3130 New Berlin Road Jacksonville, FL 32226
Getting to the Root of the Problem
A physical exam can tell us a great deal about your pet's health, but many conditions require a closer look beneath the surface to fully understand what is happening. Diagnostic testing allows our veterinarians to confirm a diagnosis, rule out underlying conditions, and build a treatment plan based on clear evidence rather than guesswork.
At Cowford Veterinary Hospital, we provide diagnostic services for pet parents throughout Jacksonville and the surrounding 32226 area, including Oceanway, New Berlin, Dinsmore, and River City Marketplace, along with families from Yulee and the coastal communities near Fort George Island and Big Talbot Island, giving them accurate, timely answers about their pet's health.
Diagnostic Services We Offer
Our in-house lab and imaging capabilities allow us to run many tests on site, which means faster results and quicker treatment decisions for your pet. Our diagnostic services include:
- Complete blood counts and blood chemistry panels
- Urinalysis and urine culture testing
- Fecal testing for intestinal parasites
- Digital radiography (X-rays)
- Abdominal and cardiac ultrasound
- Electrocardiograms (ECG) for heart rhythm evaluation
- Skin scrapings and cytology
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Pre-anesthetic bloodwork for surgical patients
When Diagnostic Testing May Be Recommended
Diagnostic testing plays a role in many different aspects of your pet's care, not just when something appears wrong. Our veterinarians may recommend testing during routine wellness visits, before anesthesia or surgery, when a pet is showing signs of illness or injury, or to monitor an existing condition over time. Because many diseases, including kidney disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, develop with few outward symptoms in their early stages, regular diagnostic screening is one of the most effective tools for catching problems before they progress.
Parasite, Heartworm, and Retrovirus Testing
Some of the most serious threats to your pet's health are also among the easiest to detect early with the right test. Fecal testing identifies intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and giardia, many of which produce few visible symptoms until an infestation becomes significant. Heartworm testing, recommended annually for dogs and periodically for at-risk cats, confirms whether a pet has been infected through mosquito exposure, since heartworm disease can cause lasting damage to the heart and lungs if left untreated.
For cats, we also offer testing for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), two viral infections that can significantly impact a cat's immune system and long term health. These tests are especially important for kittens, cats with outdoor access, and cats being introduced into a new household, helping us guide vaccination decisions and long term care planning.
Digital Radiography and Ultrasound
Imaging allows our veterinarians to see beyond what a physical exam can reveal, making it an essential tool for diagnosing a wide range of conditions. Digital radiography produces clear, detailed images that help identify fractures, foreign objects, bladder stones, tumors, and changes in organ size or shape, with results available almost immediately.
Ultrasound offers an additional layer of detail, allowing our team to evaluate the heart, abdominal organs, and soft tissue structures in real time. Together, these imaging tools help confirm diagnoses and guide treatment decisions with greater precision.
Allergy Testing
Pets can develop allergies to environmental factors, food ingredients, fleas, and other triggers, often showing up as itchy skin, recurrent ear infections, digestive upset, or chronic skin irritation. Because these symptoms can overlap with several other conditions, allergy testing helps our veterinarians pinpoint the specific cause rather than treating symptoms alone. Identifying your pet's triggers allows us to build a more targeted management plan, whether that involves dietary changes, environmental adjustments, or ongoing allergy management therapy.
Fast, In-House Results
Whenever possible, we perform diagnostic testing in-house rather than sending samples to an outside laboratory. This allows our veterinarians to review results the same day, in many cases, which means faster diagnoses, quicker treatment decisions, and less waiting and worrying for pet parents. For more specialized testing, we work with trusted outside laboratories to make sure your pet receives a thorough and accurate evaluation.
Partnering with You for Clear Answers
Diagnostic testing is most valuable when paired with clear communication, and our veterinarians take the time to walk you through results, explain what they mean for your pet, and outline the recommended next steps. Whether your pet needs routine screening or a more involved diagnostic workup, our Jacksonville veterinary team is here to help you understand exactly what is going on and why.
Reach out to Cowford Veterinary Hospital today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation and get the clear answers your pet's health deserves.
Trusted Pet Care & a Friendly Welcome for Every Pet
