Why might my dog need lab work?
Every dog needs blood work once a year. Blood work tests for your red cells, white cells, liver, kidney, tests for heartworm disease, tick-borne diseases, fecal parasites, and also checks for urinary tract infections, crystals, and your dog's overall health.
What are the different types of lab work veterinarians can call for?
There's a urinalysis, which is your dog's urine test. It looks at kidney function, crystals, infections, proteins, and can detect sugar in the urine for possible diabetes diagnosis. A fecal exam looks for parasites in your pet's stool, such as hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and other parasites like coccidia and giardia. A CBC or complete blood count examines your red cells, white cells, the size, shape, types of cells, and platelets. It can inform us about clotting times, especially if your pet bruises easily or has ingested poisons like rat poison. A blood chemistry or biochemical profile checks your liver, kidneys, proteins, pancreas, and other organ functions. Cytology identifies cell types or infections, such as ear infections or masses. Gastrointestinal blood panels evaluate underlying issues causing diarrhea, mal-digestion, malabsorption, or pancreas issues.
How does my veterinarian decide what lab test to order for my dog?
It depends on age. Dogs under seven years typically undergo a young or small panel. For dogs over seven, we order a large or senior panel, including thyroid tests, as older dogs are prone to hypothyroidism.
When will a veterinarian recommend blood testing?
We recommend blood tests by six months of age, typically before a spay or neuter, and then once a year. As pets age, we recommend testing twice a year. Additional testing may occur if issues like thyroid problems, diabetes, or heart issues arise. Blood work is essential for pets on chronic medications to ensure liver and kidneys function well since medications are metabolized by the liver and excreted through the kidneys.
What will blood work tell me about my dog's health?
It provides an overall look into your dog's health, checking for concerns with the liver, kidney, heart, infections, parasitic infections, UTIs, and more.
What is baseline lab testing, and how does it benefit my dog's health?
Baseline testing gives us a point of comparison for future tests. It helps us determine if abnormal values are due to illness or underlying chronic conditions. Regular baseline tests allow us to track trends and identify issues early.
What can blood tests for dogs help identify?
They can identify heartworm disease, tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, kidney disease, liver issues, and conditions like Cushing's disease. Blood tests can also indicate chronic conditions like anemia, which may require further investigation with tools like ultrasounds.
What should I do if I'm having trouble understanding my dog's blood test results?
Ask questions and call us. You're never bothering us. We want you to understand to make informed decisions for your pet. Do research using reputable sites and speak to different people for clearer explanations.
What do chemistry tests mean for my dog's blood work?
Chemistry tests assess organ function, including liver, kidneys, glucose, electrolytes, and proteins, giving an overall metabolic status. Blood work costs range from $100 to $300, with costs increasing for more comprehensive testing as pets age.
What can I expect when my dog is getting blood work done?
Results are typically available in 3 to 4 days. Blood is drawn from your dog, which can be stressful. We strive to make it stress-free and recommend pre-visit medications like trazodone or gabapentin if your pet is anxious.
Is having lab work done for dogs painful?
No, it's a simple injection with minor discomfort, but the overall benefit to your pet is significant.
What if my veterinarian doesn't have an in-house lab?
We have an in-house lab, but routine tests are sent to an external lab for cost-effectiveness and comprehensive results. In-house tests are more costly and limited. For sick pets needing immediate results, we run tests in-house.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (704) 827-0616, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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