Blood tests are necessary to determine what is making your pet uncomfortable or ill. Our hospital has an in-house laboratory to perform various tests in order to understand your pet’s health. Bloodwork is a routine part of veterinary care that all pets will need at some point.
Why would my pet need bloodwork done?
There are many reasons as to why your veterinarian may recommend that your pet has bloodwork done. Here are a few:
- Your pet is showing signs of illness (weight loss, lethargy, increased urination or thirst)
- During your pet’s veterinary exam: Blood tests can detect latent conditions or establish a baseline for your pet’s health.
- Pre-anesthetic blood work: If your pet has a surgery scheduled, blood tests determine how much anesthesia to use.
- Your pet is about to start a new medication or chemotherapy.
What can bloodwork identify in pets?
By analyzing your pet’s blood sample, we can find important information about their health. This includes their complete blood count (CBC) and their blood chemistry. The CBC of your pet tells our veterinarian your pet’s cholesterol level, how hydrated they are, blood clotting ability and their immune system response. The results can identify:
- Anemia
- Infections
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Kidney problems
Where are blood samples taken from in pets?
At our hospital, we draw blood from a vein on the neck or the leg. Our registered veterinary technicians are experts at drawing blood, it will be over in seconds and your pet won’t need any numbing. To schedule your pet’s bloodwork appointment call 905-576-3344.
