Blood Testing
State-of-the-art blood testing
Our in-house pathology service helps greatly in diagnosing conditions as quickly as possible. A blood test is an important diagnostic tool that provides vital information about your pet’s health. We use blood tests at our practice for general health checks, for animals showing signs of disease and pre-anaesthetic screening.
Our equipment enables us to perform a full spectrum of testing including biochemistry and haematology without the need to send blood to an external laboratory.
What Can a Blood Test Tell Us About Your Pet?
Blood tests give us a detailed look at how your pet’s body is functioning on the inside. Things that aren’t visible during a physical exam can show up clearly in blood work.
Common conditions we can detect through blood testing include:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems
- Pancreatitis
- Infection and inflammation
- Anaemia
- Blood clotting issues
Blood tests also help us check hydration levels, immune system function, and how well your pet’s organs are working overall. For older pets or animals on long-term medication, regular blood work helps us track changes over time and catch problems early.
Common Questions About Pet Blood Tests
Does my pet need to fast before a blood test?
In some cases, yes. If fasting is required, we'll let you know when you book your appointment. Typically, this means withholding food for 8 to 12 hours beforehand. Water is fine.
How long does it take to get results?
Because we process blood tests in our on-site lab, results are usually available the same day. In some cases, we may need to send samples to an external laboratory for more specialised testing, which can take a few days.
Is the blood draw painful for my pet?
Most pets tolerate it very well. A small area of fur is clipped and cleaned, and the blood draw itself only takes a few moments. It's similar to a routine blood test in humans.
How often should my pet have a blood test?
A yearly blood test is a good idea as part of your pet's routine health check. For senior pets (generally 8 years and older) or pets with chronic conditions, we may recommend blood testing twice a year to help detect abnormalities early.
Why does my pet need a blood test before surgery?
Pre-anaesthetic blood testing checks that your pet's liver and kidneys are functioning well enough to safely process the anaesthetic. It helps your vet choose the safest medications and reduces the risk of complications during the procedure.
Can blood tests detect cancer?
Some blood markers can indicate the presence of certain cancers, but a blood test alone isn't usually enough to diagnose cancer. It can point us in the right direction and help us decide whether further testing (such as imaging or biopsy) is needed.
Call 02 9545 2100 now to book an appointment with our highly trained veterinarians and vet nurses today!
Customer Feedback
“When we got our new puppy Parker Brown, we knew we would go back to Sutherland Vet. They were the medical team that got us through the routine and unexpected ups and downs of our old dog Leroy’s life, right up to the end and they did it with so much love and care. There is so much trust and history there. They’re part of the family.”
– Alicia B.