Blood tests are an essential part of diagnosing what is ailing your pet, just as they are in human medicine. Blood tests can tell the veterinarian a myriad of things, from whether your pet is dehydrated to whether he or she has anemia to whether your cat or dog is suffering from cancer.
Common blood tests used by veterinarians
Red blood cells are used to determine a number of factors. The packed red blood cell count can detect a condition called polycythemia. A high count indicates dehydration, while a low count can be an indicator of anemia. The hemoglobin concentration test measures the oxygen-carrying capacity of your pet's blood, and the red blood cell count can tell your vet how well your pet's body is functioning. Testing the white blood cells is equally useful. A high white blood cell count is indicative of infection, whereas a low white blood cell count can mean a weakened immune system.
Benefits of in-house diagnostics and bloodwork
In-house diagnostics are an invaluable tool that our veterinarians can use to diagnose and monitor health conditions as well as determine organ function and health before procedures. Most test results are available within minutes and can make the difference in circumstances where results are needed immediately.
Your veterinarian will determine a plan based on the patients health condition and risk factors to determine which test is right for them. In certain cases your veterinarian may determine that in-house bloodwork may not be the most comprehensive and cost effective way to check or diagnose your pet.