Blood testing for cats and dogs helps the veterinarian diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions. Blood screening is also necessary for the doctor to understand your pet’s health status and monitor the progress of some illnesses. In addition, routine blood work is part of an effective pet care prevention program to avoid a myriad of diseases or catch them early on, when the odds of recovery are likely better. If your pet is being considered for surgery, the veterinarian will need to run blood work to determine whether the pet is healthy enough to withstand a surgical procedure and what anesthesia would be best.

Blood testing in conjunction with a thorough physical exam allow your veterinarian to determine the best route of treatment for your pet. Routine blood work typically includes a complete blood count, a.k.a. CBC, and an analysis of the chemical components in your pet’s blood.

A CBC quantifies white blood cells, responsible for your pet’s immune system, and red blood cells that carry oxygen through your pet’s body. It also measures platelets, which allow your pet’s blood to clot, avoiding hemorrhage. In addition, some blood tests can also identify the presence of parasites like heart worms. Finally, a blood chemistry analysis will indicate the levels of crucial substances that dictate your pet’s health profile like:

• Digestive enzymes
• Liver enzymes
• Kidney enzymes
• Electrolytes
• Endocrine hormones
• Glucose
• Proteins

Chemicals and other substances found in the bloodstream can correlate with specific organs, so blood work for dogs and cats can help determine how healthy their organs are. For example, if your dog’s blood test shows a deficiency in albumin levels, then the veterinarian should examine the liver because albumin is produced in the liver. This could also be an indication of intestinal or kidney disease, since these conditions can cause loss of albumin from the body.

Source: https://essentialspetcare.com/understanding-why-your-pet-needs-blood-testing-and-when/