Rau Animal Hospital:
2135 Jenkintown Road
Glenside, PA 19038
215-515-5542
Fax: 215-884-8851
Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 9:30pm
Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: 8am - 3pm
 
 
 
Here at Rau Animal Hospital, it is our passion and privilege to be the guardian of your pet’s healthcare. As your trusted advisor, it is also our responsibility to keep you appraised of any potential threats to your animal’s welfare.
Please visit Prevent the Spread of Dog Flu to learn about how to protect your pets and to get the latest information about dog flu outbreaks. Our latest COVID-19 update can be found HERE.

Canine Laboratory Tests For Veterinary Care


veterinarian

Canine Blood Tests

A blood test or lab test allows us to learn information about your dog's health which can only be found from collecting a sample of blood and having it analyzed. This includes a CBC (complete blood count) and blood chemistries that analyze chemical components in the blood.

A CBC for dogs identifies and quantifies white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets in a given amount of blood. This includes analyzing the shape and condition of the cells for health and functionality. This information is helpful in learning more about your dog's immune system (white blood cells) and oxygen carrying capacity (red blood cell count).

Additionally, blood tests for dogs can also identify:

  • Glucose
  • Proteins
  • Electrolytes
  • Cholesterol
  • Endocrine Levels
  • Digestive Enzymes
     

Because chemicals found in the blood stream can also correlate with specific organs, lab work for dogs can help determine more than just blood count. Lab work for dogs also can detect and help identify complex problems with body systems. So when understood in this way, canine blood tests serve as very valuable tools in a veterinarian's toolkit for helping to detect, identify, diagnose and even treat illness or disease.

When Will A Veterinarian Recommend Dog Blood Tests?

The following situations can result in dog blood work being ordered:

  • First veterinarian visit
  • During semi-annual wellness exams
  • If a dog seems ill
  • Pre-surgical tests
  • Prior to starting a new medication
  • During senior wellness exams
     

Although our in-house dog laboratory can process any type of dog blood work or culture, some of the most common lab work for dogs we perform are:

  • Urinalysis
  • Fecal Exam
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • Blood Clotting Times
  • Blood Chemistries
  • Cytology
     

We recommend discussing lab tests for dogs with your veterinarian, in order to make an informed decision as to whether or not your canine friend can benefit from dog blood work.

Understanding Canine Blood Tests

The Complete Blood Count, or CBC, shows a veterinarian your dog's hydration status, anemia, infection, blood clotting ability and immune system response. A CBC is essential for dog that have symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums or loss of appetite. If your dog needs surgery, a CBC can also detect bleeding disorders or other unseen abnormalities. 

Blood Chemistries, or blood serum tests, evaluate a dog's organ function, electrolyte status, hormone levels and more. These tests are important to evaluating the health of older dogs, dogs with signs of vomiting, diarrhea or toxin exposure, as well as dogs receiving long-term medications and general health before anesthesia.

In order to determine which dog blood tests can best benefit your canine friend, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian today.