Learning that your dog needs diagnostic testing like bloodwork can be frightening if you don't know why it's needed. To help put your mind at ease, our Oceanside vets share some information about the purpose of blood tests for dogs and how you can understand the results.
What is the importance of blood tests for dogs?
Blood tests are used to help show your vet the details about your dog's health that can help indicate any potential issues while they are still easily treated. This allows your pet to live a long healthy life.
When we detect diseases early, prevention and treatment can be administered earlier. Healthy pets also need blood tests during routine exams to obtain normal baseline values to compare to later and as your pet ages.
For dogs experiencing any symptoms of illness then these blood tests and other forms of diagnostic testing can be used to help show you vet what the issue is and allow treatment to begin as early as possible.
What will your vet learn about your dog from blood tests?
some of the most common diagnostic tests performed are a complete blood count (CBC) and a complete blood chemistry panel, including electrolytes and urinalysis. The CBC identifies whether there is anemia, inflammation, or infection present. It can also indicate immune system response and blood clotting ability.
Your vet will utilize the chemistry panel and electrolytes to learn about the health of your dog’s liver, kidneys, and pancreas are working as they should.
This important lab work can also detect and help to identify complex issues within a dog’s internal systems. For example, blood tests for dogs can detect whether internal or environmental stimuli are causing hormonal-chemical responses. This can be indicative of an issue with your dog's endocrine system.
What are some reasons for a dog to have blood tests done?
There are many different reasons for a vet to request routine blood tests including:
- Your pet's first vet visit (to establish baseline data and for pre-anesthetic testing before a spaying or neutering procedure)
- Semi-annual routine exams as preventive care
- During senior exams, your vet will look for age-related conditions in the earliest stages
- As pre-surgical testing to identify your dog's risk of complications during surgery
- Before starting a new medication
- If your dog is showing odd behaviors
- To help assess your pet's condition during an emergency visit
How long does it take to get the results of blood tests?
Thanks to our in-house lab, our vets in Oceanside are able to perform these blood tests and get results quickly allowing them to begin your dog's treatment as soon as possible. The tests themselves are relatively quick and can take minutes. Some tests may take somewhat longer. Your vet can provide an accurate timeframe.
What do these blood tests show us about your dog?
At Surfside Animal Hospital, we will always take the time to explain your dog’s blood tests and their results, as treatment and management of health issues are a team effort between our veterinary team and loving pet owners.
Typically, your dog's bloodwork will include a complete blood count (CBC) or blood chemistry (serum test). The CBC will be important for dogs that have pale gums or are experiencing vomiting, fever, weakness, or loss of appetite. Blood tests for dogs with diarrhea also fall into this category.
A CBC is also able to identify other concerns that may not be visible during any other routine diagnostic testing.
What information is seen in a CBC?
- Hematocrit (HCT): With this test, we can identify the percentage of red blood cells to detect hydration or anemia.
- Hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (Hb and MCHC): These are pigments of red blood cells that carry oxygen.
- White blood cell count (WBC): With this test, we measure the body’s immune cells. Certain diseases or infections can cause WBC to increase or decrease.
- Granulocytes and lymphocytes/monocytes (GRANS and L/M): These are specific types of white blood cells.
- Eosinophils (EOS): These are a specific type of white blood cells that can indicate health conditions due to allergies or parasites.
- Platelet count: (PLT): This test measures cells that form blood clots.
- Reticulocytes (RETICS): High levels of immature red blood cells can point to regenerative anemia.
- Fibrinogen (FIBR): We can glean important information about blood clotting from this test. High levels can indicate a dog is 30 to 40 days pregnant.
What is shown with a blood serum test?
Blood chemistries (blood serum tests) give us insight into a dog’s organ function (liver, kidneys, and pancreas), hormone levels, electrolyte status, and more.
The test can be used to assess the health of older dogs, do general health assessments before anesthesia, or monitor dogs receiving long-term medications.
These tests also help us evaluate senior dogs’ health and those with symptoms of diseases (such as Addison’s, diabetes, kidney diseases, or others), diarrhea, vomiting, or toxin exposure.
Why might my dog need blood tests?
At Surfside Animal Hospital our vets recommend blood tests are conducted and lab work done as a proactive measure during an annual routine exam, even if your dog seems perfectly healthy. This is because the sooner we catch health issues, the more effectively we can treat your dog.
Our veterinary team will always advocate for your pet’s health, explain any tests that are needed and why, and take a preventive approach to your dog’s veterinary care.
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.
