What to Expect on Your Visit

You will be greeted by a fourth-year veterinary student who will call you into an examination room and take a complete history of your pet’s problem. Be sure to tell the student if your pet has been referred by another veterinarian and show her or him the referral information your veterinarian has provided including the history of the present problem, your pet’s vaccination and dietary history, and any treatments that have been given. Learn more about what to expect on your visit.

Medical History & Tests

After completing the history and conducting a physical examination, the student will take your pet back into the hospital and discuss the case with one of our clinicians. You will be asked to return to the reception area while the student and doctor develop a plan for your animal (this policy allows the examination room to be used by other clients, students and clinicians). The clinician and student will call you back into the examination room to ask additional questions, discuss their plan with you and see if you have any questions about diagnosis or treatment. The wait may be relatively long as a consequence of the teaching mission of our hospital, but you can be assured your animal will receive a very thorough diagnostic evaluation with input from several veterinary health care professionals.

We realize that our clients often have driven long distances and are very concerned about their pet's health. Whenever possible, we try to complete our diagnostic evaluation and treatment plan on the day of the visit. Collection of blood samples, interpretation of results and scheduling of procedures such as specialty consultations, X-rays and ultrasound examinations can take up a considerable portion of the day. Consequently, you should come prepared to spend the day in Columbus.

Hospitalizations

Sometimes your animal may need to be hospitalized for additional tests (such as endoscopy) that require anesthesia and an overnight stay. Some critically ill animals must be admitted to our intensive care unit for 24-hour monitoring and treatment. If a full day or an overnight stay is required, you are welcome to see your pet before you go or visit you pet provided such a visit would not interfere with the diagnostic plan and treatment and can be scheduled with the student and clinician. You may bring a special toy or object such as special rug or towel for your pet, but we cannot guarantee return of such items.