Bloodwork isn’t only recommended when your pet has symptoms related to a potential health issue. During routine visits, bloodwork can tell us how well your pet’s body is functioning as well as detect any underlying conditions. This allows us to determine a baseline for their health, helping us spot any changes that need to be addressed.
What is bloodwork?
Bloodwork describes a series of tests we run on your pet’s blood to diagnose, determine treatments or assess their overall health. It is also helpful for identifying potential diseases in their early stages, making them easier to treat. Before surgery, bloodwork also determines if your pet is fit for the procedure. If they need general anesthesia, blood testing determines if the medication will react well with their body. Your pet could also need bloodwork if they’re displaying any of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Pale skin
- Rapid weight loss
- Aggression
- Loss of appetite
How do you keep my pet calm while taking their blood?
Two of the most common types of bloodwork we perform are the complete blood count (CBC) and blood analysis. Our entire team is Fear Free Certified, which means we create a calming environment for your pet throughout their appointment, being mindful of any potential triggers. When taking their blood, we try to make the process as quick and easy as possible. Our examination rooms offer iCalm cat and dog music boxes that play specific music that are calming for pets. This helps ease them as we take blood samples from their veins, either in the neck or paw. If you have questions about their upcoming bloodwork, please contact us at 905-690-0040.
