Bloodwork can help a vet diagnose diseases and determine how your dog's body typically functions. In today's post, our Orlando vets explain the purpose of blood tests for dogs and how they can help us treat and care for your four-legged friend.
Blood Tests for Dogs
Blood tests help your vet accurately monitor your dog's health and address potential issues before they evolve into larger concerns.
The sooner health issues are diagnosed, the quicker your vet can start treatment, allowing for the best possible outcome. It's important that blood tests are conducted during routine exams when your dog is healthy. These tests help establish normal baseline values your vet will use for comparison in the future, especially as your pet grows older. In this article, we'll share what we can learn about your pet through blood tests and what the results can help reveal.
How do blood tests help my dog?
A complete blood count (CBC) and a complete blood chemistry panel (blood serum test) are two standard blood tests. The blood serum test measures electrolytes. A urinalysis test is also typically done at this time. The CBC tests for inflammation, anemia, and infection. It can also predict the immune system's response and the ability to form blood clots. Your veterinarian can analyze the chemistry panel and your dog's electrolyte levels to determine how healthy your pet's kidneys, liver, and pancreas are.
By having this critical lab work conducted, your vet can detect and identify complex issues in your dog's internal system. Dogs' blood tests can identify the source of hormonal-chemical responses and reveal whether internal or external stimuli are triggering them. For the internal processes in your dog's body to occur normally (including organ function), hormones must function properly. With these tests, a veterinarian may be able to identify potential issues with a dog's endocrine system, which is the system of glands that produce the hormones.
When would a vet request blood tests?
Blood tests may be done in the following circumstances:
- Your pet's first visit to the vet (to establish baseline data)
- Pre-anesthetic testing before surgical procedures
- Semi-annual routine exams as part of preventive care
- During senior exams, while checking for age-related conditions in their earliest stages of development
- Pre-surgical testing to identify your dog's risk of complications during surgery
- Before your dog starts a new medication
- If your dog is displaying signs of illness or acting abnormally
- To help assess your pet's condition during an emergency visit
How long does blood work take for dogs at a veterinary clinic?
We can perform most diagnostic tests your dog may require and receive results quickly at our in-house veterinary diagnostic lab, with cutting-edge technology and equipment. These tests typically only take a few minutes and may save your dog's life – not to mention expenses for future treatment or symptom management. If your dog requires additional testing, it may take a bit longer. Your vet will explain the reasons specific tests are required, discuss the results, and address any questions you may have.
Blood Tests to Keep Your Dog Healthy
At MetroWest Veterinary Clinic, we are committed to ensuring that you fully understand your dog's blood tests and results. Treating and managing health issues requires collaboration between our veterinary team and caring pet owners. We will always take time at the end of the visit to explain our findings and what the next steps might be.
Your dog's bloodwork typically includes a complete blood count (CBC) or blood chemistry (serum test). Blood tests like a CBC help diagnose conditions in dogs with symptoms like diarrhea, fever, weakness, or loss of appetite. The results of a CBC may also help us spot the signs of bleeding disorders or other abnormalities.
What does a CBC (complete blood count) show us?
- Hematocrit (HCT): This test measures the percentage of red blood cells to detect hydration or anemia.
- Hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (Hb and MCHC): These are the pigments in red blood cells that carry oxygen.
- White blood cell count (WBC): This test measures the body’s immune cells. The two main types of blood cells that we look for are phagocytes and lymphocytes. Phagocytes target foreign particles, bacteria, fungi and parasites, while lymphocytes are responsible for antibody production and immune-mediated responses. Lymphocytes are the white blood cells that target cancer.
- Platelet count (PLT): This test measures cells that form blood clots.
- Reticulocytes (Retic Count): High levels of immature red blood cells can point to regenerative anemia.
- Fibrinogen: This protein helps stop bleeding by helping blood clots to form. High levels are generally associated with cardiovascular diseases.
What do we learn from blood serum tests?
Blood chemistries (serum tests) reveal information about a dog's organ function (liver, kidneys, and pancreas), hormone levels, electrolyte status, and other factors. They can also be used to determine the health of older dogs, perform general health checks before anesthesia, and monitor dogs on long-term medications.
How much are blood tests for dogs?
As with many other veterinary care services, the costs vary from clinic to clinic and pet to pet. Several factors contribute to the final cost.
This can be the clinic's location, the practitioner's expertise, or the equipment used. The age of your pet also affects the final amount you will pay. Please speak with your vet to discuss the estimated cost for your pet and a breakdown of the bill.
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.