There are a few reasons our veterinary team will recommend having bloodwork. In addition to bloodwork, we recommend other tests like a urinalysis to provide a more comprehensive look at your pet’s health and to confirm or rule out a diagnosis the doctor has in mind.
When does my pet need bloodwork?
There are a variety of reasons your pet could need bloodwork, including:
- When they have their wellness exam
- When they’re starting a new preventive
- When we’re trying to diagnose a health condition
- When your pet isn’t acting like themselves
- When your pet has symptoms like fever or vomiting
What does it tell you?
Bloodwork helps us identify what’s happening inside your pet’s body. It determines levels of key enzymes, blood cells, proteins and other vital bodily functions that give us insight into how well their body is working. For example, amylase are digestive enzymes. When bloodwork shows high levels, this could be a sign of kidney disease or pancreatitis. Your pet’s white blood cell count signals how well their immune system works and if it’s compromised. High glucose levels (sugar) can be an indication of diabetes, obesity and liver disease. We usually use a complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemical analysis to provide these insights.
How long does it take to process results?
Our in-house laboratory allows us to process results quickly and effectively. Depending on the complexity of the tests we’re running, we could have your pet’s results within the same day as their appointment. If you have questions about your pet’s bloodwork, don’t hesitate to contact us at 403-253-7044.
