01/14/2026
🧪 Different Types of Bloodwork: What Do They Tell Us About Your Pet?
Bloodwork isn’t just one test—it’s a combination of panels that each provide important insight into your pet’s health. Together, these tests help us understand what’s happening inside your cat or dog’s body. Here we will explain the three most common types and what we use them for.
🩸 CBC (Complete Blood Count)
A CBC evaluates the cells that circulate in the bloodstream and helps us assess overall health and immune function.
This test looks at:
• Red blood cells – which carry oxygen and can indicate anemia or dehydration
• White blood cells – which help fight infection and may signal inflammation, infection, or immune disorders
• Platelets – which are essential for proper blood clotting
💉 Performing a CBC yearly allows veterinarians to establish what is normal for your individual pet and monitor trends over time. Even subtle shifts can be meaningful and help guide further diagnostics or early treatment—often before symptoms are noticeable at home. Changes in red blood cell levels may indicate anemia, blood loss, or dehydration. White blood cell abnormalities can point to infection, inflammation, stress, or immune-related conditions. Platelet counts help assess your pet’s ability to clot blood properly, which is especially important for surgery, injury, or underlying disease.
⚗️ Chemistry Panel & Lytes
These panels measure enzymes, proteins, and electrolytes that reflect how internal organs are functioning.
This testing helps evaluate:
• Kidneys – how effectively they filter waste
• Liver – signs of stress, inflammation, or damage
• Blood sugar (glucose) – which can indicate diabetes or low blood sugar concerns
• Electrolytes – important for hydration, heart rhythm, and muscle function
• Proteins – which provide clues about nutrition, immune health, and inflammation
🩺 Annual chemistry and electrolyte testing is a proactive step that supports early detection, safer treatment decisions, and long-term health for both cats and dogs. Yearly testing allows us to monitor hydration status, blood sugar levels, and electrolyte balance, all of which play a critical role in heart, muscle, and nerve function. Subtle abnormalities can indicate early kidney disease, liver stress, diabetes, or dehydration—conditions that are far easier to manage when caught early. Routine chemistry panels also help ensure medications and supplements remain safe for long-term use and allow your veterinary team to track trends over time.
✨ Together, CBC and chemistry panels give a complete picture of your pet’s health and help guide preventative care, diagnostics, and treatment decisions.
📞 Ask our team which bloodwork is recommended for your cat or dog at their next visit—we’re happy to help explain the results!