In most cases, preanesthetic bloodwork is advised for animals undergoing anesthesia. This bloodwork enables your veterinarian to evaluate the general health of your pet, confirming that they are a suitable candidate for anesthesia. Preanesthetic bloodwork may reveal any abnormalities, and if this occurs, your pet’s treatment plan can be modified as necessary.
Preanesthetic bloodwork typically includes two main components, although the precise biochemical parameters measured vary depending on the particular bloodwork panel your veterinarian recommends. A complete blood count (CBC) and a serum biochemistry are these two elements. These tests give important details about the condition of your pet’s internal health.
What is a complete blood count (CBC)?
An evaluation of your pet’s blood cells is done with a complete blood count. Cell count abnormalities in your pet could be a sign of an underlying illness and increase their risk for surgery and anesthesia.
Three distinct types of blood cells are specifically examined by a complete blood count:
The second blood test usually performed before surgery is called a Chemistry, which will show the veterinarian how the kidneys and the liver are working. These organs especially do not usually start to show noticeable symptoms of disease on the outside until quite advanced, and the kidneys and the liver play a huge part in how the body metabolizes all of the sedative/anesthetic medications the animal will be given before and during surgery. Because of this, it is very important for us to know there are no kidney or liver issues before we put your pet under anesthesia, especially if they are older.
Pre-surgical bloodwork typically consists of two different blood tests. The first test is called a Complete Blood Count (or CBC). This basic blood test shows us the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which can be helpful in diagnosing anemia (low red blood cells), systemic infections, and potential blood clotting deficiencies.
Unless the vet specifies otherwise based on your pet’s medical history, we typically give you the choice to decline pre-anesthetic bloodwork with our younger animals if you so choose. However, before being put under anesthesia, bloodwork is frequently strongly advised or even required for our older patients. This is due to the fact that as they age, the risk of underlying conditions or potential anesthetic complications increases significantly.
The doctor may decide to switch their usual drug protocol for sedation and anesthesia to a combination of different medications that are safer for your particular cat or dog after conducting bloodwork prior to surgery. Every medication has potential side effects, and we want the best result for both you and your pet.
Is the bloodwork really necessary? is a common question we get from clients bringing their cats and dogs in for surgery.
When Should You Get Your Dog’s Blood Tested?
The cases mentioned at the start of this article serve as good illustrations of the best chances to learn about a dog’s health.
A young dog scheduled for spay or neuter surgery at the veterinarian’s office shouldn’t be anticipated to have any health issues that would prevent anesthesia or surgery. However, veterinarians will tell you that there is one very good reason right now to approve the extra cost of a blood test: the future. The best time to create a “baseline,” or a chemical representation of how your dog “looks,” in her vigorous youth. To determine the severity of the departures from her “normal,” the results of these tests can be compared to those obtained during difficult times. Some veterinarians request that your animal, which appears to be in good health, undergo annual blood tests using the same justification. Unquestionably, this is a fantastic chance to spot disease-related subtle signs before your dog has a chance to show symptoms. Early disease detection and treatment can help prevent permanent damage.
However, if your young dog is vivacious, glossy-coated, and bright-eyed, the tests might never find anything wrong. The truth is that authorizing tests at this point in your dog’s life is entirely up to your own conscience and finances, despite the fact that veterinarians today are taught to be assertive in encouraging owners to “make an investment in their pet’s health.” Although it’s a compelling idea, it shouldn’t be taken as a requirement by any means. You might not find early signs of disease. After all, not many of us have annual blood ourselves.
FAQ
Is blood work necessary for dogs?
The regular preventive care for your pet must include blood work. To ensure your pet’s health, it is advised that blood work be performed on them once a year.
What is pre anesthetic blood work for dogs?
Preanesthetic testing simply refers to examining specific blood test results for your dog before any anesthesia is administered or surgery is done, despite the name’s potential for sounding complicated. These tests can help identify common problems that may call for a modification to the way your pet is given anesthesia.
What should I know before getting my dogs teeth cleaned?
- Visit Your Vet for a Physical. A veterinarian will examine your dog to make sure she is in good enough health for the procedure.
- Get Bloodwork Done. …
- Start Antibiotics. …
- Fast The Night Before.
How much does pre op blood work cost for dogs?
Health TestingBasic Thyroid Panel: $160- $185Pre-op Blood Test: 155Heartworm Test: $50- $75Phenobarb Level: 110- $275Biopsy to Lab: $265