Blood tests can identify changes in blood cells, hydration, organ-related values, electrolytes, glucose, and other markers, but results must be interpreted with the pet's history, examination, medications, and sometimes repeat or follow-up testing.
Written or medically reviewed by Dr. Susset Diaz Castillo, DVM, PhD. Last reviewed: 2026-08-28.
Quick Summary: Blood tests can identify changes in blood cells, hydration, organ-related values, electrolytes, glucose, and other markers, but results must be interpreted with the pet's history, examination, medications, and sometimes repeat or follow-up testing.
Bloodwork is a group of tests rather than one all-purpose answer. A complete blood count (CBC) evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A chemistry panel measures selected substances associated with organs and metabolism, such as glucose, proteins, electrolytes, and kidney- or liver-related values. A veterinarian may add tests for thyroid function, infectious disease, clotting, medication monitoring, or another specific question.
A value outside a laboratory reference interval is not automatically a diagnosis. Age, breed, hydration, stress, recent meals, medication, sample quality, and the laboratory method can affect results. Likewise, a result inside the interval cannot rule out every disease.
Results are most useful when the veterinarian begins with a defined clinical question. Trends from the same pet can matter even when individual values remain within broad reference intervals.
An unexpected result may be rechecked to confirm that it persists and was not caused by collection or handling. Bloodwork may point toward urinalysis, blood-pressure measurement, imaging, fecal testing, endocrine testing, or referral rather than supplying a final answer by itself. Decisions should not be based on an isolated flagged number without clinical interpretation.
Follow the veterinary team's instructions about food, water, and medications; do not fast a puppy, kitten, diabetic pet, or medically fragile pet unless specifically directed. Provide an accurate medication and supplement list and mention changes in appetite, thirst, urination, weight, stool, vomiting, energy, or possible toxin exposure.
Go to an emergency hospital for breathing difficulty, collapse, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, severe weakness, pale or blue-tinged gums, a swollen painful abdomen, suspected poisoning, inability to urinate, or rapidly worsening signs. A portable blood sample does not replace stabilization or hospital monitoring.
VestaSoul — My Vet At Home® is an appointment-based, non-emergency mobile veterinary practice serving select areas of Miami-Dade County and select areas of Broward County. When available and clinically appropriate, an in-home examination and selected diagnostics may be provided during an All-Included Visit. A standard All-Included Visit is $695 per pet and includes a $250 Medical Credit toward eligible laboratory testing performed during that visit. Same-day availability is not guaranteed, and pets needing emergency care, hospitalization, advanced imaging, surgery, or continuous monitoring require an appropriate facility.
This guide provides general education and cannot diagnose an individual pet or replace an examination by a veterinarian who has reviewed that pet's history.
No. Normal results are reassuring for the markers measured, but they cannot exclude every early, intermittent, structural, neurologic, or localized disease. History and examination remain essential.
Repeating a test can confirm persistence, assess a trend, or exclude sample and handling effects. The timing depends on the value, the pet's condition, and whether treatment has started.
No. Instructions vary by test and patient. Never withhold food or medication from a young, diabetic, or medically fragile pet without individualized veterinary directions.
Dr. Susset Diaz Castillo, DVM, PhD is the veterinarian behind VestaSoul — My Vet At Home®. VestaSoul — My Vet At Home® is a mobile veterinary house-call practice serving select areas of Miami-Dade County and select areas of Broward County. Learn more at Meet the Vet.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for an in-person examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If your pet is showing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms — such as collapse, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, suspected poisoning, or an inability to urinate — go to the nearest emergency animal hospital immediately. VestaSoul — My Vet At Home® is an appointment-based, non-emergency practice and does not provide emergency or after-hours care.
VestaSoul — My Vet At Home® is a mobile veterinary house-call practice serving select areas of Miami-Dade County and select areas of Broward County.