Like humans, blood tests are a valuable diagnostic and anaesthetic pre-screening tool for your pets. At Vets on Parker, we recommend regular blood testing for dogs and cats to detect health concerns early, assess anaesthetic suitability, and diagnose illnesses when your furry friends are not feeling their best.
Why Are Blood Tests Important for Pets?
Pets can’t always communicate when unwell, so veterinary blood tests are essential for identifying hidden health concerns. Blood screening for dogs and cats helps with:
- Detecting illnesses early, even before symptoms arise.
- Reducing anaesthetic risks with pre-screening.
- Diagnosing the underlying cause of symptoms when pets are unwell.
- Monitoring treatment progress and adjusting dosages.
A blood panel for dogs and cats reveals information about:
- Organ function: including the liver, kidneys, and pancreas
- Enzyme levels: which may indicate muscle inflammation or damage
- Red and white blood cell counts: showing signs of inflammation, anaemia, infection, or immune response
- Hormonal imbalances and certain diseases: such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, or infections
- Blood clotting factors: Abnormalities that may cause bleeding disorders or affect wound healing
When Might Your Pet Need a Blood Test?
Pet blood tests are recommended in circumstances including:
- Routine Health Screenings: Regular blood tests help with early detection of illness or decreasing organ function before pets become unwell. This is especially important for older pets. We advise annual blood tests, increasing to twice yearly from age 7–9 or if underlying health issues or changes are detected.
- Pre-Anaesthetic Screening: Blood tests for dogs and cats before surgery help assess anaesthetic risks. At Vets on Parker, we provide pre-anaesthetic blood screening for all cats and dogs prior to their desexing procedure and recommend that all patients receiving anaesthetic have a blood test unless one has been performed recently.
- Monitoring Chronic Conditions: Regular veterinary blood tests help track treatment effectiveness and manage side effects for pets with ongoing health issues.
When Your Pet Is Ill
Blood tests are not just a preventative tool—they are crucial in diagnosing underlying health issues when your pet is already unwell. If your furry friend is showing symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or unusual behaviour, blood screening can provide vital insights into the cause of their illness.
How Are Blood Tests Performed?
Pet blood tests are quick 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
The sample is processed using our in-house analysers for fast pre-anaesthetic screening and diagnosis, while more comprehensive tests are sent to an external pathology lab. For most pets, the procedure is brief and relatively painless.
Book a Blood Test for Your Pet
At Vets on Parker, we are committed to providing exceptional care for your pooch or feline friend. Whether your pet requires a routine blood screening or more specialised veterinary blood tests, our experienced team is here to assist.
FAQs
Abnormal results can point to various issues, from infections to chronic conditions. Your vet will review the findings with you and recommend further testing or treatment.
Pet blood tests are generally safe with minimal risk. In some cases, pets may experience mild bruising, swelling, or slight discomfort at the blood draw site. Or may develop a mild case of clipper rash from the shaving of the area.
Just like in humans, different blood tests have different requirements. Please check with our team when booking your pet’s appointment to confirm if fasting is necessary.
