Bloodwork Services for Pets
Here at Cobequid Animal Hospital our in-house laboratory is equipped with state-of-the art blood analyzers, that help us produce results for many different tests within minutes. American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) standards require that our lab follows strict quality control procedures. We can analyze multiple blood chemicals and cells, allowing us to reach a clear diagnosis. We also have access to multiple referral labs for specialized testing. Blood tests and analyses will provide our veterinary team with useful information about your pet’s health that simply cannot be obtained any other way. Do you want to get bloodwork done on your furry friend? Do you have any further questions about our bloodwork services? Simply call us at (902) 865-8110 and one of our team members will be happy to speak with you!
Are blood tests painful for pets?
Not at all. The entire process of drawing blood is over in a few short minutes and will feel similar to any other injection for your furry friend. Anesthesia or sedation is not needed when drawing blood, because most patients will feel little to no discomfort.
How are blood samples taken from pets?
We may or may not shave a very small portion of your pet’s fur around the area where we will draw the blood. Then the needled is inserted to draw the blood, much like how it is done on humans. The whole procedure is quite fast and straightforward.
Do pets need to fast before bloodwork?
Not necessarily, although this would be ideal. Your veterinarian will tell you if your pet should fast before getting their blood drawn. Fasting can help us get even more accurate results as it helps clear the blood of any fat droplets that can make it more difficult to inspect. Usually, your veterinarian will recommend your pet fast for about 6 to 12 hours before their procedure.
Why would my pet need bloodwork?
Blood tests will be administered for a number of reasons such as: to assess if your pet is a good candidate for certain drugs or procedures, to diagnose any health conditions, and to provide a “baseline” measure for normalcy we can keep in our records for future comparisons.