Going to the veterinarian isn’t just for emergencies or vaccine boosters. Your pet needs an annual wellness check to make sure that their body is functioning normally. Blood work is a valuable part of a yearly exam, but one that many pet owners skip. Here’s why you should request blood work for your animal.

Why Blood Work Is Important for Your Pet

Diagnose Disease

Often pets exhibit general symptoms, such as fatigue or low appetite, that could indicate a wide variety of issues. Blood work can confirm the cause. A complete blood count (CBC) measures red and white blood cells and platelets, and a chemistry panel will test organ function, electrolyte levels, and protein, calcium, and glucose. The results of these tests will inform your veterinarian about the presence of disease and the next steps for treatment.

Monitor Disease

Once your pet has been diagnosed with a health condition, annual or semi-annual blood work will assist your veterinarian in monitoring the disease. If symptoms worsen or improve, a blood test can confirm the reason for fluctuation. Blood test results can indicate when your pet needs a change in medication dosage or if additional treatment is required.

Anesthesia

If your pet needs anesthesia for dental work or surgery, a blood test will confirm whether it is safe for your pet to receive it. Low white blood cell or platelet count, for example, are signs that surgery may not be safe because of the presence of infection or the lowered ability for the blood to clot. 

Guide Treatment Regimens

Your pet may present a variety of health concerns. The blood panel gives a complete picture of health that allows your veterinarian to coordinate complex health concerns. For example, pets with weakened liver or kidney function may not be able to take long-term medication to manage other conditions.

Provide a Baseline

Keeping an annual record of blood test results establishes a baseline of health for your pet and tracks changes over time. This is one of the best ways to monitor your pet’s internal health, test for basic parasites like heartworm, and catch potentially serious conditions before they become advanced.

Annual blood work can help your veterinarian catch issues early, which can lead to successful intervention. The staff at Carolina Veterinary Hospital, P.A. in Sanford, NC, recommends requesting blood work during your pet’s yearly wellness exam. At their clinic, they offer preventive and diagnostic care in addition to surgery, emergency treatments, grooming, and boarding. Visit their website to learn more about their services, and call (919) 258-3349 to schedule an appointment. Check out their Facebook page for reviews, videos, and news.