When sick, our pets cannot communicate with us. While necessary for our pets, routine medical exams, deworming, and a balanced diet do not always reveal the health of their internal organs. Of all medical tests, blood tests are the most diagnostic. They offer accurate and timely information about the health of your pets.
What is the goal of a blood test on pets?
Your veterinarian or veterinary nurse might suggest routine blood tests for your pet. For instance, a blood test is necessary for a disease diagnosis procedure due to several factors. In some circumstances, a routine physical exam may also call for a “warrant of fitness.”
The results of a blood test can significantly enhance your veterinarian’s ability to care for your furry family member. Before the clinic procedure for your pet, this is especially crucial. To foresee potential complications during anesthesia, the veterinary team must thoroughly understand your pet’s current state of health. Talk to your vet or visit their website to learn more.
When a blood test is advised
Your veterinarian might advise a blood test at your pet’s annual examination. Your veterinarian might recommend a blood test in the following circumstances:
- Your initial visit to a veterinary clinic
- Throughout a physical examination
- If your animal is sick and needs vet surgery
- Before the procedure, a pre-anesthetic blood test is done.
- Before beginning a new medication, you should perform a senior health evaluation.
What takes place after a blood sample is taken?
The jugular vein in the neck is big enough to allow for quick blood collection and collects a good sample. Blood starts to clot when it is exposed to air, which could have an impact on the outcome. If your pet takes meds, visit a pet pharmacy and ask for a prescription refill.
Blood can be taken from a vein in the leg if necessary, but most animals are more relaxed when blood is taken from the jugular vein. After blood collection, we press on the vein for roughly a minute to avoid bruising. If the patient is uncooperative, this might be challenging.
The required tests, the majority of which can be carried out in our on-site laboratory, are carried out using blood drawn and put in tubes. These samples are sent to a different laboratory because particular tests need more specialized equipment.
How come a blood test is necessary?
Your pet may need a blood test for several reasons. Blood tests monitor the effects of specific drug therapies and screen for diseases or breed-specific conditions. It is essential to conduct wellness blood tests for the early detection of medical conditions.
- Blood tests are necessary because as your pet ages, their health issues worsen (similar to humans)
- Animals age more quickly than humans do. Annual blood tests are still required to detect any underlying medical conditions.
- Like blood tests for humans, the knowledge gained about your pet’s health is priceless.
Conclusion
Your veterinarian can diagnose kidney, liver, thyroid, and diabetes through a blood test, among other conditions. If the conditions are found early enough, they can be monitored and treated no matter how severe. The results of the blood test will typically show no signs of illness. Blood tests are a crucial diagnostic and monitoring tool for our veterinary teams.