Is blood work necessary for puppies?
On the first veterinary visit: We recommend puppies have blood tests to rule out congenital diseases, for baseline information, and for pre-anesthetic testing prior to spaying or neutering.
How long does puppy blood work take?
Blood testing takes only a few minutes and can save lives and costs in the long run. In-house blood testing lets you be more involved in your pet’s care, as you and your veterinarian can discuss the results right away. If they’re abnormal and we need to run more tests, there will be fewer trips back and forth.
When to get your dog’s Blood Work done?
In their October 2017 Dog Watch Newsletter, Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine revisited the importance of ordering your dog’s blood work and understanding the results.
Is it a waste to have blood work done on a dog?
Getting blood work done is never a waste, even when it results in good news. A complete blood count tells veterinarians about a pet’s red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Photo: Adina Voicu
What does a complete blood count tell you about a pet?
A complete blood count tells veterinarians about a pet’s red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Photo: Adina Voicu “Blood work, shmud work! Why is my vet always asking me to do blood tests?” I hear this complaint — or a reluctance to pay for blood tests — frequently. Veterinarians often defend themselves about recommending blood work.
What are the different types of blood tests for dogs?
This includes a CBC (complete blood count) and blood chemistries that analyze chemical components in the blood. A CBC for dogs identifies and quantifies white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets in a given amount of blood. This includes analyzing the shape and condition of the cells for health and functionality.
How long does it take to draw blood from a dog?
The blood draw takes about 10 seconds. The CBC informs us about red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. If the red cell count (hematocrit or PCV) is low, your pet is anemic. Then your vet has to find out why your pet is anemic. If the red cell count is high, your pet is most likely dehydrated.
What kind of blood work can be done on a dog?
Although our in-house dog laboratory can process many types of dog blood work, some of the most common lab work for dogs we perform are: Blood Parasite Test: We evaluate a small amount of your dog’s blood (3 drops) to determine if he or she is infected with common, life-threatening blood parasites such as Lyme Disease and Anaplasmosis
What to look for on a pet Bloodwork report?
The CBC, or Complete Blood Count, is typically the first thing you’ll see on your pet’s bloodwork report. This group of tests analyzes blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) as well as blood proteins.
When to take your pet for a blood test?
If your pet is highly excitable and your veterinarian is concerned this may affect blood test results, your appointment may be booked at a separate time when the clinic is quieter. This may reduce the stress associated with taking a blood sample. How do I prepare my pet for a special blood test?