Pet Blood Tests For Dogs, Cats & Exotic Pets



Nundah

07 3707 5434

Blood tests for pets give their owners and vets a valuable look into what’s happening inside them. It’s not only for when something isn’t quite right, but also creating a normal baseline for their health, detecting any hidden problems or just keeping an eye on their health, especially as our dogs and cats age.

At Plus One Vet Nundah, our caring vets can provide full pet blood tests for dogs, cats and exotic animals in-office to make it as stress-free and easy for you and your smallest friend. We may recommend blood work as part of your pet’s general check-up, or as part of diagnostics when your pet isn’t feeling well.

Whether you’ve been to another vet and they’re referring your pet for tests, your pooch or feline is due for a checkup or they’re not being themselves, we’re here to help. Call our clinic today to book.

When do pets need vet blood tests?

We love our animals and only ever want the best for them. However, they can’t tell us when something is wrong, and it’s not always obvious. This is why routine or diagnostic vet blood tests are so important to help us detect problems early or to make sure they are okay to take a new medication or be put under pre-anaesthetic.

We may recommend a blood test for your pet for:

Annual health screens

Giving us a baseline of their health to be able to monitor future changes, especially if it’s their first visit.

Senior Pets (7+)

Keeping an eye on any changes in their health for early intervention or changes to their diet/routine.

Pre-anaesthetic screening

To assess their organ function to make sure anaesthesia is safe before surgery.

Diagnostics

Such as if your pet is unwell, help diagnose symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea or weight loss.

Medication monitoring

Making sure new medications are safe, as well as managing chronic conditions.

Blood tests may be used on their own or as part of other diagnostic testing to monitor or assess chronic conditions or potential problems. If you think your pet is overdue for a blood analysis, it’s always worthwhile giving us a call for a chat with our friendly Nundah team.

Types of Veterinary Blood Tests Available at Plus One Vet Nundah

There are a few different types of general and specialised veterinary blood tests we may perform to check on your pet’s health. This includes:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Complete Blood Counts are the most common pet blood test, providing valuable information on your pet’s hydration, infection levels, any signs of anaemia, if clotting may be present and their immune system response. We may take a Complete Blood Count during a routine health screening, to help diagnose potential problems, to check your pet is clear for surgery and anaesthesia, or to monitor chronic health conditions.

Thyroid Panels

If your pet is showing signs of a metabolic disorder, our vets may perform a thyroid panel to check for an overactive or underactive thyroid. It can be used to rule out or diagnose specific conditions, particularly if your pet is experiencing unexplained weight changes, chronic skin issues or other changes.

Pre-Anaesthetic Screening

Before your pet receives anesthesia, we will perform a blood test to make sure their organ function and overall health is where it needs to be for a safe procedure. Checking helps minimise risks and supports a smooth recovery, while allowing for a tailored anaesthetic plan to suit your pet.

Blood Chemistry Panels

A Blood Chemistry Panel can be made up of a few different tests to monitor organ function, electrolyte levels and enzyme levels, mainly in the liver, kidney and pancreas. They are common in wellness exams, especially for pets over the age of 7 or if they have been vomiting, lethargic or showing other signs of illness.

Electrolyte Tests

Pets can rapidly lose electrolytes when they’re ill, especially if they’re dehydrated. With how important electrolytes are for your pet’s health, we can test their levels to see where they’re at, where they may need additional support or potentially emergency intervention. If they have a chronic condition or are on medication, it can also help adjust and manage their treatment.

Most Common Checks With Dog Blood Tests

Dogs have unique health and wellness needs. As well as routine checkups, blood tests can help screen, diagnose and monitor their health for specific problems for dogs at all stages in life, including checks for:

Red blood cell counts for anaemia.
White blood cell counts for infection/inflammation.
Platelets for clotting.
Blood chemistry panels for the kidneys, liver and pancreas.
Glucose/blood sugar level checks for diabetes.
Electrolyte checks for dehydration and metabolic imbalances.
Albumin checks to evaluate liver, kidney and digestive health.
Thyroid function tests to check for hypothyroidism.
Heartworm tests and tick-borne disease screens.
Pre-anaesthetic blood tests.

A healthy dog may only need one blood test during their annual check up, while a senior dog or a pooch with a chronic condition may benefit from testing every 6 months to keep a closer eye on their health. Speak with our vets to create the best plan for your furry friend.

What Cat Blood Tests Can Reveal

Cats are masters at hiding when they’re not well. While blood tests useful to help diagnose problems to address symptoms, they can also be used preventatively to help diagnose conditions early, including:

Infectious disease testing for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
Red blood cell tests for anaemia.
White blood cell tests for infection or inflammation.
Platelet checks for clotting issues.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine (CREA) checks to detect kidney dysfunction or disease.
Liver disease and damage tests.
Blood sugar level tests for diabetes mellitus.
Thyroxine T4 thyroid function tests for hyperthyroidism.
Protein level tests to measure and evaluate hydration, inflammation or kidney disease.
Electrolyte level tests to check hydration and electrolyte imbalances, often linked to GI disease.

Cats are similar to dogs, benefitting from an annual blood test as part of their general checkup. For older cats over the age of 7 or felines with chronic conditions, our vets may recommend more frequent testing, every 6 months or so. Call to book an appointment for guidance today.

Preparing Your Pet For Veterinary Blood Tests

Blood tests for cats and dogs are fairly similar, with a few slight differences to help them prepare. For either type of pet, blood tests are generally not painful. Pets are often less fazed than us people! Keep these tips in mind if your pet is booked in for a blood test.

What to Expect During Blood For Dogs

Before your dog comes in for a blood test, make sure they have fasted to your vet’s instructions, if needed. Taking them for a walk before their appointment, if they’re well enough to do so, can also help them burn some excess energy to keep them calm during the test. It’s also important to try and keep calm and positive yourself as dogs can often sense human anxiety.

Once they are in our office, we may shave a small amount of fur where we will be taking blood. It’s best if you keep close as this can often keep them calm. We will typically distract them with a treat, before drawing the blood and putting some pressure on the area to help prevent bruising. The whole process is often within seconds. After, your dog may have a small, minor bruise, and we can typically have results back the same day.

How to Prepare For Blood Work For Cats

Cats can get nauseous or stressed easily, so following our vet’s specific fasting instructions beforehand can help make it a smoother process. To keep them calm, it can also be best to leave their carrier out in the days leading up to their vet visit so they feel safe, and then covering the box with a towel while transporting to continue keeping them calm.

Some cats handle blood tests very calmly. Others may need distracting, being wrapped in a towel or other support from the vet and our team to make the process safe for everyone. Many cats are also calmer without their owners in the room. Similar to dogs, we will shave a small patch, insert the needle and draw the blood, before holding pressure to minimise bruising. We’ll typically have their results back same-day.

Exceptional Pet Care

Why Pet Families Love Dr. Leo & Our Team at Plus One Vet Nundah

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 152 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Madison Dohnt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Delores and Plus One Vets Nundah were exceptional. They were so patient, understanding, flexible, caring and communicative. Even sent me a cute little message while my dog was in surgery reassuring me of what had been done and that she was ok. They called me before making any big decisions or charges and they were very helpful and patient working in with my pet insurance. Highly recommend Dr Delores!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Maddison Sweet 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I made an emergency appointment online while the clinic was closed, they called me as soon as they opened to tell me to some straight in. I couldn’t be anymore grateful for the tentative care our little George received so quickly. Thank you for your commitment to animal welfare! George is on the mend and doing well  ❤️
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jenn Harley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is the best vet we’ve been to. They are always so kind and respond to my pup how she needs. Whether she’s nervous or not that day, they do such a good job meeting her where she is at. They’re also super friendly and honest about what’s needed. I went in to ask about pricing for a dental clean and they did a free dental assessment on the spot and actually offered home alternatives before defaulting to an expensive clean. Much appreciated team ❤️
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Moore Olsen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We visited Plus One Vet Nundah today at short notice.  Our Labrador was not himself and we were considering an emergency hospital visit but Plus One got us in within half an hour - on a Saturday afternoon too!! Upon arrival the staff were extremely attentive and got us into a consult room quickly with Dr Miranda.  Her level of care and comprehensive check gave us so much confidence.  She was amazing with our Labrador and made a connection with him quickly that made it easy for her to get his cooperation during the appointment.  He’s resting at home and saved the stress of going to an emergency location. Would recommend Plus One Vet to anyone!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Brooke S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Plus OneVet is amazing! Wouldn’t trust anyone else 💛
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Eli “Die Electronics Die” Mason 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Heday Nakayama is hands down the most amazing vet I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He saved my daughter's cat's life despite her being very touch and go. He helped despite my funding was under the cost of treatment and he really cares about his patients and their families. I cannot speak more highly of any vet and is indeed one of the most wonderful humans I have ever met. I highly recommend this vet at all of the practices he works with. He genuinely cares and does all he can to save a life and see's everyone as equals, no judgement. I couldn't speak higher. Thankyou Heday for saving our fur baby.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jade Fitzpatrick 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Been taking my dog to Plus One Vet in Nundah for almost a year. The staff are always so lovely, accommodating, and knowledgeable. I had to leave my puppy there for desexing, and Plus One sent text and photo updates at every touchpoint, which made me feel so reassured that my baby was in safe hands. If you're looking to trust a local vet with your furbaby, Plus One is the place to go.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sam Gill 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They are amazing with our girls. We have moved away from the area but still make the effort to bring our dogs back here for a check up. The care and updates they provided during a surgery was great and not to mention cheaper than others around. Definitely recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chloe 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such a lovely clinic :) Everyone is really warm and friendly, and made me feel very welcome. In the visits I’ve had so far, the vet and nurses always talked through everything clearly with me, always made space for my questions and answered them clearly and thoughtfully, shared lots of helpful and important information, and ensured I was informed and comfortable with everything surrounding the process. My cat had her dental cleaning done here, and during the day of the cleaning they texted me with really sweet updates and pictures of my cat, to let me know how she’s going, provide updates about the tests/progress/procedure, and provide peace of mind that she’s going well - this was so reassuring and comforting to receive during the day. They also did an amazing job on her teeth. Through every part of the process, all the staff, vets, and nurses were always very kind and attentive. Thank you so much to everyone for the care and compassion you all have provided.