My pet is having a blood test - what to expect
Why are blood tests performed?
Blood samples are taken to investigate and diagnose many illnesses.
Some tests are performed within the practice and others are sent away to external laboratories. We use different laboratories to perform different tests depending on their specialities.
What does a blood test involve?
Generally, patients need to be starved before blood tests. This is because certain blood indicators will change after an animal has eaten and also because increased levels of fats in the blood may interfere with some of the tests.
Most patients need to have a small patch of hair shaved so that the vein can be easily seen and to allow us to clean the surface of the skin. The shaved patch will usually be on either the neck or a front leg. Please let us know if your pet has sensitive skin or if he or she is a show pet. Very occasionally an animal will have a skin reaction to the clippers. Please let us know if the clipped site becomes red or sore.
Most blood tests can be taken in a few minutes while you wait, however some tests, called ‘dynamic tests’ will take several hours. When tests take a long time we usually hospitalise the patient for this period of time. If this is necessary, your pet will be given a bed, water and be walked out as appropriate.
When will I get the results?
Please call the vet who is looking after your pet for the results of the test at the time requested, unless you have already heard from us. Some results may be back the same day, whilst others may take several weeks. In many cases further tests and investigations will be required, either using the same samples or by repeating the sampling process. Your vet will discuss this with you as required.
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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