or use the online contact form to request an appointment. The clinic is open six days a week including Saturdays, which may be helpful for Franklin County pet owners with weekday schedule constraints.
Trusted Veterinary Diagnostics for Columbus Pets Since 1953
Great Southern Animal Hospital has been a fixture of South Columbus for more than seven decades. Families throughout Franklin County rely on the hospital's in-house diagnostic capabilities to get fast, accurate answers when their pets need them most. For anyone searching for reliable veterinary diagnostics in Columbus, OH, Great Southern Animal Hospital's decades of experience and same-day in-house results make it a trusted choice for South Columbus families. Visit Great Southern Animal Hospital to read reviews, or call (614) 491-5632 to book a diagnostic appointment at the veterinarian clinic on S. High Street.
