Bloodwork is one of the routine diagnostic services we provide in our in-house laboratory. There are times we’ll recommend bloodwork, like if your pet has an upcoming surgery or when their doctor is trying to diagnose a condition. Our in-house laboratory allows us to quickly and effectively process their bloodwork, which means we can deliver their results to you in less time. We also use local, outside laboratories to process full blood panels for more complex cases.
When does my pet need bloodwork?
We don’t only recommend bloodwork if your pet is sick. Bloodwork is a great diagnostic tool that gives us insight into what’s happening inside your pet’s body, without performing more invasive procedures. Your pet could need bloodwork if they have an upcoming surgery, before they go under anesthesia, before starting a new medication, if they’re showing signs of an underlying health issue or if we need to confirm a working diagnosis that we have. During your pet’s wellness exams, bloodwork allows us to determine a baseline of their health. This helps us to detect any future changes that could be a sign of a health issue.
What does bloodwork tell you?
Bloodwork can tell us if your pet is immunocompromised, how well their organs are working or show early signs of a health issue. Early detection increases our ability to treat your furry friend, which in some cases, could be life saving. Some things we look for include:
- White Blood Cell Count – Sign of disease/infection
- Platelet Count – Sign of blood’s ability to clot
- Hematocrit – Sign of anemia and hydration
- Hemoglobin – Sign of red blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen
- Eosinophils – Sign of allergic or parasitic infections
How do I prepare my pet for their bloodwork?
Our veterinary team will go over preparations with you before your pet’s appointment. In some cases, your pet won’t need to do anything outside of their regular routine. Other times, they’ll need to fast for up to 12 hours before their appointment. If you have any questions about preparing your pet, please contact us at 604-940-0899.
