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Bloodwork

Bloodwork can seem a little daunting for you and your pet. However, it provides the vet with the necessary information which helps keep your furry friend healthy. At South Side Animal Clinic in Rolla, we perform bloodwork compassionately and gently. 

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Pet Wellness Exams

Blood work is typically recommended as part of a pet wellness exam. This allows your veterinarian to detect any health issues early, while they are most treatable. Most pets should get routine blood work once a year. Senior dogs and cats should get blood work every 6 months because their health can deteriorate rapidly. 

Illness and Bloodwork 

Few things are scarier than a sick pet. If you bring your pet in because they are ill, the veterinarian will likely order blood work. This allows us to check for a variety of conditions that can cause your pet to be sick. Bloodwork is typically performed if your pet:

  • Has a fever
  • Is lethargic
  • Has vomiting or diarrhea
  • Is losing weight or fur
  • Has a pink, pale, or blue color
  • Is acting odd

Common Blood Tests

The most common blood tests vets order as a part of pet care includes a complete blood count and a blood chemical analysis. These are similar to common blood tests for their human owners, so these terms may sound familiar. A complete blood count will reveal your pet's hydration status, immune system response, blood clotting ability, anemia, and infection. It also shows the vet your pet's liver and kidney function. The blood chemical analysis detects the amount of electrolytes, fats, proteins, and sugar within the blood. 

Pet Allergies

Just like humans, pets can develop allergies. Pet allergies occur when the body reacts to a benign substance as if it's harmful. The symptoms of allergies vary based on the type of allergy. Your pet may sneeze, have a runny nose, cough, or wheeze. 

Some allergies can cause your pet to develop a rash or itchy skin. You may notice them scratching or licking frequently. This can lead to hair loss and skin lesions in severe cases. Allergy blood tests can reveal what your pet is allergic to. Then,  you can avoid the allergen, or consider sensitization treatment, which helps reduce the reaction to the allergen over time. 

Get Pet Bloodwork at South Side Animal Clinic

At South Side Animal Clinic in Rolla, we perform blood testing in-house. This allows us to get results fast, so we can move on to treating your pet. This also keeps your pet from dealing with different facilities and technicians, particularly when they aren't feeling well. If your pet needs blood testing due to an illness, or it's simply time for their wellness exam, call us today at 573-426-3647 to make an appointment.