When your pet appears happy and healthy, it’s easy to assume all is well under the surface. But just like with people, some of the most important signs of health—or disease—are invisible to the naked eye. That’s where bloodwork comes in. At Pet Care on Highland, we use routine lab testing as a key tool in preventive care, helping us detect hidden issues early and ensure your pet stays on track for a long, healthy life.
Bloodwork gives us a snapshot of your pet’s internal systems. Even if everything seems normal on the outside, these tests can reveal early signs of infection, inflammation, organ dysfunction, or disease. Catching problems before they cause symptoms allows for earlier intervention, less invasive treatment, and often a much better outcome.
So what exactly does bloodwork tell us?
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) measures red and white blood cells and platelets. It helps us assess for anemia, infection, inflammation, clotting problems, or immune system disorders. A high white cell count, for example, could point to an infection or underlying inflammation, while a low red cell count may signal anemia.
A blood chemistry panel looks at organ function—specifically the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and electrolyte balance. Elevated kidney values may indicate early kidney disease, especially common in older pets. Liver enzymes that are out of range can suggest issues that might not yet be causing symptoms but need further evaluation or monitoring. Glucose levels can reveal diabetes, and changes in calcium or phosphorus may point to hormonal or bone-related issues.
In many cases, we also include thyroid testing, especially in senior cats and dogs. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause sluggishness, weight gain, and skin problems in dogs, while an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) is common in aging cats and can lead to weight loss, hyperactivity, and heart problems.
Routine bloodwork is typically recommended:
At Pet Care on Highland, we tailor our lab panels to your pet’s age, breed, medical history, and current concerns. Our in-house diagnostic equipment allows us to get fast results when time matters—especially in emergency or pre-surgical situations. For more advanced testing, we also partner with trusted veterinary laboratories to ensure accuracy and thorough interpretation.
One of the most powerful aspects of bloodwork is its ability to provide baseline data. By testing your healthy pet now, we create a benchmark we can compare future results against. That way, even small changes in blood values can be detected and addressed early.
Many pet owners are surprised to learn that a seemingly minor change in behavior—like decreased appetite or low energy—can be a sign of something deeper. Bloodwork helps take the guesswork out of care, giving both you and your veterinarian the information needed to make confident decisions.
If it’s been a while since your pet had lab work, or if you have questions about whether your pet might benefit from it, give us a call. The earlier we catch a problem, the easier it is to manage—and often, the longer and healthier your pet’s life will be.
Let Pet Care on Highland be your partner in proactive care. Schedule a wellness visit at (863) 937-7914 with lab work today and give your pet the gift of better health from the inside out.
