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The blood tests in dogs and cats is a fundamental diagnostic test for assessing the general state of healthThe aim is to detect internal disturbances and to support the diagnosis and monitoring of numerous diseases, even before visible symptoms appear.
At Benivet Benissa we carry out blood tests both in preventive reviews as well as in diagnostic studies or clinical controls, always interpreting the results according to the age, history and specific situation of each pet.
Benivet Benissa - Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa -
M-F 9:30-18:30 - S 10:00-13:00
At Benivet Benissawe know that a blood tests in dogs and cats is an essential tool for looking after your pet's health. This test allows us to detect diseases, evaluate their general condition and prevent complications before they become serious.
From routine check-ups to specific studies for infections, liver, kidney or metabolic problems, we have specialised equipment and advanced technology that guarantee fast and reliable results. This type of analysis forms part of our protocols within the service of veterinary internal medicine.
In addition, where necessary, we complement the blood test with:
Urinalysis to assess kidney function and detect urinary tract infections.
Veterinary cytology to study cellular alterations in blood or other tissues.
If your pet is showing symptoms such as listlessness, weight loss, vomiting or lethargy, don't let it go: early diagnosis can make all the difference.
To learn more about normal ranges and haematological parameters, please see this guide to normal blood parameters in pets, published by the MSD Veterinary Handbook.
Blood testing is a key test for general health assessment, diagnostic support and clinical follow-up in dogs and cats.
When a result falls above or below the reference range, this does not automatically mean that the pet has a specific illness.
The results should be interpreted in conjunction with the following:
Age, species and breed.
Symptoms and findings on examination.
Hydration status.
Diet and the time elapsed since the last meal.
Medication and supplements used.
Stress during extraction.
Previously diagnosed illnesses.
Changes compared with previous analyses.
The quality and preservation of the sample.
An isolated abnormality may require confirmation, follow-up or further tests. We therefore avoid interpreting a single parameter without taking into account the rest of the profile and the patient’s clinical condition.
A complete blood count examines the cells in the blood and usually includes red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. To assess them, parameters such as their number, size, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit are examined.
Changes in these levels may indicate conditions such as:
Anaemia.
Blood loss.
Destruction of red blood cells.
Bone marrow disorders.
Chronic diseases.
Dehydration.
A low value alone does not reveal the cause of anaemia. It may be necessary to assess the bone marrow’s regenerative capacity, examine the morphology of the cells or carry out further tests.
White blood cells play a part in the immune response. Changes in their number or distribution may be linked to:
Inflammation.
Infections.
Stress.
Immune responses.
Effects of certain medicines.
Bone marrow disorders.
Certain haematological disorders.
An increase in white blood cells does not automatically confirm a bacterial infection. The interpretation depends on the type of cells affected, the extent of the change and the patient’s symptoms.
Platelets play a role in blood clotting. A low platelet count may be due to various causes, but it can also occur when platelets clump together within the sample, particularly in cats.
When the result does not correspond to the clinical presentation, it may be advisable to examine the sample under a microscope or repeat the measurement.
Biochemistry measures substances related to metabolism and the functioning of various organs. Not all test panels include the same parameters: these are selected according to the reason for the test and the individual needs of each patient.
Parameters such as urea and creatinine help to assess kidney function, but they can be influenced by hydration, muscle mass, diet and other factors.
When the results are abnormal, it is usually advisable to interpret them in conjunction with a urinalysis, as the concentration and characteristics of the urine provide additional information.
Depending on the circumstances, a veterinary ultrasound to examine the kidneys, the bladder and other structures of the urinary system.
If your pet is having difficulty urinating, has blood in its urine or suffers from recurrent infections, the examination can be arranged with veterinary urology.
Enzyme levels and other liver-related substances may rise for various reasons. An elevated enzyme level does not necessarily mean that the liver has lost its ability to function.
To interpret these changes, the following are assessed:
Which parameters are affected?
How much they have changed.
If there are any symptoms.
What medication is the animal being given?
Changes compared with previous analyses.
The results of other tests.
Depending on the results, it may be necessary to repeat the test, extend the profile or have an abdominal ultrasound scan.
Glucose levels can be affected by diet, stress, certain medicines and metabolic disorders.
In cats, the stress of a vet visit can cause temporary increases. Therefore, a high reading should be interpreted in conjunction with the symptoms and, where necessary, confirmed by further tests or a urine analysis.
If your pet is drinking and urinating more, losing weight or showing changes in appetite, it is important to mention this during the consultation.
Blood protein levels can vary due to changes in hydration, inflammation, digestive or renal losses, liver disorders and other diseases.
An overall assessment of total proteins, albumin and globulins can help to guide further investigation, but does not usually identify a specific cause without additional information.
Sodium, potassium, chlorine, calcium and phosphorus play a role in functions such as hydration, muscle function, heart rate and metabolic balance.
These conditions may occur in patients with:
Vomiting or diarrhoea.
Kidney diseases.
Hormonal problems.
Dehydration.
Urinary obstructions.
Ongoing treatments.
Systemic diseases.
Significant changes should be interpreted in the context of the animal’s general condition and may require treatment or further monitoring.
Certain factors may temporarily affect the results:
To have eaten before the extraction.
Stress or excitement.
A recent exercise.
Dehydration.
Age and growth.
Medication.
Supplements.
Time elapsed between sampling and analysis.
Sample abnormalities, such as haemolysis or lipaemia.
That is why it is important to follow the instructions provided by the clinic and to let them know everything your pet is taking.
Do not stop giving medication or extend the fasting period on your own initiative. Puppies, kittens, diabetic animals and patients with chronic conditions may require specific guidance.
Repeating a blood test does not necessarily mean that the result is serious. It may be recommended for:
Confirm an unexpected change.
Check whether a change was temporary.
To assess the response to treatment.
To compare the progression of a disease.
To monitor the possible effects of a medication.
Take a new sample if the previous one showed interference.
Establish a patient’s baseline values.
For many diseases, changes in outcomes over time provide more information than a single, isolated measurement.
Reference ranges are calculated using data from a population of animals, but each pet may have its own typical values.
Comparing different controls makes it possible to assess:
If a parameter remains stable.
If it is changing gradually.
If you have responded to the treatment.
It would be advisable to expand the study.
If necessary, adjust the frequency of the checks.
For this reason, we recommend keeping any previous reports and providing them if your pet has been treated at another clinic.
Once the analysis has been interpreted, the team will explain to you whether:
The results are consistent with the clinical presentation.
It is worth repeating a particular parameter.
A more specific test is required.
Treatment should be started or adjusted.
A follow-up check-up is recommended.
We need to examine another organ or system.
Depending on the reason for the blood test, further tests may be recommended, such as:
When symptoms are persistent, the findings affect several organs or the condition requires long-term monitoring, we coordinate the assessment from veterinary internal medicine.
The interpretation also depends on the reason for which the test was requested.
In a veterinary check-up, the analysis can help establish baseline values and detect changes that do not yet produce obvious symptoms.
Before a veterinary surgery, provides information to assess the patient’s general condition and plan the procedure in conjunction with the anaesthesia and analgesia.
In patients with chronic conditions, it enables the monitoring of their progress and the assessment of their tolerance or response to specific treatments.
Consulting general reference tables online can help you find out the names of the parameters, but the reference ranges may vary depending on the laboratory, the method used and the patient’s characteristics.
Furthermore, the same result can have different meanings depending on the symptoms and the rest of the test results.
Do not change your pet’s diet, medication or supplements based solely on a figure labelled as high or low. Discuss the report with the veterinary team to understand which results are significant and what steps you should take.
Does your pet need a blood test, or would you like to review some previous results? Book an appointment at Benivet Benissa or call +34 622 325 271.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa, Alicante
Telephone: +34 622 325 271
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 18:30; Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:00.
The blood tests (haemogram and biochemistry) helps us to obtain an overall view of the state of health and to guide the diagnosis when there are non-specific symptoms (malaise, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss) or as part of a preventive check-up. Depending on the examination and the reason for the consultation, we may recommend tests only when they provide useful information:
Veterinary practice in BenissaThe following is a list of the main symptoms: complete examination, clinical history and initial orientation of the case.
Urinalysisto complement the renal and metabolic assessment, especially if there are changes in drinking/oral function.
Coprological tests / stool analysisif there is persistent diarrhoea or suspicion of digestive parasites/infection.
Veterinary ultrasounduseful to assess organs and soft tissues (abdomen) when signs suggest it.
Veterinary radiologyRapid chest/abdomen support and musculoskeletal problems on a case-by-case basis.
If the problem is recurrent or requires follow-up, we coordinate the plan from veterinary internal medicine.
👉 If you want a rating, request an appointment here or call +34 622 325 271.
According to the DGT, when travelling with your pet in the car, you must place a separator to prevent your pet from distracting you and
Only a veterinarian can assess the health status of the animals, taking also into account other circumstances such as the type of
Domestic or companion animals, particularly those belonging to the canine species, shall also be classified as potentially dangerous,
An abnormal result is not interpreted in isolation. Depending on the reason for the test and the results, further tests or follow-up by a specialist may be recommended.
It complements renal and metabolic assessment, particularly when urea, creatinine or glucose levels are abnormal.
To examine the kidneys, liver, bladder and other organs when laboratory tests suggest an internal abnormality.
Rapid assessment of chest, abdominal and musculoskeletal problems based on symptoms and test results.
Microscopic examination of cells in blood or other tissues, for example to assess cell morphology or examine a suspicious sample.
If there is persistent diarrhoea or a suspected parasite or gastrointestinal infection that might explain the abnormal test results.
When the findings affect several organs, the symptoms persist or the condition requires long-term monitoring.
When there is symptoms (listlessness, weight loss, vomiting/diarrhoea, increased drinking or urination, persistent lameness, fever), in preventive check-upsbefore surgeries/anaesthesiafor control treatments chronic and in patients senior. Helps to detect problems renal, hepatic, endocrine, haematological and of the electrolyte balance.
It usually combines blood count (red blood cells/white blood cells, platelets) and biochemistry (kidney, liver, glucose, protein, electrolytes). Depending on the case, the following may be added hormones (e.g. thyroid), specific markers o complementary tests.
In many profiles fasting is recommended to avoid interference (postprandial lipids). If your pet is puppy, diabetic or take medication, please contact us when making an appointment for an adjustment food and drug schedules safely.
Yes, some anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, anticonvulsants, antibiotics or supplements parameters can be modified. It always reports everything it takes (name, dosage, timetable). We will let you know if it is appropriate adjust o note the shot in the report.
The volume is small and is adapted to the weight and tests requested. The extraction is carried out with aseptic technique and soft containment. In most cases no sedation requiredAfter feeding, your pet can return to its routine unless otherwise instructed.
We reviewed the data in the clinical setting and we explain next steps: measurements at home, treatment if applicable or additional tests (e.g. urine or image). If it is a control, we compare with previous values to adjust the plan.
Do you have any doubts about care, treatment or prevention for your pet? Consult our section of Frequently Asked Questions where we solve the most common queries about dogs and cats.
