We can find info about your dog’s health through a blood test or a laboratory test. These details can only be gained through gathering and examining a blood sample. Included in this examination is a complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistries, which investigate the chemical constituents of the blood.
How to Read a Dog’s Blood Test Results
The function of a canine CBC is to examine a blood sample and identify the variety of different types of blood cells and platelets present. A close look at the cellular structure and condition can expose crucial details about their health and functionality.
With this understanding, you can evaluate the health of your dog’s immune system (leukocyte) and its capability to transport oxygen (red blood cell count). Furthermore, blood screening for dogs can determine the following conditions:
- Glucose \ s and Proteins
- Electrolytes
- Endocrine Cholesterol Levels
- Enzymes for Digestive Absorption
Laboratory work for dogs can assist in finding more than just blood count because substances recognized in the bloodstream can also refer to particular organs. If a dog’s blood tests show low albumin levels, the medical professional would likely examine the organ responsible for making albumin: the liver.
Detailed abnormalities in canine bodily systems can be identified and helped determine through laboratory testing. An aberrant response in a dog’s blood to external and internal stimuli might show a concern with the dog’s endocrine system, for instance.
Canine blood tests are valuable instruments in a veterinarian’s toolkit for finding, identifying, and treating disease or illness. Click here to get more info.
When Should a Veterinarian Suggest Dog Blood Tests?
There is a much better probability of identifying the problem and administering a corrective medical procedure once a test has been made. Dog blood work might be bought in the following scenarios:
- Before purifying or neutering: Dogs need a blood test to eliminate congenital disorders and supply baseline details for pre-anesthetic screening.
- During semi-annual wellness examinations: If your veterinarian advises it as part of a complete physical exam, this is recommended since dog blood tests, along with other physiological fluids like urine, can help find diseases that may be unnoticeable on the physical examination.
- If a dog appears unwell: Canine blood tests are appropriate for a dog who obviously shows signs of health problems, disease, or injury but acts uncommonly.
- Pre-operative tests: Dog blood work is done to measure the efficiency of the kidneys, which permits a vet from places like Columbia River Veterinary to choose the safest quantity and sort of anesthesia. Tests can also help determine the surgical danger level in patients who are ill, aged, or hurt.
- Before beginning a brand-new medication: New medications, in particular, might be processed by the liver or kidney. You can also click here to learn more.
- During senior health checkups: Dog blood tests are usually recommended as part of the regular health examinations for fully grown, senior, and geriatric dogs. These are exceptionally important, as we often see senior dogs revert to a younger state when blood tests expose an issue that is quickly treated.
Although in-house dog laboratories might handle a vast array of canine blood work, the following are a few of the most normal lab tests for dogs:
- Blood Parasite Test: A percentage of your dog’s blood (3 drops) will be checked to see if they are infected with typical, life-threatening blood parasites, including Lyme Disease and Anaplasmosis.
- Urinalysis: This evaluates your dog’s urine for hydration, infections, diabetes, and other health problems.
- Fecal Exam: This will examine the color, consistency, and existence of blood or mucus in your dog’s stool sample. We then look for intestinal tract parasites, fungi, or protozoa under a microscopic lens.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This analyzes your dog’s blood to look at blood properties such as cell count, immune state, and hemoglobin, the part of the red cell that carries oxygen.
- Blood Clotting Times: This will look for bleeding problems 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 surgery.
- Cytology: This will gather sebum and cellular debris samples from the skin and ears to identify the presence of an infection. In addition, we might do a needle or core biopsy to search for cancer cells in lumps or growths on your dog’s body.
You should seek advice from your vet regarding dog blood work to make an informed decision about whether it would benefit your furry buddy.