when will my veterinarian recommend a blood test for my dog?
Sometimes, such as in the case of an eye or ear infection, your canine friend's medical condition affords a veterinarian the opportunity for a relatively straightforward diagnosis. However, sometimes your dog's presentation results in the need for further examination. In such a case, your veterinarian will order canine blood tests to aid in the investigation. The following situations can result in the need for blood tests for dogs:
Canine blood tests are usually recommended in some manner for all life stages of dogs as part of their wellness exams. These are extremely beneficial in establishing a baseline of normal values for an individual cat at a specific stage of life. The doctors at Shane Vet review your dog's blood work to form an individual preventative wellness plan allowing early detection of trends that may lead to a disease process. Blood tests are performed with canine friendly handling at the forefront and often rewards immediately following the procedure. This experience allows your dog to feel as in control as possible and aids in a positive experience for a lifetime of great veterinary care.
At Shane Veterinary Medical Center, blood tests for dogs are either processed and analyzed on premises using our in-house laboratory, or sent to our reference laboratory. Having an on-site laboratory allows us to quickly and reliably determine and diagnose a health concern and then implement a successful medical intervention based on the results.
- At the first veterinary visit: This is recommended to establish healthy baseline tests, and also check for any congenital abnormalities or potential concerns, and help us form an individual wellness plan for your dog.
- Pre-anesthetic tests: Blood work is used to determine the general health of the liver, kidneys, and other organs, which helps a veterinarian select the safest form of anesthesia. Blood work can also help determine the surgical risk level in all dogs, especially elderly or injured patients.
- During semi-annual and/or annual wellness exams: Canine blood tests are usually recommended for all life stages from puppy to geriatric dogs as part of their periodic wellness exams. These are extremely beneficial in our mature patients, as we often see dogs return to a more youthful state of being when blood tests identify an issue that can be easily treated. Blood work, along with other bodily fluids like urine, can help identify conditions the examination portion of a physical cannot.
- If a dog seems not quite right: Canine blood tests are suitable for a dog that is not displaying any overt signs of illness, disease or injury, but is acting abnormally.
- Prior to starting a new medication or to monitor patients taking medications long-term: Particularly for any medication that may be metabolized by the liver or kidneys.
Canine blood tests are usually recommended in some manner for all life stages of dogs as part of their wellness exams. These are extremely beneficial in establishing a baseline of normal values for an individual cat at a specific stage of life. The doctors at Shane Vet review your dog's blood work to form an individual preventative wellness plan allowing early detection of trends that may lead to a disease process. Blood tests are performed with canine friendly handling at the forefront and often rewards immediately following the procedure. This experience allows your dog to feel as in control as possible and aids in a positive experience for a lifetime of great veterinary care.
At Shane Veterinary Medical Center, blood tests for dogs are either processed and analyzed on premises using our in-house laboratory, or sent to our reference laboratory. Having an on-site laboratory allows us to quickly and reliably determine and diagnose a health concern and then implement a successful medical intervention based on the results.
