We understand that it can be upsetting to take your pet for a blood test. To help ease your concerns, our Oklahoma City vets are here to help explain blood tests for dogs.
Why is blood work important for dogs?
When done as part of preventive care, blood tests give us an indication of the earliest signs of illness before any outward symptoms appear. So that your vet can detect, identify, diagnose and treat the illness.
Early disease detection allows for earlier administration of care, including prevention. As your pet gets older, blood tests are also necessary for healthy pets during routine exams to get normal baseline values to compare to later.
If your dog is displaying symptoms, diagnostic blood tests play an essential role in helping your vet determine the cause of your dog's symptoms.
What do blood tests for dogs reveal?
A complete blood count (CBC) and complete blood chemistry panel, including electrolytes and urinalysis, 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 are working as they should.
This crucial lab work can also find and assist in identifying complicated problems with a dog's internal systems. Blood tests on dogs, for instance, can identify whether hormonal-chemical reactions are being triggered by internal or external stimuli. This indicates to a vet that the dog's endocrine system might be having issues.
When does 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 exams to look for age-related conditions in the earliest stages
- As 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 in-house lab, our vets can perform a variety of 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 an accurate time frame.
What do my dog's blood test results mean?
At Putnam North Animal Hospital, we will always take the time to explain your dog’s blood tests and their results, as treatment and management of health issues are a team effort between our veterinary team and loving pet owners.
A blood chemistry (serum test) or complete blood count (CBC) are usually part of your dog's blood work. For dogs with pale gums or who are experiencing vomiting, fever, weakness, or appetite loss, a complete blood count (CBC) is crucial. This also applies to blood tests for diarrhea in dogs.
A CBC can also detect bleeding disorders or other abnormalities that may not be identified otherwise.
A CBC reveals detailed information, including:
- Hematocrit (HCT): With this test, we can identify the percentage of red blood cells to detect hydration or anemia.
- Hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (Hb and MCHC): These are pigments of red blood cells that carry oxygen.
- White blood cell count (WBC): With this test, we measure 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): We can glean important information about blood clotting from this test. High levels can indicate a dog is 30 to 40 days pregnant.
What Blood Chemistries Reveal (Blood Serum Test):
Blood chemistries (blood serum tests) give us 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 aid in the assessment of the health of elderly dogs and those exhibiting signs of illness (like Addison's, diabetes, kidney disease, or other conditions), vomiting, diarrhea, or exposure to toxins.
Does my dog need blood tests & lab work?
Our veterinarians at Putnam North Animal Hospital advise getting lab work and blood tests done as a preventative measure during an annual routine exam, even if your dog appears to be in excellent health. This is so that we can treat your dog more effectively the sooner we identify health issues.
Our veterinary team will always advocate for your pet’s health, explain any tests that are needed and why, 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.
