Bloodwork

Bloodwork for animals is similar to bloodwork for humans. An animal health professional collects a small blood sample and sends it to the laboratory for analysis.

What is bloodwork used for?

Blood tests can be used in various contexts. They are an invaluable tool for veterinarians, allowing them to get more information about your pet’s health for prevention and diagnosis purposes. Bloodwork may be recommended before anesthesia, to obtain your animal’s individual reference values, following an accident, or to diagnose a sick animal.

Your veterinary can use a blood test to assess and detect:

• Platelet and white blood-cell count
• Blood sugar levels
• Nutrient deficiency
• Poorly functioning liver or kidneys
• Possible infection
• Etc.

Will bloodwork be painful for my pet?

Bloodwork involves collecting a blood sample. This can cause slight discomfort, but it is not painful. Blood is collected using a needle, and the procedure lasts only a few seconds—just the same as when you get a blood sample from your own family doctor. Only a small amount of blood is collected, so your pet won’t feel any different than normal.