Our pets are unable to communicate when they are ill. Regular vet visits, deworming, and a well-balanced diet are all important for our pets, but these measures do not always reveal how their internal organs are faring. 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?
Newtown veterinary specialists or veterinary nurse frequently recommends blood tests for your pet. Several factors dictate the need for such a blood test. In some cases, a disease diagnosis procedure is required. In other instances, issuing your pet a “warrant of fitness” may be necessary for a routine health checkup.
Blood test results can greatly improve your veterinary team’s ability to help your furry family member. This is especially important before your pet’s clinic procedure. The veterinary team must clearly understand your pet’s current state of health to anticipate potential problems that may arise during anesthesia.
When a blood test is advised
A blood test may be recommended during your pet’s yearly checkup with the veterinarian. The following situations may necessitate a blood test recommendation from your veterinarian:
- Your initial veterinary clinic visit
- During a wellness examination
- If your pet is ill
- Before the procedure, a pre-anesthetic blood test is performed as per a veterinary cardiology request.
- During a senior wellness exam.
What happens after the blood sample is drawn?
A good sample can be obtained from the jugular vein in the neck, which is also large enough to allow for quick blood collection. This is significant because blood begins to clot when exposed to air, which could affect the outcome. Most animals are more relaxed when blood is drawn from the jugular vein; however, if necessary, a smaller sample can be drawn from a vein in the leg.
We apply pressure to the vein for about a minute after blood collection to avoid bruising. This can be difficult if the patient is clumsy. The blood is collected and placed in tubes that will be used for the necessary tests, most of which can be completed at our on-site laboratory. We send those samples to another lab because some tests require more specialized equipment.
Why is a blood test required?
A blood test for your pet could be required for various reasons. Blood tests are used to screen for disease or to identify breed-specific diseases, to identify potential problems before anesthesia, and to monitor the effects of specific drug therapies. Early detection through wellness blood testing is the key to detecting and treating health conditions. Blood tests are required because:
- As your pet ages, more health issues emerge (similar to humans).
- Animals age more quickly than humans. Every yearly blood test is as important as ever in detecting any underlying medical conditions.
- The knowledge you gain about your pet’s health is priceless, just like blood tests for humans. You can check this page if you’re looking for a vet surgeon.
Conclusion
A blood test performed by your veterinarian can detect conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, and diabetes. Regardless of their seriousness, the conditions can be monitored and treated if detected early. You can rest assured that the blood test results will, in many cases, reveal no health issues. Blood tests are an essential monitoring and diagnostic tool for our veterinary teams.
