Blood Tests for Pets
Just like with people, blood tests are an important diagnostic and pre-anaesthetic screening tool for pets. At Vets in Cranbourne, we recommend regular blood testing for dogs and cats to help identify potential health concerns early, assess their suitability for anaesthesia, and diagnose illnesses when they aren’t feeling their best.
Why Are Blood Tests Important for Pets?
Pets can’t always show us when something is wrong, making blood tests an essential tool for detecting hidden health issues. Regular blood screening for dogs and cats supports:
- Identifying illnesses early, before symptoms appear.
- Minimising anaesthetic risks with pre-screening.
- Diagnosing the cause of illness when pets are unwell.
- Monitoring recovery and adjusting treatments as needed.
A blood panel for dogs and cats provides information such as:
- Organ function: including the liver, kidneys, and pancreas
- Enzyme levels: indicating potential muscle inflammation or damage
- Red and white blood cell counts: revealing signs of anaemia, infection, inflammation, or immune response
- Hormonal imbalances and diseases: such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, or infections
- Blood clotting factors: abnormalities that could cause bleeding issues or affect wound healing
When Might Your Pet Need a Blood Test?
Circumstances when pet blood tests are recommended include:
- Routine Health Screenings: Regular blood tests help detect illness or decreased organ function before pets become unwell. This is especially vital for older pets. We advise yearly blood tests for pets, increasing to twice a year from age 7–9 or if any health concerns arise.
- Pre-Anaesthetic Screening: Pre-surgery blood tests assess anaesthetic risks. At Vets in Cranbourne, we recommend all patients receiving anaesthesia undergo blood testing unless they have done so recently.
- Monitoring Chronic Conditions: Regular veterinary blood tests assist in tracking the effectiveness of treatment and managing side effects for pets with ongoing health issues.
When Your Pet Is Ill
Blood tests play a critical role in diagnosing health problems when your pet is unwell, not just as a preventative measure. If your pet is showing signs like lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual behaviour, blood screening at Vets in Cranbourne can uncover the underlying cause of their illness.
How Are Blood Tests Performed?
Pet blood tests are quick, straightforward, and minimally invasive. Our veterinarian will:
- Shave a small patch on your pet’s leg or neck
- Sterilise the area
- Draw a small blood sample
We process samples with in-house analysers for quick pre-anaesthetic screening and diagnostic results. For more detailed testing, samples are sent to an external pathology lab. The procedure is usually brief and causes minimal discomfort for most pets.
Book a Blood Test for Your Pet
At Vets in Cranbourne, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care for your pooch or feline friend. Whether your pet needs a routine veterinary blood test or specialised screening, our experienced team is here to help.
Book an appointment today.
Need an appointment?
Where your pet’s unwell, or it’s time for a general check-up or vaccination, your furry friend is in good hands. Book online to see our expert Vets in Cranbourne!
Contact Details
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 7pm
Saturday: 8:30am – 2pm
Sunday: Closed
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FAQs
What happens if the blood test results are abnormal?
If your pet’s veterinary blood tests show abnormal results, your vet will go over the findings with you and recommend additional testing or treatment.
Are there risks associated with blood tests for pets?
Pet blood tests generally pose minimal risks. Occasionally, pets may experience mild bruising, swelling, or slight discomfort at the blood draw site. Some may also develop a mild case of clipper rash from the shaving of the area.
Can I feed my pet before a blood test?
Different blood tests come with different requirements, just like with humans. When booking your pet’s appointment, be sure to confirm with our team whether fasting is necessary before the test.
