Why is blood work important for dogs?
Blood tests can indicate the earliest signs of illness before any outward symptoms appear. This allows the vet to detect, identify, diagnose, and treat the illness early.
When diseases are detected early, prevention and treatment can be administered sooner. Even healthy pets need blood tests during routine exams to establish normal baseline values for future comparisons, especially as your pet ages.
If your dog is displaying symptoms, diagnostic blood tests are crucial in helping your vet determine the cause of the symptoms.
What do blood tests for dogs reveal?
A complete blood count (CBC) and complete blood chemistry panel are common tests. The CBC identifies whether there is anemia, inflammation, or infection present. It can also indicate immune system response and blood clotting ability.
The chemistry panel and electrolytes tell your vet whether your pet’s liver, kidneys, and pancreas work properly.
This important lab work can also detect and help identify complex issues within a dog’s internal systems. For example, blood tests for dogs can detect whether internal or environmental stimuli are causing hormonal-chemical responses. This tells a veterinarian there may be a potential problem with the dog’s endocrine system.
When would my dog need a blood test?
Countless circumstances can lead to your vet recommending that your dog have blood work done, such as:
- Your pet's first vet visit (to establish baseline data and for pre-anesthetic testing before a spaying or neutering procedure).
- Semi-annual routine exams as preventive care.
- During senior pet exams to look for age-related conditions in the earliest stages.
- Pre-surgical testing to identify your dog's risk of complications during surgery.
- Before starting a new medication.
- If your dog is showing odd behaviors.
- To help assess your pet's condition during an emergency visit.
How long does blood work take at a vet?
Thanks to our diagnostic laboratory, our vets can perform various tests and get results quickly. The tests themselves are relatively quick and can take minutes. Some tests may take somewhat longer. Your vet can provide you with an accurate timeframe.
What do my dog's blood test results mean?
At Jackson Animal Clinic, we always take the time to explain your dog’s blood tests and their results. Treatment and management of health issues are a team effort between our veterinary team and loving pet owners.
Your dog's bloodwork typically includes a complete blood count (CBC) or blood chemistry (serum test). The CBC is important for dogs with pale gums or experiencing vomiting, fever, weakness, or loss of appetite. Blood tests for dogs with diarrhea also fall into this category.
A CBC can also detect bleeding disorders or other abnormalities that may not be identified otherwise.
A CBC reveals detailed information, including:
- Hematocrit (HCT): This test measures the percentage of red blood cells to detect hydration or anemia.
- White blood cell count (WBC): This test measures the body’s immune cells. Certain diseases or infections can cause WBC to increase or decrease.
- Granulocytes and lymphocytes/monocytes (GRANS and L/M): These are specific types of white blood cells.
- Eosinophils (EOS): These are a specific type of white blood cells that can indicate health conditions due to allergies or parasites.
- Platelet count (PLT): This test measures cells that form blood clots.
- Reticulocytes (RETICS): High levels of immature red blood cells can point to regenerative anemia.
- Fibrinogen (FIBR): This test can provide important information about blood clotting.
Blood chemistries (blood serum tests) give insight into a dog’s organ function (liver, kidneys, and pancreas), hormone levels, electrolyte status, and more.
The test can be used to assess the health of older dogs, do general health assessments before anesthesia, or monitor dogs receiving long-term medications.
These tests also help us evaluate the health of senior dogs and those with symptoms of diseases (such as Addison’s, diabetes, kidney diseases, or others), diarrhea, vomiting, or toxin exposure.
Does my dog need blood tests & lab work?
At Jackson Animal Clinic, our vets recommend that blood tests and lab work be conducted proactively during an annual routine exam, even if your dog seems perfectly healthy. The sooner we catch health issues, the more effectively we can treat your dog.
Our veterinary team will always advocate for your pet’s health, explain any necessary and why tests, and take a preventive approach to your dog’s veterinary care.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.