When you bring your pet in for their annual visit, your veterinarian may recommend bloodwork as part of their wellness exam. Some pet owners might ask, “Is bloodwork really necessary?” -- especially if their pet otherwise seems fine. The answer is yes! Our pets cannot tell us how they feel and often hide feelings of pain and discomfort. Testing healthy pets during a wellness visit also provides baseline values to compare to as they age. With ongoing testing, a baseline allows veterinarians to detect changes and illness before ever seeing outward signs of disease.
Why is bloodwork important for my pet?
Routine blood work, in combination with a physical exam, give veterinarians a full picture of your pet’s health. Much like when your doctor performs tests during your annual physical, blood work allows for early detection of some common diseases, plus monitoring for existing concerns. If lab work uncovers any ailment, early detection creates the greatest success for either curative treatment or management to achieve long term survival. In short, diagnosing disease early in the course of its progression is key to keeping your pet healthy, longer.
When is bloodwork necessary?
There are a variety of reasons to perform bloodwork on a pet, including during wellness exams.
We recommend baseline testing in early adulthood and annually thereafter. Thrive Pet Healthcare's veterinary staff can answer any questions you may have. They can also help guide you on the ideal time to start including bloodwork in your pet regular wellness schedule. As our pets enter their golden years, it’s even more important to test regularly to monitor their health.
Pre-surgery or procedures that require anesthesia, like dentistry, also require bloodwork. Testing ensures all vital organs are working properly and help veterinarians select the safest does of anesthesia.
During a sickness visit if your pet is acting unusual, but is not showing any obvious signs of illness, disease or injury, testing will be recommended. Blood work can give more information than a thorough physical exam and assist veterinarians to make a proper diagnosis.
Complete Care + for Complete Peace of Mind
Thrive Pet Healthcare believes bloodwork is essential to maintain your pet’s health, and our network of veterinary specialists work with pet parents in mind. This year, choose a Thrive Pet Healthcare clinic for a complete view of your pet’s health and complete peace of mind.
