Blood or lab tests enable us to gather information about your dog’s health that can only be obtained by collecting and analyzing a blood sample. This comprises a CBC (complete blood count) and blood chemistries, which evaluate chemical components in the blood.
A dog CBC detects and measures white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in a given blood volume. This involves examining the shape and condition of the cells for health and functioning. This offers information regarding your dog’s immune system (white blood cells) and oxygen-carrying capabilities (red blood cell count).
Blood testing for dogs may also detect:
- Glucose\sProteins
- Electrolytes
- Cholesterol
- Endocrine levels
- Digestive enzymes
Because substances discovered in the circulation may also connect with certain organs, lab tests for dogs can detect more than simply blood count. For example, if canine blood tests reveal a lack of albumin levels, a veterinarian would check the dog’s liver since albumin is created in the liver.
In-house lab tests in veterinary emergency for dogs may also detect and aid diagnose complicated bodily system disorders. Blood tests for dogs, for example, may identify aberrant hormonal-chemical reactions to external and internal stimuli, alerting a veterinarian to a possible problem with the dog’s endocrine system.
When seen in this light, canine blood tests are very important tools in a veterinarian’s toolbox for detecting, identifying, diagnosing, and treating sickness or disease.
When Will A Veterinarian Suggest Dog Blood Tests?
The following circumstances may necessitate the ordering of dog blood work:
- During the initial veterinarian appointment, it is recommended that pups undergo blood tests to rule out congenital disorders and pre-anesthetic testing before spaying or neutering. Check out this homepage for more info.
- During semi-annual wellness exams: This is advised if your veterinarian advises it as part of a full physical examination since dog blood testing, along with other physiological fluids like urine, may assist in discovering issues that the examination component of a physical cannot.
- If a dog seems to be in distress: Canine blood tests are appropriate for a dog performing unusually but do not show any obvious indications of sickness, disease, or injury.
- Pre-surgical tests: Dog blood testing is done to measure the effectiveness of the liver and kidneys, which helps a veterinarian choose the safest amount of anesthetic. Tests may also assist in identifying the surgical risk level in sick, aged, or wounded dogs.
- Before beginning a new medication: This is especially beneficial for new drugs that the liver or kidney may process.
- During senior wellness checkups: Dog blood tests are frequently advised for mature, senior, and geriatric dogs as part of their regular wellness exams. They are incredibly advantageous since doctors often see elderly dogs return to a more youthful condition when blood tests reveal a problem that can be readily remedied.
Although in-house dog laboratory can process any dog blood work or culture, the following are some of the most typical kinds of lab work for dogs performed:
- Urinalysis: This test examines your dog’s urine to detect dehydration, infections, renal or bladder problems, diabetes, and other health issues.
- Complete blood count (CBC): It examines your dog’s blood to determine blood properties such as red and white cell count, immune state, and hemoglobin, the material in red blood cells that provides oxygen.
- Blood clotting times: It checks your dog’s blood for bleeding issues.
- Blood chemistry: It determines the state of your dog’s internal organs and assesses their condition before anesthesia for surgery.
- Cytology: Vets take sebum and cellular debris samples from the skin and ears to detect whether an infection is present. In addition, doctors may take needle or core biopsies of lumps or abnormalities on your dog’s body to search for cancer cells.
We suggest discussing lab testing for dogs with your veterinarian so you can make an educated choice about whether or if your canine companion may benefit from dog blood work.