Is it good to have blood work done on a pet?
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 “Blood work, shmud work! Why is my vet always asking me to do blood tests?”
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.
Why do they do blood tests on dogs?
Special tests are done to investigate or monitor a specific problem. For example, veterinarians will want to monitor the blood sugar level in a diabetic pet, or to test for drug levels in a pet on medication. Proper preparation for special tests is essential for accurate results. How do I prepare my pet for routine blood collection? Gentle fasting.
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 do they do on dogs?
If we are ordering dog blood work, it will most likely be in the form of a complete blood count or a blood chemistry (serum) test. The complete blood count, or CBC, gives the veterinarian information about your dog’s hydration status, anemia, infection, blood clotting ability, and immune system response.
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.
Why do I need a CBC blood test for my Dog?
A CBC gives the information on hydration status, anemia, infection, the blood’s clotting ability, and the ability of the immune system to respond. This test is essential for pets that are not feeling well with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, loss of appetite, or just not feeling well in general.
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.
