Advanced Veterinary Diagnostic Services in Ocala, FL
The sooner a pet’s illness or injury is identified, the sooner the right treatment can begin — and that can make all the difference. At Stone Ridge Animal Hospital, our veterinarians combine clinical expertise with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to deliver fast, accurate answers when your pet needs them most.
Request an AppointmentExpert Diagnostics for Dogs, Cats & Small Mammals
Because our pets can’t tell us where it hurts — and often instinctively hide their discomfort — accurate diagnosis requires both clinical skill and advanced equipment. Our veterinary team at Stone Ridge Animal Hospital has the knowledge, experience, and technology needed to diagnose a wide variety of illnesses and injuries across many species, including dogs, cats, and small mammals.
We understand that time matters when your pet isn’t feeling well. That’s why our in-house diagnostic capabilities are designed to minimize wait times and get your pet on the road to recovery as quickly as possible. From the initial wellness exam to more complex diagnostic workups, our team is equipped to handle it all right here in Ocala, FL .
Our Veterinary Diagnostic Capabilities
Digital Radiography (X-Ray)
Our digital radiography system produces highly detailed, high-resolution X-ray images that can be viewed immediately on a computer monitor — enabling faster, more accurate diagnoses compared to traditional film X-rays. Digital images can also be shared electronically with other veterinarians or specialists when a second opinion or referral is needed, ensuring seamless continuity of care for your pet.
Ultrasound Imaging
Ultrasound provides a safe, painless, and non-invasive way to examine your pet’s internal organs and soft tissue structures in real time. If your veterinarian recommends an ultrasound for your pet, or if you suspect your pet may need one, contact Stone Ridge Animal Hospital at (352) 351-3588. We work directly with Veterinary Specialty and Soundwave Imaging, a specialty veterinary practice that conducts ultrasounds and provides internal medicine consultations — ensuring your pet has access to specialist-level imaging when needed.
In-House Laboratory Testing
Our on-site laboratory allows our veterinary team to run comprehensive diagnostic bloodwork and urinalysis quickly and accurately, including:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) — Evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to assess your pet’s overall health and detect infection, anemia, and other conditions
- Chemistry Panel — Assesses organ function including the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, as well as electrolyte and blood glucose levels
- Urinalysis — Provides valuable information about kidney function, hydration, and the presence of infection, crystals, or other abnormalities
Having these tests performed in-house means our veterinarians can review results during your appointment and begin treatment right away — without the delay of sending samples to an outside laboratory.
Cytology
Cytology involves the microscopic examination of cells collected from your pet to help identify infections, inflammation, cancer, and other conditions. At Stone Ridge Animal Hospital, we perform cytology on:
- Ears — To identify the type and severity of ear infections and guide appropriate treatment
- Skin — To evaluate skin lesions, masses, and dermatological conditions
- Fine Needle Aspirates (FNA) — To analyze cells from lumps, bumps, lymph nodes, or internal masses for a rapid preliminary assessment
IDEXX inVue Dx Cellular Analyzer
Stone Ridge Animal Hospital is proud to offer advanced cellular analysis with the IDEXX inVue Dx Cellular Analyzer, an innovative diagnostic platform that uses a slide-free workflow to provide automated cytology and blood morphology results within minutes. This technology allows our veterinary team to evaluate thousands of cells quickly and consistently, providing valuable diagnostic information while your pet is still at the hospital.
For blood morphology, the inVue Dx provides automated assessment of important cellular features, including platelet evaluation — even when clumping is present — as well as red blood cell abnormalities and changes in white blood cells. These detailed findings can help our veterinarians investigate anemia, inflammation, infection, and other conditions more efficiently.
The analyzer also enhances our ear cytology capabilities by evaluating samples for common causes and indicators of ear disease, including:
- Rod-shaped bacteria
- Cocci-shaped bacteria
- Yeast
- White blood cells
- Ear mites
Unlike traditional cytology methods that require veterinary staff to prepare, stain, and examine individual microscope slides, the inVue Dx analyzes cells in their natural state using advanced imaging and multiple wavelengths of light and fluorescence. The system provides objective, repeatable results along with detailed cellular images that our veterinarians can use when evaluating your pet and discussing diagnostic findings with you.
By bringing this advanced technology directly into our hospital, Stone Ridge Animal Hospital can obtain important cellular information within minutes, helping our veterinary team make informed clinical decisions and determine appropriate next steps without unnecessary delays.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters for Your Pet
Many serious health conditions — including organ disease, cancer, infections, and hormonal disorders — are far more treatable when caught in their early stages. Routine wellness exams that include baseline diagnostics allow our veterinarians to establish a health baseline for your pet and identify subtle changes before they become serious problems. We may also recommend diagnostic testing before surgical procedures or if your pet is showing signs of illness.
If your pet is showing signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior, don’t wait. Contact Stone Ridge Animal Hospital today at (352) 351-3588 to schedule a diagnostic evaluation in Ocala, FL . Our team is here to provide the answers — and the care — your pet deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Diagnostics in Ocala, FL
What diagnostic services does Stone Ridge Animal Hospital offer?
Stone Ridge Animal Hospital offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic services including digital radiography (X-rays), in-house laboratory testing (CBC, chemistry panel, and urinalysis), cytology, and advanced cellular analysis using the IDEXX inVue Dx Cellular Analyzer. We also work with Veterinary Specialty and Soundwave Imaging for ultrasound services and internal medicine consultations.
What is the IDEXX inVue Dx Cellular Analyzer?
The IDEXX inVue Dx Cellular Analyzer is an advanced in-house diagnostic system that uses a slide-free workflow and sophisticated imaging technology to provide automated blood morphology and ear cytology results within minutes. It allows our veterinary team at Stone Ridge Animal Hospital to quickly evaluate cellular information that can help guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.
How does the IDEXX inVue Dx help diagnose ear infections?
The IDEXX inVue Dx can analyze ear cytology samples for common causes and indicators of ear disease, including rod-shaped bacteria, cocci-shaped bacteria, yeast, white blood cells, and ear mites. Having this information available quickly helps our veterinarians better understand what may be causing your pet’s ear problem and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
How quickly will I get my pet’s diagnostic results?
Because Stone Ridge Animal Hospital is equipped with advanced in-house diagnostic technology, many results can be available during your pet’s appointment. Bloodwork and urinalysis can be processed in-house, digital X-rays are viewable immediately, and the IDEXX inVue Dx Cellular Analyzer can provide blood morphology and ear cytology results within minutes. This allows our veterinarians to discuss findings with you and begin treatment planning without unnecessary delays.
When does my pet need an ultrasound?
Your veterinarian may recommend an ultrasound if they need to examine your pet’s internal organs, evaluate a mass, or investigate symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss, or abdominal discomfort that may not be fully explained by X-rays alone. Stone Ridge Animal Hospital works with Veterinary Specialty and Soundwave Imaging to provide specialist-level ultrasound services. Call us at (352) 351-3588 if you have concerns about your pet.
Why does my pet need bloodwork at their wellness visit?
Routine bloodwork — including a CBC and chemistry panel — helps our veterinary team at Stone Ridge Animal Hospital establish a health baseline for your pet and detect early signs of organ disease, infection, anemia, diabetes, and other conditions that may not yet be causing visible symptoms. Early detection through routine wellness diagnostics leads to earlier treatment and better outcomes.
What is a fine needle aspirate (FNA) and when is it recommended?
A fine needle aspirate (FNA) is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure in which a small needle is used to collect cells from a lump, bump, lymph node, or internal mass. The cells are then examined under a microscope to help identify whether the growth is benign, infected, inflammatory, or potentially cancerous. Our veterinary team at Stone Ridge Animal Hospital may recommend an FNA if they notice any new or changing masses on your pet.
Can Stone Ridge Animal Hospital share diagnostic images with a specialist?
Yes. Our digital radiography system allows us to electronically share X-ray images with other veterinarians or specialists whenever a second opinion or referral is needed. This ensures that your pet has access to the highest level of care without unnecessary delays.
How do I schedule a diagnostic appointment for my pet at Stone Ridge Animal Hospital?
Call Stone Ridge Animal Hospital at (352) 351-3588 or use our online appointment request form to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for your pet. We serve Ocala, FL and the surrounding communities and are committed to providing fast, accurate answers when your pet needs them most.
