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Preparing Your Pet for a Blood Test

Preparing Your Pet for a Blood Test

Why is it important to prepare my pet for blood collection?

No. Blood tests can be grouped as routine tests and special tests. Preparation for these two types of tests is slightly different.

Routine testing provides an overview of an animal’s health and is done in both healthy pets and sick pets . Any visit to the veterinarian could include a routine blood test. By having your pet properly prepared for each visit, you may save valuable time and money by reducing the need for repeat testing.

Special tests are done to investigate or monitor a specific problem. For example, the veterinarian might want to monitor the blood sugar level in a diabetic pet, or to test for drug levels in pet on medication. Proper preparation for “special” tests is essential for accurate results.

Things you can do to prepare your pet for a routine visit to the veterinarian include:

1. Gentle fasting: If possible, do not feed your pet for about 6 hours before your appointment. Fasting helps to clear the blood of lipemia, fat droplets that appear after eating. Lipemia can interfere with some blood tests and make the results difficult to interpret.
2. Keep water available: This is especially important in warm weather. Even mild dehydration may change the test results, so be sure your pet has access to water before your visit to the veterinarian.
3. Avoid exercise and active play just prior to your visit: Physical activity can cause changes in test results, so exercise and active play should be avoided.
4. Minimize stress: This may be difficult if your pet is nervous or frightened, but some suggestions include:

  • Dogs: Keep your dog on a leash at all times. This makes it less likely your pet will be frightened or upset by other animals in the waiting room.
  • Cats: Bring your cat in a cat carrier. This helps your pet feel more secure and eliminates the risk of escape.
  • Handle your pet calmly and quietly – talking in a soothing voice may help to distract your pet and reduce anxiety.
  • If the waiting room is crowded, you may wish to let your pet wait in the car (weather permitting) to reduce excitement.
  • If your pet is highly excitable and the veterinarian is concerned this may affect blood test results, your appointment may be booked at a separate time when the clinic is quieter. This may reduce the stress associated with taking a blood sample.

The preparation for a special blood test depends on the test.
For example: –

  • Vet may ask to Fast your pet strictly for 12 hours or more.
  • Give medication at a specific time before your visit – e.g. if you are asked to give medication 4 to 6 hours before the appointment, you may need to change what time you give your pet his regular dose.
  • Withhold medication before the blood sample is taken – e.g. Follow the instruction “Do not give medication after 7:00 a.m. on the day of your next visit” even if it means delaying or skipping a dose.
    Your veterinarian will give you specific instructions before your appointment. It is important that you follow these instructions

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