Blood Test in Dogs: What Do the Blood Test Results Mean?

Blood tests for dogs are required before surgical interventions and for diagnosing various diseases. Therefore, treat this as a standard procedure that helps to timely identify health issues in your pet, allowing you to take measures to address them.

Getting tests for diagnosis is quite easy, especially since there is an option for sample collection both at the veterinary clinic and at home. A veterinary specialist will come to you at a convenient time if you order this service in advance.

What types of blood tests are there for dogs?

A blood test that seems ordinary at first glance can be the only option for determining many dangerous diseases in dogs.

Standard tests for assessing a dog's health include:

• urine analysis;
• blood test.

The examination of the animal's urine allows for the detection of kidney failure, diabetes, and the presence of infections in the kidneys and urinary tract.

The laboratory analysis that determines the composition of a dog's blood is divided into two main types:

• general (clinical) analysis.
• biochemical analysis.

The general analysis allows for the creation of a hemogram for your pet, the components of which characterize the dog's health status. The hemogram is necessarily made with consideration of the age of your four-legged friend and their medical history.

The clinical blood test allows for the identification of:

• dehydration, thick blood, or anemia (indicator – hemoglobin level);
• bronchial and lung pathologies, heart defects, polycystic disease, kidney and liver tumors, inflammation that has progressed to a chronic stage (characterized by the number of red blood cells);
• leukemia, allergic reactions, bone marrow pathologies caused by infections, genetic anomalies, hyperfunction of the spleen (indicator – white blood cell count);
• anemia, autoimmune diseases, myeloleukemia, polycythemia (characterized by platelet count);
• the presence of blood parasites, etc.

As you can see, a standard analysis can characterize your dog's health based on the cellular composition of the blood.

Biochemical blood analysis in dogs.

In general terms, the biochemical blood analysis in dogs is conducted to study a wide range of enzymes, minerals, and organic substances, based on which conclusions are drawn about the metabolic processes in the animal's body.

The biochemical blood analysis is aimed at detecting hidden pathologies of internal systems or specific organs in the dog that do not have pronounced external signs.

Blood is taken from the dog's vein for the analysis. Before blood collection, the dog should not be given any medications or subjected to physical strain. It is also recommended not to feed the dog for 8-10 hours before the blood collection.

Since the procedure itself is painful for the pet, the owner or a family member should be present with the dog during blood collection. Muzzles are put on large breeds, as the animal may show signs of aggression.

Blood indicators for dogs. Interpretation of tests.

To make it easier for you to understand the meaning of blood indicators for dogs, we provide a table of biochemical blood analysis:

— prolonged diarrhea and vomiting

— excessive carbon dioxide secretion

— kidney failure

— increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood

— excessive physical exertion

— pathologies of the pancreas and liver

— diabetes

— excessive physical exertion

— starvation

— body intoxication

— insulin overdose

— dehydration

— disorders of the absorption process in the intestinal section of the gastrointestinal tract

— bleeding

— kidney function disorders

— thermal damage to the skin

— urinary tract obstruction and kidney pathologies

— pregnancy

— incomplete protein absorption by the intestine

— severe burns

— liver toxicosis due to medications

— disruption of liver cell integrity

— onset of heart failure

— excessive physical exertion

— vitamin B6 hypovitaminosis

— necrosis in advanced stages

— obstructed bile ducts

— liver necrosis

— leptospirosis

— liver pathologies

— kidney function failures

— changes in muscle mass in older dogs

— pancreatitis

— hypothyroidism

— liver diseases

— liver pathologies

— oncology

— liver diseases

— liver diseases with subsequent decomposition

— pancreatitis

— ischemic heart disease

— fat and carbohydrate oversaturation

— pregnancy

— infections in the body

— hyperthyroidism

— ascorbic acid overdose

— obstructive lung disease

— affected salivary glands

— inflammatory process in the peritoneum

— reduced secretory functionality of the pancreas

— liver diseases

— bone-related pathologies

— accelerated bone metabolism

— vitamin C and B12 hypovitaminosis

— anemia

— bone tumor

— hemolytic anemia

— pancreatic pathologies

— liver function failures (against the background of increased alkaline phosphatase)

— muscular dystrophy

— brain tissue decay process in cancer

— arthritis

— stroke

— intoxication

— heart failure

— anesthesia administration

— liver pathologies

— malignant tumors

— prolonged necrosis

— skeletal injury

— endocrine system problems

— kidney failure

— bone decay process

— vitamin D deficiency

— disruption of phosphorus absorption

— excessive calcium

— vitamin D excess

— oncological processes

— hyperfunction of the parathyroid gland

— magnesium deficiency

— hypothyroidism

— kidney function failures

— loss of intracellular water molecules

— kidney pathologies

— heart failure

— kidney failure

— elevated adrenal hormone levels

— dehydration

— kidney failure

— kidney pathologies

— vomiting, diarrhea

— type 2 diabetes

— kidney failure

— liver problems

— vomiting

— inflammatory process in the kidneys

— use of diuretics and corticosteroids

As you can see, the biochemical blood analysis provides a complete picture of the metabolic processes in your four-legged friend's body. Blood testing at the biochemical level is very important for detecting pathologies at an early stage when clinical symptoms are absent. This type of blood analysis helps to choose the right treatment direction and halt the pathology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it necessary to have blood tests for dogs?

Blood tests are necessary for diagnosing diseases and preparing for surgical interventions, helping to timely identify health problems.

What types of blood tests are there for dogs?

There are general (clinical) and biochemical blood tests, each providing information about the animal's health status.

How is the biochemical blood analysis conducted in dogs?

The biochemical analysis is conducted by taking blood from the vein, and the dog should not be fed or given medications 8-10 hours before the analysis.

What does the general blood test show in a dog?

The general blood test helps to identify dehydration, anemia, and various pathologies based on the cellular composition of the blood.

Can a blood test be done at home?

Yes, there is an option to call a veterinarian to your home for sample collection, which is convenient for dog owners.