![]() Did you know that blood cells have their own species-unique life-expectancy? In dogs an RBC has an average life-span of 110 days, whereas in a cat, their RBCs live 70ĭays. Anemia can also occur if your body’s immune system is attacking andĭestroying RBCs in the case of a disease called immune-mediated hemolytic anemia(IMHA). Dogs can become anemic if there is ongoing bleeding - commonly in the abdomen, stomach, intestines or colon. Too few red blood cells (RBCs) - Not enough red blood cells is called anemia. ![]() Here are a few that occur commonly.Ĭommon abnormalities found in dogs’ complete blood count (CBC)ġ. There are many different changes that can be detected in your dog’s CBC, general chemistry profile and electrolyte panel. What are some of the common blood tests abnormalities? It is difficult to put a bandage to promote clotting around the neck. There are veins on all four legs, and even the jugular vein (neck) can be sampled - we tend to avoid sampling from the jugular vein because many of our patients have disease that may cause a delay in their blood clotting, and Many different veins can be used to draw blood from. A “band-aid” (wrap) will be placed over the area (leg) where the blood was sampled and kept on tight for 10-15 minutes so the vein does not bleed. The procedure does not typically require sedation, feels the way that it feels when you have your blood drawn (okay, not fun, we get that) and is completed in 20-30 seconds. In your pet’s case, one vet tech will gently hold your dog while they are sitting or lying down, while the other vet tech will insert a small needle into a vein and withdraw a small amount (typical 2-3 mLs) of blood into a syringe. This is almost exactly how people have their blood sampled. How is my dog’s blood sampled?Ī veterinarian or a veterinary technician (aka “vet tech”) samples your dog’s blood via a procedure called “venipuncture” (aka “blood draw”). Preventative care usually leads to a longer, healthier life, so understanding your pet’s lipids, glucose, electrolytes positions your pet in the best place for a full happy life. If your pet has never had blood tests, it is difficult to know when the problem may have started. ![]() When disease is diagnosed, it’s helpful to have a previous baseline value to understand when the abnormality may have started. Detecting a disease in its early stages can go a long way toward effective treatment.Ģ. Some diseases may start long before there are symptoms and blood tests early may reveal these issues. However, even if your pet is not sick, annual blood tests can be very helpful for the following reasons:ġ. Your pet should see their veterinarian at least annually - some pet’s need more frequent visits due to age (young or old), ongoing treatments or chronic illnesses. If you’ve noticed abnormal symptoms, or are concerned about how your pet may be acting. For example, enlarged lymph nodes, an abnormal swelling in the abdomen or a fever.ģ. If your veterinarian detects an abnormality during examining your pet. At their annual checkup – being proactive and finding a problem before it’s a “problem” may prevent serious health issues.Ģ. When does my dog need blood tests?īlood tests are frequently performed when you bring your dog into the veterinarian:ġ. Far too many to write about here, but we know all about them, so if you have questions contact us and we can help. There are hundreds of additional specialized blood tests that evaluate for specific symptoms and diseases. Many internal medicine diseases alter the electrolytes and you may not even know they are abnormal until serious symptoms arise. Electrolyte panel – measures the sodium, potassium and chloride. General chemistry profile – measures kidney values, liver enzymes, protein quantity, and lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides).ģ. CBC – evaluates the blood cell (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets) quantities and characteristics.Ģ. The most common tests include the complete blood count (CBC), general chemistry profile and electrolyte panel.ġ. What are blood tests?īlood tests (aka “blood work”) are common tests that all dogs and cats who visit a veterinarian have done at some point in their lives. Second, although this sounds scary, not all abnormal blood tests are life-threatening or serious. Have you been told that your dog’s blood tests are abnormal? First, you’ve come to the right place - we can help you sort it out. My Dog’s Blood Tests Are Abnormal – What Does This Mean?
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