Blood Work
Pet blood work involves taking a small blood sample from your pet and testing it to assess their overall health. These tests can reveal a wide range of information, including signs of infection, disease, organ function, metabolic issues, and provide baseline values for future comparisons. Blood tests are a valuable tool for early disease detection and play a crucial role in maintaining your pet's well-being.
What Happens During Pet Blood Work?
A skilled veterinary technician or nurse will perform a quick and relatively painless blood draw. A small amount of blood is taken from a vein, typically in the leg for birds and reptiles, and the arm for dogs and cats. The samples are carefully labeled and sent to our on-site lab for analysis. Results are usually available within 24 hours. Your veterinarian will then review the results with you, discussing any findings and recommending appropriate treatment or next steps.
Why is Pet Blood Work Important?
Blood testing offers several key benefits:
- Early Disease Detection: It can identify medical conditions before your pet starts showing symptoms, allowing for earlier and often more effective treatment.
- Diagnosis: Blood work helps diagnose a wide range of conditions, including anemia, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, cancer, thyroid problems, blood clotting disorders, infections, and more. The specific tests run will depend on what the vet is looking for.
- Monitoring: Regular blood tests can help monitor existing conditions and track your pet's response to treatment.
- Baseline Values: Establishing normal values for your pet provides a baseline for comparison with future blood tests, making it easier to detect changes that may indicate a health problem.
In short, blood work is a powerful tool that allows veterinarians to gain valuable insights into your pet's internal health, enabling them to provide the best possible care.