At Glen Eagles Pet Hospital, we offer comprehensive veterinary care for pets in Edmond, including pet blood work. Blood tests can provide important information about your pet's health and help detect certain conditions early on. In this article, we'll discuss why your pet may need a blood test, the types of tests that can be performed, and what to expect when preparing for a blood test.
Why Does My Pet Need a Blood Test?
There are several reasons why your pet may need a blood test. One common reason is as part of preventative care. A blood test can establish a baseline for what's normal for your pet, and help detect health conditions early on when they are most treatable. Blood tests can also be useful if your pet is sick or injured. They can detect conditions such as toxin ingestion, kidney or liver failure, and dehydration.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A complete blood count, or CBC, is a common blood test for both pets and humans. It measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood. A CBC can provide your veterinarian with valuable information about your pet's health, including whether they have dehydration, anemia, or an infection. It also checks their blood's clotting ability and immune system response.
Additionally, a CBC can reveal certain types of cancer, hormonal imbalances, allergic reactions, and parasite infections. Your veterinarian may perform a CBC if your pet has a fever, stomach upset, pale gums, or a loss of appetite. If your pet needs surgery, a CBC will be performed to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure.
Blood Chemistries
While a CBC is the most common blood test, your pet may also need blood chemistries in some cases. Blood chemistries test many aspects of your pet's health, including kidney, liver, and pancreas function. These tests may be necessary if your pet is older, or if your veterinarian suspects toxin exposure or severe vomiting or diarrhea.
If your pet is taking medication, blood chemistries may be used to monitor their organ function while taking the medicine. Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium can be checked with a blood chemistry, and other chemistries, such as creatine and amylase, can also reveal important information about your pet's health. Low levels of thyroxine (T4) can indicate hypothyroidism in dogs and cats.
Preparing for a Blood Test
Your veterinarian may instruct you to avoid feeding your pet for six hours before the blood test. This is because eating can increase lipemia, which are fat droplets in the blood that can interfere with certain blood tests.
Get Veterinary Care at Glen Eagles Pet Hospital
If you need to visit a veterinarian in Edmond, contact Glen Eagles Pet Hospital. We offer diagnostic tests, including blood tests, as well as routine veterinary care and emergency services. Call our team today at (405) 463-0600 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.