When will a veterinarian recommend dog blood tests?

Veterinarians may recommend blood tests for various reasons. At routine check-ups as part of regular wellness exams to detect potential health issues early. Before surgeries to assess your dog's overall health and identify potential risks. And potentially for diagnostic purposes, to investigate specific symptoms or abnormalities observed during physical examinations.

What is the most common lab work for dogs?

Some of the most common laboratory procedures we conduct for dogs include:

• Urinalysis: We examine your dog's urine to unveil insights into hydration status, detect infections, identify kidney or bladder diseases, uncover signs of diabetes, and assess other health conditions.

• Fecal Exam: Conducted annually, we send a sample of your dog's stool to a lab for analysis. This thorough examination helps identify intestinal parasites. We also assess color, consistency, and look for the presence of blood or mucus.

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): By analyzing your dog's blood, we evaluate critical features such as red and white cell count, immunity status, and hemoglobin levels—the substance within red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen.

• Blood Chemistries: This procedure provides insight into the status of your dog's internal organs. It is particularly valuable before surgical procedures, helping ensure your dog's health before undergoing anesthesia.

• Blood Clotting Times: We conduct tests to assess your dog's blood clotting times, aiding in the detection of any bleeding disorders.

• Cytology: We gather samples of sebum and cellular debris from the skin and ears to determine the presence of infections. Additionally, we may perform needle or core biopsies on lumps or masses to identify potential cancer cells.

Why would my dog need a blood test?

Blood tests provide crucial information about your dog's health, including:

• Organ Function: Assessing the health of organs such as the liver and kidneys.

• Blood Cell Counts: Identifying conditions like anemia or infections.

• Blood Sugar Levels: Monitoring for diabetes or other metabolic disorders.

How does the laboratory process blood work?

After obtaining a blood sample we send it to one of our trusted laboratories where their skilled team processes it efficiently, utilizing advanced technology to provide a comprehensive analysis of your dog's health indicators.