a dog laying in the grass

Pet Diagnostics

When the root of pet health problems is unclear, Riverside South Animal Hospital uses modern veterinary diagnostics to uncover the problem quickly and accurately, enabling fast, reliable treatment. Diagnostics are an essential part of the assessment before any sedation or anesthesia. They are also vital during routine wellness evaluations throughout your pet’s life, helping to monitor overall health and detect underlying diseases or developing problems early.

What Are Veterinary Diagnostics?

Veterinary diagnostics include the tests and imaging techniques used to assess your pet’s health. These tools allow us to confirm or rule out conditions that can’t be identified through a physical exam alone.

By using in-house and external laboratories, along with digital X-ray technology, we can diagnose a wide range of conditions efficiently and accurately, ensuring pets get the care they need without unnecessary delays.

Our Diagnostic Services

We provide:

tube with a dog's paw in it

Pet blood testing (CBC, chemistry panels, viral testing)

a dog's paw in it

Digital X-rays for bones, joints, chest, and abdomen

medicine bottle

Urinalysis and fecal testing for parasites and organ health

tube with a dog's paw in it

Pet blood testing (CBC, chemistry panels, viral testing)

a dog's paw in it

Digital X-rays for bones, joints, chest, and abdomen

medicine bottle

Urinalysis and fecal testing for parasites and organ health

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Access to a specialist review when advanced interpretation is required

illustration of a microscope

Cytology of lumps, skin, and ears

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Access to a specialist review when advanced interpretation is required

illustration of a microscope

Cytology of lumps, skin, and ears

Our in-house equipment means many results are available the same day, allowing treatment plans to begin right away. Serving Ottawa, Riverside South, Greely, Gloucester, Manotick, Barrhaven, and Findlay Creek, our team offers a full range of diagnostic services, from routine pet blood testing to advanced imaging.

a cat laying on a table with a stethoscope

Why Veterinary Diagnostics Are Important

Many illnesses show no obvious signs until they are advanced. Routine diagnostics allow us to:
  • Detect disease in its earliest stages
  • Monitor ongoing conditions like diabetes or kidney disease
  • Provide safe anesthesia by assessing organ function beforehand
  • Confirm the cause of symptoms such as vomiting, limping, or weight loss

Without diagnostic testing, veterinarians are left to make educated guesses. Reliable test results mean more precise treatment, less risk, and better outcomes for pets.

Benefits of Pet Diagnostics:

  • Faster answers when pets are unwell
  • Early detection of disease
  • Safer surgical and anesthetic procedures
  • Reduced need for trial-and-error treatments
  • Peace of mind for pet owners
a golden retriever is smiling while sitting in the vet's office

High-Quality Pet Diagnostics in Ottawa, ON

We were one of the first digital veterinary clinics in Ontario, showing our commitment to investing in advanced technology. Our veterinarians and support staff are highly experienced in performing and interpreting diagnostic tests, and we work closely with external specialists when needed to confirm complex results.

This combination of local expertise and external consultation ensures pets receive the most accurate care possible.

Schedule Diagnostic Testing for Your Pet

If your pet is showing unusual symptoms — or if you simply want reassurance that they are healthy — diagnostic testing is the best next step. Book a veterinary consultation at Riverside South Animal Hospital.

a person sitting on a chair holding a dog