Why your pet might need a blood test
Your vet may recommend a blood test:
- as part of a health check, especially for older pets
- before an anaesthetic, to check your pet is well enough for it
- to find out why your pet is unwell
- to monitor an ongoing condition, such as diabetes, kidney disease, epilepsy, Cushing's disease or an overactive thyroid
- to screen for a particular disease.
How we test
We run many tests in our own laboratory, including heartworm, parvovirus and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) tests, which usually take 5 to 20 minutes. We can also check blood counts and organ function on site before an anaesthetic or when we need results urgently.
Other tests go to IDEXX, a specialist veterinary laboratory. Results usually take 12 to 24 hours, or longer for less common tests. Your vet will tell you when to expect results and call you as soon as they're ready.
Getting ready for a blood test
For some tests, your pet will need to fast for 8 to 12 hours beforehand. Your vet will tell you if this applies.
If your pet is on medication that we're monitoring, the timing matters:
- Epilepsy medication (phenobarbitone): we'll take the sample just before the next dose is due.
- Cushing's medication (trilostane or Vetoryl): book the appointment 4 to 6 hours after the morning dose, usually around lunchtime.