A trip to the animal hospital includes more than just regular vaccinations and physical examinations. Even routine checkups can include lab work to monitor your pet’s organ functions and test for common diseases. In fact, there are many reasons cats and dogs might need lab work during their visits. With more than 50 years of experience in veterinarian medicine, Animal Health Center in Enterprise, AL, lists the following as the three most common reasons your pet might need lab work.

3 Reasons a Pet Will Need Lab Work

1. It’s Time for an Annual Checkup

A lot can happen to your pet in a year, and if it’s your cat or dog’s first time seeing a veterinarian, expect the vet to take blood samples as a baseline to compare to future lab work. A vet might also use lab work to test for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses in cats or kidney or liver function in dogs. You should expect annual lab work for senior cats and dogs to monitor their organs as they age. 

2. Your Pet Is Sick

Animals are adept at hiding their illnesses from their owners, but if your pet is repeatedly displaying symptoms such as nausea, lethargy, lack of appetite, or crying, you could find yourself at an emergency vet clinic. The veterinarian will order lab work to help diagnose and treat the condition. Low blood counts can reveal hidden conditions such as anemia, bleeding, or immune system disorders. High blood counts can indicate such conditions as infection, dehydration, and inflammation.

3. Your Pet Is Having Surgery

If your four-legged friend requires surgery at an animal hospital, the veterinarian will order lab work to ensure your cat or dog can tolerate the procedure. Blood tests will reveal whether your pet is healthy enough to endure anesthesia and surgery.

If a doctor orders lab work for your pet, rest assured it’s for a good reason. At Animal Health Center, their team of caring veterinarians relies on blood samples and other tests to treat their patients as effectively as possible. To schedule an appointment at this animal hospital, call (334) 347-0544, or visit their website to learn more about their veterinarian medicine.