Why might an older dog need blood work?
An older dog may appear healthy during a physical examination while still having changes that aren't obvious from the outside. Blood work can provide additional information about internal health and may identify abnormalities that warrant further evaluation.
For senior dogs, blood analysis can be one part of monitoring overall health even when they seem to be feeling well at home.
Why might a dog need blood work before anesthesia?
Blood work may be recommended before a procedure that requires anesthesia, such as a dental cleaning and oral evaluation. Pre-anesthetic testing can provide information about the patient's blood cells and organ function and may identify abnormalities that could affect the anesthetic plan.
The results are considered along with the physical examination, medical history, medications, age, and other individual factors when planning anesthesia.
How can blood work help when a dog is sick?
Blood work can also be useful when a dog is sick and the cause isn't immediately clear. For example, a dog experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or dehydration may need blood analysis to provide additional information about what's happening internally.
The results can help us evaluate changes associated with dehydration and identify abnormalities that may point us toward possible causes. Depending on what we find, additional diagnostic testing may still be needed to reach a diagnosis.
When might a veterinarian recommend blood work?
Blood analysis may be recommended for several reasons, including monitoring an older pet, evaluating a sick patient, preparing for anesthesia, or investigating changes found during a physical examination.
Blood work doesn't provide every answer by itself, but it gives us valuable information that we can combine with the rest of the examination to better understand a patient's health.
If you’re looking for veterinary care you can trust, call us at (248) 609-1625 or email [email protected]. We’re here to keep your pet healthy, happy, and thriving!
Pet Diagnostics Contribute to More Effective Treatments
While we have expert eyes and hands, they can’t see and feel all that is wrong with your pet. Your pet’s internal health is only available to us through pet diagnostics, including laboratory tests and advanced imaging. We use our in-house equipment regularly to paint a fuller picture of your pet’s entire health so we can develop more informed and more effective treatment plans.
In-House Laboratory Testing
Our in-house lab has the capability to run a number of biometric analyses on your pet. We use it extensively for pre-anesthetic blood work before dental procedures and surgeries. Having an extensive lab in-house means we have your pet's results back in minutes and can often produce a diagnosis right on the spot. With our full lab, we can run the following tests:
- CBCs (complete blood counts)
- Blood chemistry panels
- Urinalysis
- Fecal exams
- Cytology
- Skin scrapings
- And more
Digital X-Rays
A digital X-ray boasts quite a few more benefits than its film predecessor. It emits significantly less radiation, is faster to produce, creates a crystal-clear image, and can be shared easily as a digital file moments after it’s been taken. We offer both full-body and dental digital X-rays in our Bloomfield Hills animal hospital. X-rays are useful for a number of situations, particularly if we suspect:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Bladder or kidney stones
- An ingested foreign object
- Organ disease
- GDV (gastro-dilation volvulus or bloat)
- Tumors
Ultrasound
Similar to X-rays, ultrasound lets us see your pet’s internal structures. It uses ultrasonic soundwaves to create a live image of organs, the abdomen, and soft tissue. It is useful, often in conjunction with digital X-rays, to diagnose:
- Bladder or kidney stones
- An ingested foreign object
- Organ disease
- Tumors
- Pregnancy
- And more
Contact us today at (248) 609-1625 to learn more about our pet diagnostics or book an appointment online!