Bloodwork is an important part of our veterinary practice. It is a helpful diagnostic tool that provides insight into how your pet’s internal organs and systems are working. Our in-house laboratory allows us to conveniently process your pet’s results in a timely manner, which supports faster diagnoses.
Why does my pet need bloodwork?
Depending on your pet’s overall health, there are a range of reasons our veterinary team will recommend your pet have bloodwork done. For example, as part of their wellness exam, bloodwork allows us to gather important information about how their organs are functioning. If it’s your furry friend’s first time visiting us, bloodwork also helps us to develop a baseline of their health and establish a comprehensive care plan to support their wellbeing. Other times we will recommend bloodwork include before a surgical procedure, when general anesthesia needs to be administered or to determine the root cause of your pet’s symptoms.
What do bloodwork results tell you?
One of the most common blood tests we’ll do is the Complete Blood Count (CBC). If your pet has symptoms like fever, vomiting, loss of appetite and diarrhea, we’ll perform this test to determine a diagnosis. The CBC reveals details like:
- Red blood cell count, which is an indication of anemia and hydration levels
- White blood cell count, which shows immune system health
- Allergies
- Parasite infections
- Blood clotting
- Bleeding disorder, especially pre-surgery
How do I prepare my pet?
Depending on the bloodwork your pet needs, we’ll provide detailed instructions on how you should help your pet prepare. This could include gentle fasting and ensuring they’re hydrated. In addition to bloodwork, there are other tests your pet could need. These include urinalysis or fecal exams. If you have questions about your pet’s upcoming bloodwork, please contact us at 403-938-4171.
