One of the most valuable tools in our preventative care toolkit is routine blood work. Staying on top of your pet’s blood work can help you spot disease or disorders before they become severe and protect your pet from anything that could endanger their life prematurely.
While your patient may look perfectly healthy on the outside, these diagnostic tests can reveal important information about what’s happening inside their body, often before symptoms appear.
Why Pet Obesity Matters
Think of routine blood tests as an early warning system. Just like humans benefit from regular check-ups with blood tests tailored to their needs, pets can gain similar advantages through proactive health care. These tests provide a window into your pet’s internal organ health and can detect potential problems early, often making therapy more manageable and less costly in the long run.
When veterinary hospitals recommend blood work for your seemingly healthy pet, it’s not just a precaution—they’re working to establish baseline values unique to your pet’s current state of wellness. These baselines are especially valuable for comparison if your animal becomes sick or develops age-related diseases in the future.
- The frequency of bloodwork depends on factors like your pet’s age, breed, and overall health. For younger, healthy pets like a puppy or kitten, it may not be needed annually, while older pets or those with specific health issues may benefit from more frequent screening.
- Early detection doesn’t just help identify potential problems; it also supports personalized care and can help avoid more extensive treatments like surgery down the line.
By staying proactive with routine blood work tailored to your pet’s needs, you’re helping ensure they experience greater longevity and quality of life.
What Does Routine Blood Work Test?
Routine blood work typically includes two primary components: a complete blood count (CBC) and a blood chemistry panel. These tests provide valuable insights into your pet’s overall health and can help detect underlying medical conditions and diseases.
It’s important to note that blood work results should always be interpreted by a veterinarian in conjunction with your pet’s clinical signs and medical history.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC evaluates the cellular components of your pet’s blood, including:
Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
These cells carry oxygen throughout your pet’s body. The CBC measures:
- RBC count: The total number of red blood cells
- Hemoglobin: The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells
- Hematocrit: The percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells
- Red blood cell indices: These include Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), which help characterize the size and hemoglobin content of red blood cells.
Abnormalities in these values can indicate conditions such as anemia (too few red blood cells), dehydration, or bone marrow disorders. However, these findings must be interpreted alongside other diagnostic results to determine the underlying cause.
White Blood Cells (WBCs)
White blood cells are your pet’s immune system warriors. The CBC evaluates:
- Total WBC count: The overall number of white blood cells
- Differential count: The numbers of each type of white blood cell (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils)
Elevated white blood cell counts often indicate infection or inflammation. Decreased counts (leukopenia) may result from virus infections, certain medications (e.g., chemotherapy), severe stress, immune system problems, or bone marrow issues. The specific types of white blood cells that are increased or decreased can provide additional clues about the nature of the problem.
Platelets
Platelets are cell fragments that help blood clot properly. The CBC measures:
- Platelet count: The total number of platelets
- Mean platelet volume: The average size of platelets
Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) can lead to excessive bleeding, while elevated counts might indicate inflammation, stress, iron deficiency, or certain cancers. It’s important to note that changes in platelet levels often require further investigation to determine their significance. are increased or decreased can provide additional clues about the nature of the problem.
Blood Chemistry Panel
The chemistry panel examines the levels of various substances in your pet’s blood serum (the liquid portion of blood). This comprehensive test provides information about your pet’s organ function, electrolyte levels, hormone levels, and more.
Liver Function Tests
These panels measure enzymes and other substances that reflect liver health:
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): An enzyme that increases with liver cell damage but may also rise due to muscle injury.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): An enzyme that can increase with liver disease, bone disease, steroid administration, or conditions such as hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease) or cholestasis.
- Bilirubin: A product of red blood cell breakdown that can increase with liver disease or certain types of anemia.
- Albumin: A protein produced by the liver that can decrease with chronic liver disease or other conditions.
Abnormalities in these values may indicate liver disease, which can range from inflammation to more serious conditions like cirrhosis or cancer. However, these findings are not specific to liver disease and require further testing for confirmation.
Kidney Function Tests
These tests assess how well your pet’s kidneys are filtering waste from the blood:
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): A waste product filtered by the kidneys.
- Creatinine: Another waste product filtered by the kidneys.
- Phosphorus: A mineral regulated by the kidneys that can increase with kidney disease.
Elevated levels of these substances often indicate decreased kidney function, which may occur with acute or chronic kidney disease. However, they can also rise due to dehydration or high-protein diets, so additional diagnostics like urinalysis are often necessary.
Pancreatic Function Tests
- Amylase and lipase: Enzymes produced by the pancreas that may increase with pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis). However, these enzymes are not always reliable indicators of pancreatitis in pets—especially cats—and may also rise due to kidney disease or gastrointestinal disorders.
Glucose: Blood sugar levels, which can increase with diabetes or decrease with various conditions including insulin-producing tumors.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are critical for proper nerve and muscle function, fluid balance, and many cellular processes:
- Sodium, potassium, chloride
- Calcium and phosphorus
Imbalances in electrolytes can indicate a variety of conditions, including dehydration, kidney disease, hormonal disorders like Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism), or hyperaldosteronism. These imbalances often require further investigation to identify their underlying cause.
Proteins
The chemistry panel also measures proteins in the blood:
- Total protein: A measure of all proteins in the blood.
- Albumin and globulin: Specific types of proteins that serve different functions.
Abnormal protein levels may suggest inflammation, infection, liver disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, gastrointestinal losses (e.g., protein-losing enteropathy), or other conditions.
* Important Note: Blood work results provide valuable insights into your pet’s health but should never be used as a standalone diagnostic tool. Always consult your veterinarian for a thorough interpretation of results in conjunction with your pet’s clinical signs and medical history. This ensures an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs.
Additional Diagnostic Tests Your Vet Might Recommend
While routine blood work forms the foundation of diagnostic testing, your veterinarian may recommend additional tests based on your pet’s age, breed, symptoms, or initial test results. These tests provide a more comprehensive understanding of your pet’s health and help guide appropriate medication and treatment plans.
Thyroid Testing
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and affect virtually every system in your pet’s body. Testing thyroid function is particularly important for:
- Middle-aged to older cats, who are prone to hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). It’s worth noting that hypothyroidism is rare in cats.
- Middle-aged to older dogs, especially certain breeds, who may develop hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Hyperthyroidism in dogs is extremely rare and typically associated with thyroid tumors.
Symptoms of thyroid disease can mimic aging-related changes, such as weight loss, lethargy, or changes in appetite. Laboratory testing is essential for an accurate diagnosis and to differentiate these conditions from normal aging.
Urinalysis
A urinalysis examines the physical and chemical properties of your pet’s urine, as well as any cells or other substances present. This test provides valuable information about:
- Kidney function
- Urinary tract infections
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
When combined with blood work, a urinalysis offers a more complete picture of your pet’s kidney function and overall health. However, it’s important to note that urinalysis alone cannot definitively diagnose these conditions—it serves as part of a broader diagnostic approach. For example:
- Kidney function is best assessed using both urinalysis and blood tests like SDMA.
- Diabetes diagnosis typically involves evaluating both blood glucose levels and urine glucose findings.
Specialized Testing
Heartworm Testing
Heartworm testing is essential for dogs and sometimes cats, particularly in endemic areas like Summerville, South Carolina. For cats, heartworm testing is less straightforward because they often have lower worm burdens and may test negative despite being infected. In such cases, a combination of antigen and antibody testing may be recommended.
Fecal Examination
Fecal exams check for intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. They can also detect protozoal infections like Giardia or provide insights into gastrointestinal health through fecal cytology. Regular deworming is an important part of preventative care, especially for puppies and kittens.
Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity (PLI)
PLI testing helps diagnose pancreatitis in dogs and cats by measuring pancreatic enzyme levels in the blood. However, elevated PLI levels alone do not confirm pancreatitis without supporting clinical signs (e.g., vomiting, abdominal pain) or imaging findings such as ultrasound results.
Hormone Testing
Hormone tests are used to diagnose endocrine disorders such as:
- Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism): Often diagnosed with ACTH stimulation or low-dose dexamethasone suppression tests.
Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism): Diagnosed using ACTH stimulation testing alongside electrolyte analysis to identify imbalances like low sodium or high potassium levels.
Infectious Disease Testing
Testing for bacterial, viral, or fungal infections may be recommended based on your pet’s symptoms or risk factors. Examples include:
- Lyme disease testing (via SNAP tests) for dogs exposed to ticks.
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) testing for cats at risk of exposure.
Vaccine Titer Testing
For pet parents concerned about over-vaccination, titer testing can measure your pet’s immunity levels to diseases like parvovirus, distemper, or rabies. These tests can help determine if your pet needs a vaccine booster or maintains adequate protection.
*Important Note: Diagnostic tests provide valuable insights into your pet’s health but should always be interpreted by a licensed veterinarian in conjunction with clinical signs, medical history, and other diagnostic findings. If you have concerns about your pet’s health or think additional testing might be needed, consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.
When Is Routine Blood Work Recommended?
| Situation | Purpose and Benefits |
|---|---|
| Annual Wellness Exams | Provides a yearly health snapshot | Establishes baseline values for your pet | Helps detect subtle health changes over time |
| Pre-surgical Screening | Evaluates liver and kidney function | Screens for clotting disorders and hidden conditions | Helps tailor anesthesia safely to your pet |
| Nose and Mouth | Dental disease, masses, or abnormal discharge |
| Senior Pet Care | Detects age-related diseases early | Monitors organ function | Frequency: twice a year | Senior age varies: 10+ years (small dogs/cats), 5-6 (large dogs) |
| New Pet Evaluation | | Establishes health baseline for newly adopted pets | Screens for infectious or congenital conditions (e.g., FeLV, heartworm) |
| Medication Monitoring | | Ensures safety and effectiveness of long-term medications | Examples: • NSAIDs → monitor liver enzymes • Diuretics/antibiotics → monitor kidney function |
| When Illness Strikes | | Helps diagnose symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or weight loss | Guides treatment decisions |
| Dental Procedures | Ensures your pet can safely undergo anesthesia for tooth cleaning or extraction | Screens for conditions that might complicate oral hygiene procedures or impact tooth decay treatment |
Common Misunderstandings About Pet Diagnostic Testing
“My pet looks healthy, so they don’t need blood work.”
Many serious conditions don’t cause visible symptoms until they’re quite advanced. By the time your pet shows signs of illness, the disease may be more difficult to treat. Regular blood work can detect changes before symptoms appear, leading to earlier intervention and often better outcomes. This approach to preventative health care can significantly increase your pet’s longevity.
“Blood work is too expensive.”
Consider diagnostic testing as an investment in your pet’s health. Early detection of disease through routine screening often saves money in the long run by preventing more costly treatments for advanced disease. Many pet insurance plans now cover wellness blood work, recognizing its value in preventative care.
“Blood tests are stressful for my pet.”
While no pet enjoys a veterinary clinic visit or blood draw, the brief discomfort of sample collection is minimal compared to the potential benefit of early disease detection. Modern veterinary medicine uses gentle handling techniques and sometimes sedation when necessary to minimize stress. Monitoring your pet’s heart rate and behavior during procedures helps the veterinary team ensure your pet remains comfortable.
Take the Next Step for Your Pet’s Health
Routine blood work is one of the best ways to protect your pet’s health. It reveals changes you can’t see during a physical exam—often before symptoms appear—helping your pet live a longer, healthier life.
Don’t wait for signs of illness. Be proactive by scheduling your pet’s wellness exam and blood work today.
📞 Call us at (843) 948-0999 or book online for convenience.Your pet’s blood can tell us what they can’t—and early detection makes all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Routine Blood Work for Pets
How often should my pet have routine blood work done?
For healthy adult dogs and cats under 7 years of age, annual blood work as part of their wellness examination is typically recommended. Once pets enter their senior years—generally around 7-8 years for most dogs and cats—twice-yearly panels become increasingly important for early detection of age-related conditions. However:
- Smaller dog breeds may not reach senior status until around 10 years of age.
- Larger breeds often age faster and may need more frequent testing starting at 5-6 years old.
- Cats typically reach senior status closer to 10 years of age.
Pets on certain medications or with chronic conditions may require more frequent monitoring (every 3-6 months) to ensure medication effectiveness and catch any changes in organ function early. Always follow your veterinarian’s recommendations based on your pet’s unique needs.
What’s the difference between “routine blood work” and other diagnostic tests for pets?
Routine blood work typically includes:
- A Complete Blood Count (CBC): Evaluates red and white blood cells, platelets, and overall immune system health.
- A Chemistry Panel: Assesses organ function (e.g., liver, kidneys), electrolytes, glucose levels, and metabolic health.
Other diagnostic tests are more specialized and may include:
- Thyroid testing or hormone assays (e.g., for Cushing’s disease).
- Infectious disease panels (e.g., heartworm or tick-borne diseases).
- Imaging studies like radiology, x-rays or ultrasound for deeper investigation of the abdomen, soft tissue, or other areas of concern.
- Blood pressure monitoring for hypertension.
Routine blood work serves as an excellent screening tool but may be supplemented with these additional diagnostics based on symptoms or specific health concerns.
How much does routine blood work for pets cost, and is it worth the investment?
The cost of routine blood work varies depending on geographic location, veterinary hospital, and whether testing is performed in-house or sent to an external laboratory. While costs may seem significant upfront, regular screenings can detect conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, or diabetes early—when treatment is more effective and less expensive.Many pet insurance plans cover wellness blood work as part of preventative care packages; check with your provider to confirm coverage details.
Can blood work detect cancer in pets?
Routine blood work isn’t specifically designed as a cancer screening tool but can reveal abnormalities warranting further investigation. For example:
- Elevated calcium levels might suggest certain cancers like lymphoma.
- Unusual protein patterns or abnormal cell counts can raise suspicion.
- Changes in tissue and organ function might indicate underlying issues.
Definitive cancer diagnosis requires additional diagnostics such as biopsies or imaging studies. For breeds predisposed to cancer (e.g., Golden Retrievers), your veterinarian might recommend specialized screening tools like liquid biopsies (e.g., OncoK9).
How does routine bloodwork complement vaccine protocols?
Bloodwork helps your veterinarian assess your pet’s overall health before administering vaccines like FVRCP for cats or rabies for all pets. This is particularly important for:
- Animals with compromised immune systems
- Pets with a history of vaccine reactions
- Senior pets who may need modified vaccine schedules
Your veterinarian can use blood test results to make informed decisions about which vaccines are appropriate and safe for your individual pet, ensuring they receive optimal protection while minimizing risk.
What role does nutritional counseling play alongside diagnostic testing?
Blood work results often inform dietary recommendations for your pet. For example:
- Elevated liver enzymes might suggest the need for a special diet low in copper or protein
- Kidney disease markers could indicate benefits from a prescription diet with controlled phosphorus levels
- Blood glucose abnormalities might necessitate diet adjustments for diabetic pets
Your veterinarian or veterinary technician can provide nutrition advice tailored to your pet’s specific health needs, helping you select the appropriate diet that supports their health based on their laboratory results and medical history.
How is blood work related to pain management?
Comprehensive blood work is essential before prescribing pain medications, especially for pets with chronic pain conditions. Blood tests help:
- Ensure your pet can safely metabolize pain medicine
- Establish baseline values before starting therapy
- Monitor organ function during long-term treatment with pain relievers
- Guide decisions about medication dosage and frequency
This careful approach helps ensure effective pain control while minimizing the risk of side effects or complications from pain management protocols.
