Veterinarian Diagnostics in Columbus, OH


Great Southern Animal Hospital provides veterinarian diagnostics in Columbus, OH, giving pet owners accurate answers without the wait of outside lab referrals. Located at 2685 S High St, the hospital has served dogs and cats across the South Side, German Village, Merion Village, and surrounding Franklin County neighborhoods since 1953. When your pet is unwell, fast answers matter. Call (614) 491-5632 to schedule a diagnostic appointment, or visit Great Southern Animal Hospital to learn more.

veterinarians draw a blood sample from a cat for testing

In-House Laboratory Testing

Rapid lab results allow the care team to begin treatment sooner. Great Southern Animal Hospital runs a broad range of blood and specimen tests on-site, including complete blood panels, heartworm testing, feline leukemia and FIV screening, intestinal parasite exams, urinalysis, and allergy and cardiac screenings. Because tests are processed without being shipped to an outside lab, many results may be available the same day, letting Dr. Sears and the team make informed decisions during or shortly after your pet's appointment.


When a pet is lethargic, losing weight, or showing sudden behavioral changes, waiting days for answers adds stress for both the animal and the owner. Having veterinarian diagnostics in Columbus, OH, under one roof means the clinical team can often pivot quickly, whether that leads to a treatment plan, a medication adjustment, or further imaging.

Digital X-Ray Services

Digital radiography gives veterinarians an immediate look inside your pet's body. Great Southern Animal Hospital offers on-site X-ray imaging that can reveal bone fractures, joint changes, foreign objects, chest abnormalities, and soft tissue concerns that a physical exam alone cannot detect. Digital X-rays produce clearer images than traditional film and are available for review right away.


Radiography is commonly used to evaluate the spine, lungs, heart size, and abdominal organs. Images can also be shared electronically if a specialist opinion is ever needed, including through referral connections at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center.

Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound provides real-time images of soft tissue structures that X-rays may not fully capture. Using high-frequency sound waves, it visualizes organs such as the liver, kidneys, bladder, and heart, and can help identify fluid accumulation, masses, and changes in organ texture or size. Ultrasound is painless and involves no radiation, making it a comfortable option for pets of all ages.



When imaging findings need to be correlated with bloodwork, having both capabilities in one facility streamlines the process. Pet owners in Clintonville, Merion Village, and Hilltop can access veterinarian diagnostics in Columbus, OH, without traveling far from home.

How the Diagnostic Process Works

Getting started with veterinarian diagnostics in Columbus, OH, at Great Southern Animal Hospital is straightforward. Here is what most visits look like:


  • Call (614) 491-5632 or visit the contact page to book an appointment.
  • Bring any prior health records, current medications, and notes on symptoms you have observed.
  • A team member will gather a brief health history and note recent changes in appetite, energy, or behavior.
  • Dr. Sears or a team veterinarian will perform a physical exam and identify which diagnostic tests are appropriate.
  • Results are reviewed with you before you leave whenever possible, and a care plan is discussed based on findings.


Learn more about what to expect by visiting our veterinarian services page.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Do Veterinarian Diagnostics in Columbus, OH, Include?

    They typically include in-house bloodwork, digital X-rays, ultrasound imaging, urinalysis, and disease-specific testing such as heartworm, feline leukemia, and FIV panels. At Great Southern Animal Hospital, these services are available under one roof, reducing the need for outside referrals.

  • Can I Get Same-Day Blood Test Results for My Pet?

    Many in-house lab tests may return results the same day. Because specimens are processed on-site, the clinical team can often review findings with you during or shortly after the visit.

  • Is Digital X-Ray Safe for My Dog or Cat?

    Digital radiography is a safe, non-invasive tool for pets. The procedure is quick, painless, and uses low radiation levels. It is routinely used for pets of all ages to evaluate bones, joints, the chest, and abdominal organs.

  • How Is Ultrasound Different From an X-Ray for Pets?

    Ultrasound uses sound waves to image soft tissue organs such as the liver, bladder, and kidneys, while X-rays are better suited for bones, joints, and lung fields. Both may be used together for a more complete picture, and Great Southern Animal Hospital performs both in-house.

  • How Do I Schedule a Diagnostic Appointment in Columbus, OH?

    Call (614) 491-5632 or use the online contact form. Bringing prior health records and a brief list of observed symptoms helps the team determine which tests are most appropriate from the start.

Schedule Your Pet's Diagnostic Visit Today

Great Southern Animal Hospital brings over 70 years of veterinary experience to every appointment. Dr. Dustin Sears, a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, leads a team that treats every patient with the same care you would expect for a family member. Whether your pet needs routine bloodwork, digital imaging, or a more targeted workup, our in-house diagnostics move from questions to answers efficiently. Call (614) 491-5632 or visit our full-service veterinarian page to learn more.