Greencross Vets 
Why do pets need blood tests?
Our pets aren’t able to tell us when they feel unwell. Regular vet checks, worming and a healthy diet are all important for our pets, but these things can’t always reveal how their internal organs are functioning. Blood tests are among the most diagnostic of all the health checks. They provide accurate and timely information about the health of your pet, and help us uncover early signs of disease or concerns.
Blood tests for dogs and cats help identify hidden health issues such as organ dysfunction, immune disorders, and hormonal imbalances. These tests are crucial not only when symptoms are present but also as part of regular preventative care to detect conditions like diabetes, liver & kidney disease, and anemia early.
What do blood tests reveal?
Blood tests can provide insight into the function of your pet’s organs, hormones and their immune system, and can indicate the presence of disease. Some tests can be used to stimulate or suppress an organ to look into its function more specifically. Newer tests even have the ability to look at your pet’s genetics for specific disease or infections.
Common tests look at the function of the body’s organs such as the liver, kidneys, thyroid and pancreas. Some markers in the blood test can indicate potential muscle damage and inflammation. Red and white blood cells are also tested which reveal hydration status, anaemia, inflammation or infection, and your pet’s immune system responses.
Why would my pet need a blood test?
There are many reasons your dog or cat may require a blood test. Common reasons include:
- Identifying potential problems before anaesthetic use
- Screening for disease or to identify breed-specific diseases
- Monitoring effects of drug therapies
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How often should pets have a blood test?
A yearly screen is highly recommended as part of your pet’s health check up. This helps us determine what is normal for your pet, so that when changes occur they can be noted quickly. It is recommended that blood tests be performed prior to anaesthetics, as not all organ function changes are apparent on a physical examination. This helps your veterinarian make informed choices regarding the anaesthetic medications they choose for your pet. For senior pets 7 years and older, twice yearly blood testing is recommended and is an important step to understanding your pet’s health and uncovering early signs of disease.
How are blood tests performed?
Blood tests can be carried out simply and swiftly during a regular consultation. Your veterinarian will clip a small amount of hair from your pet’s limb or neck and sterilise the area with an alcohol swab. A small amount of blood is collected using a syringe needle, then placed into special tubes and processed either on-site or in an external laboratory. Animals tend to tolerate this procedure much better than many of us and before they know it, it’s all over.
FAQs
What does a high white blood cell count in dogs or cats mean?
It can suggest infection, inflammation, immune system disorders, or even more serious conditions like cancer.
What are signs of low red blood cell count in dogs and cats?
Symptoms suggestive of severe anaemia can include lethargy, weakness, poor exercise tolerance, pale gums, reduced appetite and rapid breathing.
What does a dog or cat liver blood test show?
It assesses liver enzyme levels to detect liver disease & bile duct obstructions. Some changes can be suggestive of hormonal disorders such as thyroid disease and Cushing’s syndrome.
What causes low blood sugar in dogs and cats?
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can be caused by excessive insulin (due to a pancreatic tumour, accidental overdose of insulin medication or other hormonal conditions), liver disease, or prolonged fasting and requires urgent diagnosis as without treatment, these pets can subsequently have seizures and collapse.
If you’re concerned about your pet’s health, particularly if they’re ageing, book a consultation at your Greencross Vets today.
