Should I get blood work done on my dog?
Blood testing for cats and dogs helps the veterinarian diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions. Blood screening is also necessary for the doctor to understand your pet’s health status and monitor the progress of some illnesses.
What do blood tests detect in animals?
Understanding Canine Blood Tests If your dog needs surgery, a CBC can also detect bleeding disorders or other unseen abnormalities. Blood Chemistries, or blood serum tests, evaluate a dog’s organ function, electrolyte status, hormone levels and more.
What type of lab work is needed at an animal clinic?
One of the most common tests is a complete blood count (CBC) that analyzes the numbers and appearance of blood cells. The CBC is important in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease and infection. Blood samples are usually taken by the veterinarian or a veterinary technician for analysis.
Is blood work considered preventive care?
Answer: Although the woman is taking cholesterol medicine, the office visit and the blood test are considered preventive care because they are part of her overall wellness exam.
What to look for in a blood test for a dog?
Your veterinarian may refer to these tests as a “chemistry panel” and may even request specific panels that can help diagnose problems with your pet’s thyroid, kidneys or liver, just to name a few.
What does it mean when your dog has CBC?
The lavender-topped tube contains a chemical that prevents the blood from clotting so that the red blood cells (which carry oxygen to tissues) and white blood cells (which help fight infections) can be counted. This is called a CBC (complete blood count).
How can I tell if my dog has blood in his stool?
Bright red blood is quite obvious to see in most stool but black, digested blood may be less apparent. If digested blood or a very small amount of red blood is suspected, your veterinarian may perform a test called a fecal occult blood test that says whether or not blood is detected in the feces. 2
Do you have to prepare your pet for a blood test?
Sometimes test results are abnormal only because the pet was not properly prepared. If your veterinarian suspects the results are unreliable, you may need to have the blood tests repeated. Is preparation the same for all blood tests? No. Blood tests can be grouped as routine tests and special tests.
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