Blood Tests

Even though your pet may appear to be in good health from the outside, we are often not able to tell what is happening inside from just a physical examination. Just as in humans, as an animal ages, their organ function deteriorates. Older animals are more likely to be affected by conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, and cancer. Hyperthyroidism is also a very common disease in older cats.

Learn about Tests Routinely Performed in Veterinary Medicine symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in the Merck Pet Manual. Vet and Human Health versions too!

Blood contains a variety of cell types; red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, and these cells typically have relatively normal ratios. Any anomalies in the cell ratios may be an indicator of disease, and many abnormalities that occur within the body can often be detected via blood tests.

Having your pet properly prepared before blood collection helps to ensure that test results are as accurate and reliable as they can be. Sometimes abnormal test results say more about how the pet was prepared than about true illness.

Beyond the common misperceptions lingers the question of what this all means and why it's considered so critical. Here's an explanation.

The blood chemistry panel is a vital tool in the diagnosis of dog (and cat) diseases. An essential part of a thorough evaluation, most animal hospitals have provisions for evaluating blood chemistry values for dogs (and cats) either on site or via a local veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Your six-month-old puppy is scheduled to be spayed tomorrow. When you call to confirm your appointment, and review the veterinarian s estimate of charges with the receptionist, you learn that you will be charged $60 for a blood panel. Is this necessary? Blood is composed of different types of cells, and the status and percentage of type of cell present in the mixture communicates important facts.

Blood work is the easiest, fastest, cheapest, and least invasive way to investigate, discover and monitor many health conditions that your dog might have. Learn more about why blood work is asked for and why it can help your dog before, during and after surgery.

Dr. Tessa King, a veterinarian at Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital, answers this week's questions.

An overview of the most common blood tests we perform in pets and the types of diseases and problems the results can indicate.

A guide to Understanding your pet's blood work.

What Do Those Lab Tests Mean?: Pet Health Topics is a collection of articles written at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University about common problems and diseases in companion animals and demonstrates common procedures that may be performed at home.