In-House Lab and Pet Diagnostics in Columbus

River Road Animal Clinic is equipped with an in-house laboratory, where we can perform several diagnostic tests for your four-legged friend. We also offer diagnostic imaging in the form of X-rays and ultrasounds to examine pets internally. Because these services are available right in our clinic, all results can be made available on the same day of testing. This means less waiting time for you and faster treatment for your pet. Our in-house lab is just one of the many ways we demonstrate our commitment to making your trips to the vet as convenient as possible. Give us at call at 706-327-8329 to book an appointment for your pet at River Road Animal Clinic!

Columbus Area In-House Laboratory Testing

In-house veterinary lab testing can be used for healthy patients and those that may have an illness. For healthy pets, certain tests—such as blood work—can be performed to establish a wellness baseline, which is used for future wellness visits. Blood testing is also performed as part of the pre-surgical/pre-anesthetic screening process. If your pet is exhibiting external signs of an illness, a blood test can determine if a disease (such as heartworm or diabetes) is present. We can also perform urine tests to check liver and kidney function and fecal exams to check for internal parasites.

Columbus Area Pet X-Rays

X-rays (radiography) are among the most important diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine. Because our X-rays are digital, they can be produced in a matter of seconds and displayed on a computer monitor or iPad. As compared to film, digital X-rays are much clearer, which provides for a more accurate diagnosis. They can also be easily enhanced and shared digitally, if necessary. Digital X-rays can detect a number of conditions in the body, such as:

• Fractures
• Foreign bodies
• Tumors

Pet Ultrasound

A pet ultrasound involves examining a specific part of the body using a handheld probe to create a 3D image of the internal structures in real time. Our ultrasound services are made available on a weekly basis via a traveling board-certified veterinarian, who brings a portable ultrasound machine. An ultrasound can examine tendons, muscles, and joints as well as the cardiac, abdominal, and thoracic areas. It can be used to detect:

• Pregnancy
• Hip dysplasia
• Heart problems