Why does my dog or cat need blood work?

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Kanesha Mattson asked a question: Why does my dog or cat need blood work?
Asked By: Kanesha Mattson
Date created: Sun, Sep 25, 2022 1:37 AM
Date updated: Tue, May 21, 2024 19:01 PM

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Video answer: Why Does My Cat Need Blood Work?

Why Does My Cat Need Blood Work?

Best answer to the question «Why does my dog or cat need blood work?»

Taking blood allows our Castle Rock veterinarians to check your dog or cat for issues that often begin to appear around these ages. For example, we can get a sense of how healthy your pet’s liver and kidneys are. (Did you know that 75% of your pet’s kidney function will typically be gone before he or she starts showing physical symptoms?)

Video answer: ASK THE VET: Why does my pet need a blood test before surgery?

ASK THE VET: Why does my pet need a blood test before surgery?

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We've handpicked 25 related questions for you, similar to «Why does my dog or cat need blood work?» so you can surely find the answer!

Why does my dog or cat need blood work?
Taking blood allows our Castle Rock veterinarians to check your dog or cat for issues that often begin to appear around these ages. For example, we can get a sense of how healthy your pet’s liver and kidneys are. (Did you know that 75% of your pet’s kidney function will typically be gone before he or she starts showing physical symptoms?)
Does my cat need blood work before dental work?
Zee Mahmood, a veterinary technician in Reading, PA, contributed to this article. Your veterinarian will likely require blood work before your cat has anesthesia for dental work or surgery.
How can I tell if my dog needs electrolytes?
Your vet may order an electrolyte test to look for bicarbonate, chloride, potassium, and sodium in your dog’s blood. A blood chemistry test is the only way to accurately see the levels of electrolytes in your dog’s blood. Does my dog need electrolytes? All dogs need electrolytes in their blood.
How often should my cat or dog get blood work?
When your cat or dog reaches seven or eight years of age, it’s time to start thinking about senior wellness care — specifically, having your pet’s blood checked once a year. Here’s how senior blood work helps your pet:

Video answer: When Does a Younger Pet Need Blood Work?

When Does a Younger Pet Need Blood Work? What does a complete blood count tell veterinarians?
A complete blood count tells veterinarians about a pet’s red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Photo: Adina Voicu “Blood work, shmud work! Why is my vet always asking me to do blood tests?” I hear this complaint — or a reluctance to pay for blood tests — frequently. Veterinarians often defend themselves about recommending blood work.
Why does my cat always have his tail down?
- X-Rays, CT scan or MRI - Blood work - Testing of cerebrospinal fluid - Electromyography
Does my dog or cat need blood tests?
There are many different scenarios where your veterinarian may suggest blood tests, and it is important to be aware of the most common ones in order to provide proper care to your elderly dog or cat.
Does my pet need a full blood panel?
Typically, though, there are two other times during your pet’s life that we suggest running a full blood panel as part of your pet’s wellness care: When your pet is a puppy or a kitten, we recommend having full blood work taken to make sure your pet is healthy.
Why do cats need blood work before surgery?
If a problem exists in the blood work, it can determine whether surgery can be performed now, or if your cat's health should be managed with medications or IV fluids prior to, during or after surgery. Early detection of diseases is always of the utmost importance to keep your cat healthy.
Why would a senior cat need blood work?
Blood work can also help determine the surgical risk level of patients During senior wellness exams: Cat blood tests are usually recommended for mature, senior and geriatric cats as part of their periodic wellness exams. Along with urine testing, they can help identify conditions which can be effectively managed with early intervention.

Video answer: Annual Blood Work: an Essential Element of Your Senior Dog or Cat's Health

Annual Blood Work: an Essential Element of Your Senior Dog or Cat's Health Why won't my Dog Eat his new dog food?
It could be that the new dog food contains ingredients to which your dog has an intolerance or allergy. If you continue to have trouble changing dog food, or if his stools contain blood or an unusual color, you should consult a veterinarian. Give your dog plenty of water, especially now, as he'll need to stay hydrated during the transition.
Why would a cat need blood work?
Whenever a cat is showing signs of illness, blood work is one of the first recommendations. Not only can it aid in giving information that can help with diagnosis, but it can also show the veterinarian what treatments might help the cat.
What kind of care does a senior cat need?
Senior cats require more care, including yearly blood work, urine tests and blood pressure measurements to combat age-related diseases like kidney issues, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, heart problems and more, according to Hammond.
What kind of blood work does a vet do for dogs?
Your vet must specify that she’d like to do a CBC/chem or “blood panel” or “comprehensive blood work” to look for things beyond the heartworm test. Blood tests give important diagnostic information, not necessarily a diagnosis.
What can a blood test for a dog show?
Additionally, blood tests for dogs can also identify: Because chemicals found in the blood stream can also correlate with specific organs, lab work for dogs can help determine more than just blood count. Lab work for dogs also can detect and help identify complex problems with body systems.
Why does my cat need to be anesthetized?
If your cat needs surgery, dental work, or a procedure like an MRI, your vet may need to anesthetize him so that he doesn't feel pain and so that he stays still during the process.
What does a complete blood count show on a cat?
Understanding Blood Work: The Complete Blood Count (CBC) for Cats Blood work is a very important diagnostic tool that provides a significant amount of information about your cat’s health. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test used to measure and evaluate cells that circulate in the blood.
Why does my Dog Follow me everywhere?
Back To Why does my dog... Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere? We love spending quality time with our pups. But there may be days when we wonder, “Why does my dog follow me everywhere?” The answer has to do with your dog’s animal instinct, pack mentality, and a few other variables.
Why do dogs need vitamins and minerals in their food?
Immunity and Prevention of Disease. The vitamins and minerals found in every bag of dog food work together to keep your dog’s immune system and metabolism functioning normally. Vitamins work to reduce the damage done to body cells on a daily basis. Minerals promote the normal function of the cells that maintain health.
How often should my Pet get blood work?
Senior pets—dogs 8 years old or older and cats 11 years old or older—should have routine blood work performed every 6 months, because their health tends to deteriorate faster the older they become.
How much does cat blood work cost?
How much does cat blood work cost? Skin testing generally costs $195-$250, and blood testing generally costs $200-$300. Surgery And Other Health Issues: If your pet has to undergo surgery, or has other health issues that require treatment, the cost can run into the thousands depending on your pet’s specific issue.
Why does my poop look like coffee grounds?
Sometimes, the poop looks like coffee grounds due to blood. However, sometimes food can cause this situation. Why does my poop look like coffee grounds? The medical conditions that can cause poop with blood flakes are. Apart from these medical conditions, eating some food can cause this condition. In this scenario, there is no need for alarm.
Why does my cat sleep on my head?
'Why Does My Cat Sleep on My Head?'. A cat's average body temperature is 102 degrees Farenheit and they need to maintain heat for proper basal metabolism, so seeking an external heat source allows the body to not have to work as hard to stay warm while sleeping.
When do you need a blood transfusion for a dog?
Often, the need for a blood transfusion is an emergency, such as severe bleeding or sudden destruction of red blood cells due to other disease. Transfusions may also be needed to treat anemia of other causes. Animals with blood clotting disorders often require repeated transfusions.
Why would a cat have blood in its stool?
- Draw blood for blood work, such as a complete blood count (CBC). - Collect urine for analysis. - Take X-rays or perform other diagnostic tests like an ultrasound. - Recommend exploratory surgery or endoscopy.

Video answer: The Importance of Blood Work for Your Dog

The Importance of Blood Work for Your Dog