Like human health, blood tests are essential to understanding the health status of our pets. These tests allow us to find out how healthy our companions are as they are unable to verbally express where they are experiencing pain. These tests give a large amount of information to veterinarians and can indicate dehydration, anemia, and more serious conditions such as organ dysfunction or some forms of cancer.
Understanding Common Blood Tests
There are two primary components we look at in a pet’s blood work:
Red Blood Cells: Basically, these cells tell us a lot about a pet’s daily vitals. If your pet have high amount of RBC, then it points towards dehydration, while if the count is low, then it indicates anemia. We also measure hemoglobin to point out how well your pet’s blood is carrying oxygen, which also helps us to discover how their body is functioning.
White Blood Cells: These cells are known as protectors of the immune system. If your pet has a high amount of WBC then it means their body is fighting off an infection. On the other hand, if its count is low then it suggests a weak immune system and needs proper support.
The Advantage of Our In-House Lab
When your furry friend is feeling unwell, the last thing you want is to be waiting several days for a lab report or spending your afternoon driving all over town to various locations in Newhall, CA. To help eliminate the hassle of this process for you and your companion animal, we have implemented an in-house diagnostic laboratory that allows us to conduct most diagnostic tests on-site.
The benefits of conducting diagnostic testing in our facility include:
- Get results faster: Most of the time, we can initiate treatment for your pet during the same appointment instead of waiting for an external laboratory to mail the results back to us.
- Reduce stress: Your pet does not have to travel to multiple locations, and they have a familiar environment. Your pet works with one technician (the same technician every time), helping them to feel more at ease.
- Start treatment sooner: Quick answers allow us to get started on the right course of action to help alleviate discomfort for your pet.
When you have a sick pet, you are worried about them as if they were a member of your family. Our mission at All Creatures Veterinary Center is to make your burden lighter by providing you with the answers you need in a timely fashion and with great accuracy.
To schedule your appointment with us or if you wish to discuss the status of your pet’s health or our testing capabilities, please call us at (661) 291-1124.
FAQs Related to Blood Work
Is it painful for my pet to have blood drawn?
Most pets handle this process very well; it is just like when a doctor takes your blood with a quick pinch. Don’t worry about it, our professional team at All Creatures Veterinary Center is highly trained to keep your furry friend calm and comfortable. We take only a few minutes to complete this whole process.
What happens if the results show something is wrong?
If the test shows something wrong, don’t panic. Sometimes it happens, don’t worry about anything, we are here. After an unusual reading, we do a follow-up test to get a clearer picture. We also sit down with you to explain exactly what the number means in simple English and walk you through the next steps for your pet’s care.
Does my pet need to fast or skip breakfast before a blood test?
In many cases, yes. If you give your pet to eat before a test, then it can change certain levels in the bloods like glucose or fats. When you call us to book the appointment, we provide you with the information and let you know if your pet needs to skip their morning meal or not, so we can get the most accurate results possible.
