Testing for blood is a frequent recommendation from veterinarians. However, due to the extra expense associated with conducting this test, many pet owners decide not to have these tests conducted.
In some instances, it’s essential to determine the disease process, but in others, it might be part of a routine health exam that gives your pet a “warrant of fitness.” In either case, the results from the test will determine whether or not your pet is in good health. To better care for your pet’s member of the family, The results of blood tests will provide vital information to your vet.
Importance of Blood Tests
Sometimes, veterinarians wish they could inquire from their patients to explain where the pain originates. However, assessing sick animals can be more difficult. This is why blood tests can be a handy diagnostic tool for veterinarians. Here are a few of vets’ most commonly used reasons to suggest an examination of blood for your pet.
1. To Evaluate and Monitor Pet’s Health
In most cases, when you first take your pet to the vet clinic, your vet will suggest taking a blood sample for the pet. Even if your pet is in good health, testing their blood will provide you with the foundation for their future testing.
It will be helpful in the future for monitoring your pet’s health and ensuring that preventative treatments are provided to minimize the chances of developing the disease. You can contact a vet facility and visit their website to book an appointment for your pet.
2. To Identify Disease
Many owners seek out the vet when a pet or dog exhibits strange behavior. A blood test helps diagnose the cause of the symptoms, such as increased urination, scratching in cats, unexplained weight loss, or increased number of dogs.
Certain enzymes, proteins, as well as white blood cells may be identified in tests blood and used to determine biomarkers for diseases. By doing so, pet owners may ensure that their pets receive the most effective care possible, thus avoiding costly vet bills.
3. To Use for Pre-Surgery Evaluation
If your pet must undergo surgery, bloodwork testing can help ensure that all essential organs are functioning as they should during and after the procedure. This will be helpful for the geriatric vet to determine the need for any medication that must be prescribed before the procedure to enhance the blood results to ensure that surgery will be successful and your pet will recover to good health.
4. To Check for Viral, Bacterial, or Parasitic Infections
Sometimes, blood tests will detect the presence of a bacterial, viral or parasitic disease after a pet owner has seen unusual behavior in their dog or cat. Infections, for instance, tend to increase white blood cell numbers in diagnostic labs and reputable vet facilities like Monroe Veterinary Clinic.
Identifying diseases such as heartworm, Lyme’s canine distemper, and the kennel cough that dogs suffer from is vital. There is no alternative to the feline blood test detecting diseases, including feline immunodeficiency (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and leptospirosis.
5. To Evaluate Treatment
Blood tests are typically used to diagnose liver, kidney, and diabetes conditions, or even anemia, immediately to ensure the proper treatment can be prescribed.
Once treatment has been administered after treatment, some tests might be required to determine whether or not the treatment has been effective and if your pet requires further evaluation and treatment.
