Veterinarian analyzing blood work from a pet to determine if there are areas of concern.
Since pets age much quicker than we do, veterinarians typically recommend annual blood work. The initial test establishes a baseline, which is then used to monitor and compare future results. By detecting changes and potential concerns early, veterinarians can diagnose and treat diseases before symptoms even appear. Early detection often improves the prognosis and can help reduce overall treatment costs.
In addition to annual blood work, your veterinarian will often recommend pre-anesthetic blood tests before surgical procedures. This helps ensure vital organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning properly and can safely handle anesthesia. Blood work may also be suggested or even required before starting or continuing certain medications, based on your pet’s medical history and current prescriptions.
Senior pets often face multiple health challenges, with liver, kidney and hormone issues being particularly common. To monitor for these potential problems, it’s usually recommended that blood work be conducted every six months once your pet reaches their golden years—typically around ages 6-7 for dogs and cats. Regular testing is crucial for detecting these conditions early, determining the most effective treatments, and monitoring their progress to prevent rapid deterioration.
Primary blood work profiles, recommended at least yearly, are as follows:
- Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC)– indicates issues with the immune system and bone marrow, and provides important information about the red and white blood cells
- Blood chemistry- provides the veterinarian with substantial information about the animal’s health, including organ function (kidney, liver, etc.), hormone levels and electrolyte status
It is important to remember that your pet can appear healthy, but have hidden medical problems that could become serious or even life-threatening if left undetected. Annual blood work is an essential tool for detecting and identifying diseases at their most treatable stage.
