Blood Screening

By Daniela Svensson - Student Veterinary Nurse.

Why is Blood Screening Important?

Blood testing helps us understand the health of our pets as they cannot tell us directly what is wrong, especially when they seem poorly but also as a routine check to ensure everything is ok. Detecting diseases and problems early on is essential to prevent and control them from progressively worsening by providing effective treatment plans.

Blood testing provides the veterinarian with information about your pet's nutrition and deficiencies and allows them to help accordingly.

Blood tests are sent to overseas laboratories or processed here in Malta.

It gives us detailed information about hydration status, infection, immune system response, blood clotting ability, viral infections, heartworm, liver function, and anaemia.

Preparing for a Blood Test

Veterinarians may recommend fasting 6 hours before the blood test. Certain cases might require lengthier periods of fasting times.

Fasting is in place due to fat droplets known as lipemia, appearing after eating that affect the results of the blood tests. Water should be available at all times. Your veterinarian might advise you to hold off on your pets’ medication until the blood samples are done.

House visits are a fantastic way for your pet to feel less stressed and comfortable while having its blood taken. If your animal is anxious or assertive, your veterinarian might give specific instructions to acquire blood samples without causing stress for your pet.

Restrict your animal from exercise before a blood screening as the blood values can be affected.

Complete Blood Count 

A complete blood count (CBC) helps veterinarians understand and assess your animals’ health in sick and healthy animals. A complete blood count entails checking the amount of cells that make up the blood, consisting of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body with the help of a protein known as haemoglobin. Haematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in your blood and if this is too low it is considered as anemia

White blood cells help fight and detect infection, inflammation or certain diseases and platelets ensure the blood is clotting.

Chemistry 

Chemistry blood tests check the substances in the blood which help the body function. It checks the glucose levels, electrolytes, kidney function, liver function, proteins, lipids (fats), calcium and thyroid check.

Glucose levels check for diabetes or metabolic disorders.

Electrolytes are essential for maintaining the pH and body values, abnormal values affect muscle and nerve function.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine show us how the kidneys filter waste from the blood.

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), and Bilirubin all assess liver function and identify liver disorders. Eelevated levels may indicate liver damage or disease.

Total protein, Albumin and Globulins check protein content and assess liver and kidney function.

Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) evaluate lipid (fat) levels in the blood.

Bone health, nerve function, and blood clotting are assessed through calcium levels.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free Thyroxine (T4) assess thyroid function.

How often should blood tests be carried out?

Blood tests should be carried out every 6-12 months. In special cases, your veterinarian might recommend doing it more often to monitor or control certain diseases and conditions.

Book your pet’s Blood Screening here in the comfort of your home.

For more information please contact info@thevetcentermalta.com