We can find information about your dog’s health through a blood test or a laboratory test. This information can just be obtained through collecting and examining a blood sample. Included in this examination is a complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistries, which examine the chemical constituents of the blood.

How to Read a Dog’s Blood Test Results

A canine CBC’s function is to look at a blood sample and determine the number of different kinds of blood cells and platelets present. A close look at the cellular structure and condition can expose important info about their health and performance.

With this knowledge, you can assess the health of your dog’s immune system (leukocyte) and its capability to transfer oxygen (red blood cell count). In addition, blood testing for dogs can recognize the following conditions:

• Glucose \ s and Proteins
• Electrolytes
• Endocrine Cholesterol Levels
• Enzymes for Digestive Absorption

Laboratory work for dogs can assist in discovering more than merely blood count because compounds recognized in the bloodstream can also refer to particular organs. If a dog’s blood tests show low albumin levels, the doctor would likely inspect the organ responsible for making albumin: the liver.

Elaborate anomalies in canine physical systems can be detected and determined through lab testing. For instance, an aberrant response in a dog’s blood to external and internal stimuli might show a problem with the dog’s endocrine system.

When seen in this light, canine blood tests are extremely valuable instruments in a veterinarian’s toolkit for finding, determining, detecting, and even treating disease or disease.

When Should a Veterinarian Suggest Dog Blood Tests?

There is a much better probability that we can identify the issue and administer a restorative medical procedure once a test has been made. Dog blood work may be purchased in the following situations:

• Before purifying or neutering: Dogs need a blood test to dismiss congenital disorders and provide baseline details for pre-anesthetic screening.
• During semi-annual health exams: If your veterinarian from places like Columbia River Veterinary in Vancouver advises it as part of a complete health examination, this is encouraged since dog blood tests, along with other physiological fluids like urine, can assist in finding illnesses that might be invisible on the physical exam.
• If a dog appears weak: Canine blood tests are appropriate for a dog who is not showing obvious indications of health problems, illness, or injury but is acting abnormally.
• Pre-operative tests: Dog blood work is done to determine the effectiveness of the liver and kidneys, which permits a veterinarian to pick the safest amount and kind of anesthesia. Tests can also assist in determining the surgical danger level in clients who are ill, aged, or injured before going through pet surgery.
• Before beginning a new medication: New medications, in particular, may be processed by the liver or kidney.
• Throughout senior wellness checkups: Dog blood tests are generally recommended as part of the routine wellness exams for fully grown, senior, and geriatric dogs. These are extremely important, as we often see senior dogs revert to a more youthful state when blood tests reveal a problem that is easily corrected.

Although internal dog labs and veterinary pharmacy might manage a wide variety of canine blood work, the following are a few of the most typical lab tests for dogs:

• Blood Parasite Test: A percentage of your dog’s blood (3 drops) will be tested to see if they are infected with common, lethal blood parasites, including Lyme Disease and Anaplasmosis.
• Urinalysis: This tests your dog’s urine for hydration, infections, renal or bladder problems, diabetes, and other health issues.
• Fecal Exam: This will evaluate the color, consistency, and presence of blood or mucus in your dog’s stool sample. We then search for digestive parasites, fungi, or protozoa under a microscopic lens.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This evaluates your dog’s blood to look at blood properties such as red and white blood cell count, immune state, and hemoglobin, which is the element in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
• Blood Clotting Times: This will search for bleeding issues in your dog’s blood.
• Blood Chemistries: This will figure out the state of your dog’s internal organs and total health before anesthesia for surgical treatment.
• Cytology: This will collect sebum and cellular particle samples from the skin and ears to recognize the presence of an infection. In addition, we might do a needle or core biopsy to search for cancer cells in lumps or tumors on your dog’s body.

You are encouraged to seek advice from your vet concerning dog blood work to decide whether it would benefit your furry friend.