Understanding Bloodwork in Dogs and Cats: Why These Tests Matter

When your veterinarian recommends bloodwork for your dog or cat, it can sometimes feel confusing or even unnecessary if your pet appears healthy. However, blood testing is one of the most valuable tools veterinarians use to evaluate your pet's overall health, detect hidden illnesses, monitor ongoing medical conditions, and guide treatment decisions.

Whether performed during a routine wellness visit, before anesthesia, before giving certain medications or when a pet is sick, bloodwork provides important information that cannot be obtained through a physical examination alone.

Why Is Bloodwork Important?

Many diseases in dogs and cats develop gradually and may not cause obvious symptoms in their early stages. Blood testing can help identify problems before they become severe, allowing for earlier intervention and better outcomes.

Veterinarians commonly use bloodwork to:

• Screen for underlying disease in apparently healthy pets

• Investigate symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, or increased thirst

• Monitor chronic conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or liver disease

• Evaluate organ function before surgery, anesthesia or giving certain medications

• Assess response to medications and treatment plans

Several different blood tests may be recommended depending on your pet's age, health status, and symptoms. Three commonly performed tests include the Complete Blood Count (CBC), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), and the VetScan® Comprehensive Diagnostic Profile.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A Complete Blood Count, commonly called a CBC, evaluates the cells circulating in your pet's bloodstream. This test provides information about three major cell types:

Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. A CBC can identify anemia (low red blood cell count), which may result from blood loss, chronic disease, immune-mediated conditions, or certain infections. Elevated red blood cell counts may indicate dehydration or other medical concerns.

White Blood Cells

White blood cells help fight infection and inflammation. Changes in white blood cell counts can help veterinarians determine whether a pet may be experiencing bacterial infections, immune system disorders, stress responses, or inflammatory conditions.

Platelets

Platelets are responsible for blood clotting. Low platelet counts may increase the risk of bleeding and can occur with immune-mediated diseases, infections, certain cancers, or toxin exposures.

A CBC often provides important clues about a pet's overall health and helps veterinarians narrow down potential causes of illness.

Packed Cell Volume (PCV)

A Packed Cell Volume (PCV) test is a quick and valuable screening tool frequently performed in veterinary hospitals. The PCV measures the percentage of blood composed of red blood cells. Veterinarians use this test to assess:

• Anemia

• Dehydration

• Blood loss

• Certain chronic diseases

A PCV is often paired with a Total Protein (TP) measurement, which evaluates the concentration of proteins in the bloodstream. Together, these tests can provide rapid insight into a pet's hydration status and overall health.

Because results can be obtained within minutes, PCV testing is particularly useful in emergency and urgent care situations where timely decision-making is critical.

VetScan® Comprehensive Diagnostic Profile

The VetScan® Comprehensive Diagnostic Profile is a chemistry panel that evaluates organ function and metabolic health. This test analyzes numerous blood chemistry values to provide a broad overview of how the body's major systems are functioning.

Key areas assessed include:

Kidney Function

Values such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine help evaluate how effectively the kidneys are filtering waste products from the bloodstream. Abnormal results may indicate kidney disease, dehydration, or urinary tract issues.

Liver Function

Liver enzymes and other markers can identify inflammation, injury, infection, or other liver disorders that may require further investigation.

Blood Sugar

Glucose levels are measured to screen for diabetes mellitus, low blood sugar conditions, and other metabolic disorders.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride are essential for normal nerve, muscle, and organ function. Imbalances can occur with dehydration, kidney disease, gastrointestinal illness, and hormonal disorders.

Proteins and Other Metabolic Markers

The profile also evaluates proteins, calcium, cholesterol, and additional values that help veterinarians assess overall health and identify potential abnormalities.

Because the VetScan® Comprehensive Diagnostic Profile examines multiple body systems simultaneously, it is commonly used for wellness screening, sick-patient evaluations, senior pet monitoring, and pre-anesthetic testing.

What Happens If Abnormal Results Are Found?

Abnormal bloodwork does not always mean your pet has a serious illness. In some cases, results may reflect mild dehydration, stress, or temporary changes. However, abnormal findings often help veterinarians determine which additional tests may be needed and guide treatment recommendations.

Bloodwork results are interpreted alongside your pet's medical history, physical examination findings, and any symptoms they may be experiencing.

The Bottom Line

Bloodwork is one of the most effective ways to evaluate your dog or cat's health. Tests such as the CBC, PCV, and VetScan® Comprehensive Diagnostic Profile provide valuable information about blood cells, organ function, hydration status, and overall wellness. Regular blood screening can help detect disease earlier, monitor chronic conditions, and ensure your pet receives the best possible care throughout every stage of life.

If your veterinarian recommends bloodwork, think of it as an important investment in your pet's long-term health and well-being.

Worried about Your Pet’s Health? 

Schedule an appointment with your primary care veterinarian or visit our Burbank or Koreatown location if your pet has concerning symptoms. 

Call us at (818) 296-0700 in Burbank or (323) 302-5200 in Koreatown to speak with a member of our care team. We’re here to help for your furry loved one’s medical needs!