My doctor orders blood work on me when I go in for a physical. Do they offer the same blood work for pets?
There are many blood tests that are similar in people and animals. Some pet owners shy away from lab work due to the expense, but it can save money in the long run. Getting annual lab work done on your pet can assist your veterinarian in detecting disease early. Even if the results are within the normal limits, your pet may have consistently high or low values that are normal for them. If these values change over time that can be a red flag that something is wrong.
Certain blood tests are recommended before certain surgical procedures to see if there are any abnormalities that might change the way the animal processes anesthesia or if it’s anemic or if it’s blood can clot.
Other tests like glucose curves and thyroid panels need to be run more frequently to monitor the effectiveness of certain medications and their dosages.
Consult with your veterinarian as to the best blood work options and wellness plans for your pet’s needs and risks.
