Diagnostic Testing & Lab Services for Pets in Southport, NC

Diagnostic Testing & Lab Services for Pets in Southport, NC

Answers When You Need Them. Insight for the Long Run.

You deserve to understand what’s going on with your pet-whether something feels off today or you’re looking for reassurance about their long-term health.

At River Road Animal Hospital, diagnostic testing plays a key role in both urgent medical care and preventive wellness. By combining advanced in-house diagnostics with comprehensive reference lab testing, we’re able to catch problems early, guide treatment confidently, and support your pet’s health over time.

Two Types of Testing - Based on Your Pet’s Needs

In-House Diagnostic Testing: When Time Matters

For pets who are sick, injured, or need immediate answers, we perform diagnostic testing right here in our hospital. This allows us to diagnose, explain findings, and begin treatment without unnecessary delays.

In-house testing allows us to:

Our on-site diagnostic equipment gives your pet’s doctor timely, reliable information to make clear medical decisions when they matter most.

Preventive Care for Pets You Love - Because They Deserve a Lifetime of Health

Progressive Veterinary Care, Longer Visits, and Local Advanced Services in Southport, NC

Routine & Preventive Lab Testing:
When Depth Matters

For annual wellness visits and ongoing preventive care, we partner with a trusted veterinary reference laboratory to run comprehensive panels.

These tests provide a deeper look at your pet’s overall health and allow us to track subtle changes over time.

Routine Lab Testing Helps Us:

How Lab Testing Works

1. Sample Collection During Your Pet’s Visit

Blood, urine, or fecal samples are collected gently and efficiently during your pet’s exam.

2. Testing and Results

Urgent tests are run in-house, often with results available the same day. Preventive panels are sent to our reference lab, with results typically returned within a few days.

3. Clear Explanations and Next Steps

Your veterinarian reviews every result with you, explains what it means, and creates a personalized plan based on your pet’s health needs and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our in-house lab allows us to run time-sensitive tests such as blood counts, chemistry panels, urinalysis, thyroid testing, and heartworm and tick disease screening. For more comprehensive wellness testing, we work with a trusted veterinary reference lab.

Many in-house test results are available during your appointment. Reference lab results typically return within a few days, allowing for a deeper and more thorough assessment.

Yes. We use advanced diagnostic technology in our hospital and partner with specialized veterinary reference laboratories known for precision and reliability.

Absolutely. Annual or, in some cases, semi-annual lab work helps us identify small changes early, often before your pet shows outward signs of illness. This proactive approach supports longer, healthier lives.

Most pets tolerate sample collection very well. We use gentle handling and low-stress techniques and never rush a nervous pet. If needed, we’ll adjust the plan-your pet’s emotional well-being matters to us.
Yes. We screen for intestinal parasites, bacterial and fungal infections, and tick-borne diseases such as Lyme and Ehrlichia, which are common concerns in Southport and Brunswick County.

Don’t Wait for a Crisis – Give Your Pet the Gift of More Healthy Years

Every pet deserves care that prevents problems, eases pain, and supports a long, healthy life. Beyond our proactive, wellness-focused care, here are the extra ways we help your pet feel better, stay healthier, and thrive.