At Maraboon Vet Surgery, we know your pet is more than just an animal—they’re family. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing the highest standard of care to keep them healthy, happy, and by your side for years to come. One of the most powerful tools in our diagnostic arsenal is blood testing.
What Is Blood Testing?
Blood testing is a quick and minimally invasive way to check your pet’s internal health. It gives us valuable insights into how their body is functioning, often before any outward signs of illness appear. From monitoring organ function to detecting infections and chronic conditions, blood tests are essential for early diagnosis and ongoing care.
Why Is Blood Testing Important?
-
Early Detection Saves Lives - many serious conditions, like kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid issues develop silently. By the time symptoms become noticeable, damage may already be advanced. Routine blood work can detect these issues early, when treatment is more effective and outcomes are more favourable.
-
Establishing a Health Baseline - even healthy pets benefit from blood tests. By testing when your pet is well, we establish a baseline of their normal health values. This makes it easier to catch even subtle changes in the future, ensuring any developing problems are identified and treated promptly.
-
Ensuring Safe Anaesthesia & Surgery - before any surgical or dental procedure, pre-anaesthetic blood testing is recommended. It helps us confirm that your pet's liver and kidneys are functioning properly, and that red and white blood cell levels are within safe ranges.
-
Managing Chronic Conditions - if your pet has a long-term illness or is on regular medication, blood tests help us track the effectiveness of treatment and make necessary adjustments. This ensures their comfort and long-term stability.
-
Supporting Senior Pet Health - as pets age, their bodies change. Blood testing becomes even more important to detect age-related conditions early, manage them effectively, and help maintain your pet’s quality of life in their senior years.
When Should You Schedule Blood Tests?
|  |
What Do Different Blood Tests Tell Us?
Complete Blood Count (CBC) | Measures red and white blood cells and platelets, helping diagnose infections, anaemia, immune system disorders, and bone marrow issues. |
Liver Function Tests | Includes enzymes like ALT, ALP, and bilirubin to assess liver and gallbladder health and to screen for adrenal or red blood cell disorders. |
Kidney Function Tests | Looks at BUN and Creatinine - waste products filtered by the kidneys. Elevated levels may signal decreased kidney function or disease. |
Blood Proteins | Measures Albumin and Total Protein to detect signs of dehydration, liver disease, kidney disease, and blood loss. |
Glucose (Blood Sugar) | Essential for diagnosing diabetes and evaluating energy levels in unwell pets. Abnormal glucose levels can indicate a medical emergency. |
Electrolytes | Includes Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride - critical for fluid balance, heart function, and diagnosing conditions like vomiting, diarrhoea, and metabolic disorders. |
What If the Results Are Abnormal?
If your pet’s blood test shows abnormal results, a member of our veterinary team will contact you to explain the findings. Conditions such as kidney disease, liver problems, thyroid disease, diabetes, and Cushing’s syndrome can often be detected early through blood work.
While these conditions may sound serious, early diagnosis is the key to successful management. If necessary, we may recommend further testing such as ultrasounds to better understand the issue and tailor a treatment plan for your pet.
Even if the results come back normal, blood testing provides valuable peace of mind and helps confirm that your furry friend is in good health.
Your Pet’s Health Is Our Priority
At Maraboon Vet Surgery, we’re strong advocates of preventative care. Blood testing is a cornerstone of this philosophy, enabling us to offer tailored, proactive healthcare for every stage of your pet’s life.
Whether your pet is due for a routine check-up or showing signs of illness, our experienced and compassionate team is here to help.
Have questions or want to schedule a blood test? Call us today at 4987 6800, we’re here for you and your pet.