Understanding Why Your Pet Needs Blood Testing and When

At Lancaster Animal Clinic, you can rely on our experienced team to provide ongoing services throughout your pet's lifetime to promote and support their overall health. One of those services is blood work.

Why Your Pet Needs Blood Work

To determine if your pet has any health conditions, a routine wellness exam is recommended. Our veterinarians conduct an in-depth examination of your pet, both inside and out. This examination may include blood work, which is important because a pet's blood serves as an indicator of potential health issues.

Blood test results may indicate that your pet is experiencing anemia, which means they are not producing enough red blood cells. The results may also show a high white blood cell count, which could mean your pet is suffering from an infection.

Signs and Symptoms

Your pet may exhibit signs or symptoms that indicate they are not in the best of health and may need a routine wellness exam. Pet dehydration and lethargy are just two symptoms to be aware of. Other things to watch for include:

- Fever

- Diarrhea

- Loss of appetite

- Overall weakness

- Pale gums

- Vomiting

When Blood Work Is Recommended

There are several reasons why our veterinarian may recommend blood work for your pet. Along with lethargy, pet dehydration, and pet emergencies, other circumstances may prompt the need for a blood test.

If your pet is visiting our clinic for the first time, blood pressure is important as it provides the initial data our vet may need for future services, such as a surgical procedure. Our in-house laboratory provides blood work services.

In felines, blood work is a check for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV). For canines, blood tests cover areas such as intestinal parasites, cholesterol levels, infectious diseases, organ function, and more. In the event of pet emergencies, blood work is necessary to determine the health of the blood and any underlying issues, so your pet receives proper treatment and medication.

Schedule an Appointment for Your Pet in Lancaster, OH

Are you looking for a veterinarian near me? Keep your pet happy and healthy with a visit to Lancaster Animal Clinic. Call or use our online form to schedule an appointment. Our Lancaster office opens at 9:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday.