Our pets are unable to communicate with us when they are ill. Regular veterinary checkups, deworming, and a well-balanced diet are all important for our pets, but they do not always reveal the state of their internal organs. Blood tests are the most diagnostic of all medical tests. They provide precise and timely information about your pets’ health.
What is the purpose of a pet blood test?
Your pet’s blood tests may be recommended regularly by your veterinarian, dog cardiologist, or veterinary nurse. A disease diagnosis procedure, for example, is required, and multiple factors necessitate such a blood test. A “warrant of fitness” may also be required for a routine health examination.
Blood test results can significantly improve your veterinarian’s ability to help your furry family member. This is especially important before your pet’s clinic procedure. The veterinary team must thoroughly understand your pet’s current health condition to anticipate potential complications during anesthesia.
When a blood test is recommended
Your veterinarian may recommend a blood test during your pet’s annual exam. The following situations may necessitate a blood test recommendation from your veterinarian:
- Your first veterinary clinic visit
- During a health examination
- If your pet is ill,
- A pre-anesthetic blood test is performed before the operation.
- You should conduct a senior health assessment before starting a new medication.
What happens after a blood sample is collected?
The jugular vein in the neck collects a good sample and is large enough to allow quick blood collection. When blood is exposed to air, it begins to clot, which may affect the outcome. Most animals are more relaxed when blood is drawn from the jugular vein; however, a smaller sample can be removed from a vein in the leg if necessary.
We apply pressure to the vein for approximately one minute after blood collection to prevent bruising. This can be difficult if the patient is wriggly. Blood is drawn and placed in tubes for the necessary tests, most of which can be completed in our on-site laboratory. Because specific tests require more specialized equipment, these samples are sent to a different laboratory. Click here for more information.
Why is a blood test required?
A blood test for your pet may be required for various reasons by Newtown Veterinary Specialists. The blood tests screen for disease or breed-specific conditions, identify potential problems before anesthesia, and track the effects of specific drug therapies. Early detection of health conditions through wellness blood testing is critical.
- Blood tests are required because your pet’s health problems become more severe as they ages (similar to humans)
- Humans age at a slower rate than animals. Annual blood tests are still necessary to detect any underlying medical conditions.
- The information gained about your pet’s health is invaluable, just like blood tests for humans.
Conclusion
A blood test performed by your veterinarian, among other things, can detect kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, and diabetes. The conditions can be monitored and treated regardless of severity if detected early. In most cases, the blood test results will reveal no health problems. Blood tests are an essential diagnostic and monitoring tool for our veterinary teams.
