Blood Tests for Pets in Toronto

Your pet can’t tell you how they’re feeling. That’s why blood testing is so important. At Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital, we offer comprehensive in-house blood tests. Running your pet’s bloodwork can help your veterinarian monitor and assess your dog or cat’s internal health before they start to show outward signs of disease. To learn more about our blood-testing services, or book an appointment for your pet, contact us today.

ROUTINE BLOOD WORK

We recommend having your pet’s blood tested annually. However, senior pets should have routine blood work performed every six months because their health tends to deteriorate faster as they get older. Regular blood testing can help determine if your pet requires treatment for a disease like anemia, cancer, diabetes or hyperthyroidism.

Some vaccines are only necessary in certain situations. Here are a few of them:

BLOOD PARASITE SCREENINGS FOR DOGS

You should have your dog’s blood tested for parasitic infections every year. Dogs can easily become infected with heartworm by a simple mosquito bite. In addition, they can get tick-borne bacterial diseases.

VIRAL TESTING FOR CATS

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are the leading causes of illness and death in cats. Consequently, when you adopt a cat, they should undergo a blood test to screen for FIV and FeLV. In addition, if you have a cat that regularly goes outdoors, you should have their blood tested annually.

PREANESTHETIC BLOODWORK FOR CATS AND DOGS

If your pet has an upcoming surgery that will require them to undergo anesthesia, we recommend doing bloodwork to assess their overall health and ensure they don’t experience any complications. Preanesthetic bloodwork typically involves a complete blood count (CBC) and a serum biochemistry profile.

A CBC examines your pet’s red and white blood cells and gives your veterinarian information about their hydration status, blood clotting ability and immune system response. It can also detect inflammation and infection. Furthermore, a serum biochemistry profile provides an overview of your pet’s organ function, including the liver, kidneys and pancreas.

Your veterinarian may also order a urinalysis to find out if there are any issues with your pet’s urinary tract. A urinalysis can also provide insight into your pet’s blood glucose levels.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR PET FOR A BLOOD TEST

Depending on the type of blood test your pet will be getting, your veterinarian will give you specific instructions to follow before your appointment. However, here are a few general guidelines:

• Don’t feed your pet for at least six hours before the blood test appointment. Fasting helps ensure your pet’s blood doesn’t contain any lipids, which can make the test results difficult to interpret.
• Make sure your pet is well-hydrated. Even mild dehydration can skew the blood test results. 
• Avoid exercise and active play. Physical activity can cause changes in your pet’s blood test results.

Lastly, keep your pet calm, relaxed and well-rested before their appointment to ensure the results are as accurate as possible.

PET BLOOD TESTS IN THE GREATER TORONTO AREA

At Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital, we offer routine and preventive bloodwork to help your pet live a long and healthy life. To book a pet blood test, contact us today. We serve cats and dogs in Toronto and the surrounding areas.