Our pets are unable to tell us how they are feeling. Usually, we notice something is just a little off about how they look or act. As a pet parent, you play an important role in helping your pet stay as healthy as possible. Awareness of the warning signs, and regular preventative care and health screens, are the best ways to help your pet live a long, happy, and healthy life.
When should I do blood work?
There are several different reasons your veterinarian will recommend blood work. Some of the most common reasons are:
Sick and emergency situations
Blood work will provide an important picture of what is happening inside the body. The things we cannot see. It helps our veterinarians to make immediate decisions, to help heal your pet.
Preanesthetic testing
We always recommend blood work prior to your pet’s sedation/surgical procedure. This lets the doctor know if the anesthesia is safe for your pet to process, and allows the doctor to make adjustments if necessary.
Preventative care blood work
Preventative care screening is recommended as a part of your pet’s annual exam. This can not only help with early detection of issues as you pet matures, but can also give the doctor a baseline to refer back to if your pet becomes ill in the following year.
Medication monitoring
Some medications have unwanted side effects. Blood work while your pet is on certain medications can help find any issues early, and help the doctor make adjustments in their care. Medication related blood work also helps to dose certain medications.
What test are performed?
The most common test the doctor will run to help determine how to treat your pet are:
A complete blood count (CBC) This tells the doctor if your pet has any inflammation, infection, or anemia. It can also help detect bleeding disorders.
A complete blood chemistry panel with electrolytes – This gives the doctor information about how your pet’s organs are performing. Such as the kidneys, liver, and pancreas. The chemistry panel also tells us your pet’s blood sugar level, as well as their hydration levels.
Urinalysis – This will provide information about the urinary tract, such as infection or inflammation.
Thyroid function test – This provides the doctor with information on how well your pet’s thyroid gland is functioning. Hypothyroidism in dogs and Hyperthyroidism in cats are very common problems in older pets.
Many of the routine recommended test can be performed inhouse. This provides results quickly and allows the doctor to make quick decisions for your pet’s care.