How Blood Tests Can Help Detect Hidden Health Issues in Pets
When it comes to our pets’ health, pet parents often depend on visible signs that something is wrong. This comes naturally for us, and we do it without even thinking. We notice when our pet seems more tired than usual, or when they start limping.
But some health issues lie hidden beneath the surface. For these, pet blood work is one of the most important tools around. Blood tests for pets allow your veterinarian to understand your dog or cat’s health at a cellular level. The team at Bowman Veterinary Hospital would like to highlight the key ways blood tests can help detect hidden health issues in pets.
Why Blood Work Matters for Pets
The importance of blood tests for pets goes beyond simply checking for illnesses. When your veterinarian takes your pet’s blood during an initial wellness visit, the results give a baseline of your pet’s health. This baseline becomes the benchmark to which your vet compares all future bloodwork results.
With regular bloodwork, veterinarians can spot abnormalities that might not have visible symptoms. Regular veterinary blood tests also show:
- How well your pet’s organs are functioning
- Your pet’s hydration and electrolyte levels
- Whether there are signs of infection or inflammation
In short, bloodwork gives us a chance to catch and treat potentially serious issues early on. This early detection of pet diseases gives your furry friend a better chance of a great prognosis.
What Routine Blood Work for Pets Involves
Routine blood work for pets usually includes a complete blood count (CBC) and a biochemistry panel. A CBC examines an animal’s red and white blood cells and platelets. These numbers help veterinarians detect anemia, heartworm disease, infections, and clotting issues.
The biochemistry panel looks at kidney and liver function, blood glucose, and electrolyte balance.
Most veterinarians do these routine blood tests as part of a pet wellness check. For most pets, this is a once-yearly thing. But senior pets or those with underlying health issues may need more frequent pet wellness appointments—and blood draws.
Detecting Health Issues Early
Early detection is one of the primary advantages of veterinary blood tests. Using the information contained in your pet’s blood, we can catch issues before they show themselves in noticeable ways.
So what types of illnesses do we mean?
Blood tests are crucial in detecting pet health issues like liver or kidney disease, infections, and even some types of cancer.
For example, blood work for cats can help detect common issues like hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or diabetes. Similarly, blood tests for dogs can unearth health concerns like liver disease, thyroid imbalances, or heart issues.
These are all conditions that can progress without any outward symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage.
At Bowman Veterinary Hospital, we make bloodwork a key part of preventive care for pets so you can stay informed about what’s going on behind the fur—err, scenes.
Veterinary Health Screenings in Auburn, CA
Ready to get deeper insights into your pet’s health? Schedule an appointment with our team today for help detecting pet health issues early and preventing serious conditions from getting out of hand. Call us at (530) 823‑6306 to schedule your pet’s veterinary health screening!