So your vet recommended bloodwork and maybe even X-rays or ultrasound — but what does it all mean?
Think of blood tests as your pet’s internal health report. Even if they seem perfectly fine, their body might be silently fighting early-stage health issues — like tiny kidney changes or early liver strain — that haven’t shown outward signs yet. Running these tests gives us a baseline, so we know what’s normal for your pet. That way, we’ll notice small changes next time and act fast.
Why Blood Tests Matter
Blood tests show us what’s happening internally — especially before symptoms show.
They help:
- Detect diseases early
- Monitor chronic illness
- Check for organ damage (especially liver/kidney)
- Evaluate medication safety (especially long-term meds)
- Prepare for surgery (like spay/neuter, dental scaling)
The Big Three Blood Tests: CBC, Chem 10, and Chem 17
🧬 1. CBC (Complete Blood Count)
This test looks at the blood cells floating around in your pet’s system.
- Red blood cells – carry oxygen. Low = anemia.
- White blood cells – defend against infection. High = inflammation, infection, or even cancer.
- Platelets – help the blood clot. Low = risk of bleeding.
It’s often the first clue that something’s brewing internally, even if there are no outward signs yet.
🧪 2. Chem 10 – A Core Health Panel
The Chem 10 is like the vet’s go-to dashboard for key organ function. It checks:
- Kidney values – BUN & Creatinine
- Liver enzymes – ALT and ALKP are already included here
- Glucose – your pet’s blood sugar level
- Total protein, albumin, globulin – important for hydration, liver, and immune health
Ideal for healthy adult pets, pre-anesthetic screens, or as a baseline test.
🧪 3. Chem 17 – The Deeper Dive
This panel builds on the Chem 10 with additional values, giving a more detailed picture of organ function and metabolism.
It includes:
- Everything in Chem 10
PLUS: - Phosphorus – important in kidney health
- Cholesterol – related to liver and endocrine disease
- Total bilirubin – tells us how well the liver is processing waste
- GGT (if added) – another liver enzyme
- Calcium – related to bone health, kidney disease, or certain cancers
We often recommend Chem 17 for senior pets, sick pets, or if your pet is showing vague symptoms like weight loss, vomiting, or drinking more water than usual.
Extra Add-On Tests (When Needed)
Depending on your pet’s condition, we might also recommend:
- Electrolytes (Lyte 4) – Sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate
- SDMA – Detects kidney issues earlier than creatinine
- Total T4 – Screens for thyroid disease (especially in older cats)
- Cortisol – Tests for Cushing’s or Addison’s disease
Pancreatic Lipase (Spec cPL/fPL) – Helps diagnose pancreatitis
Why Might My Vet Suggest X-Rays or Ultrasound Too?
Blood tests tell us something’s off.
But to figure out what it is, where it is, and how bad, we sometimes need to look inside — literally.
- X-rays are great for spotting arthritis, broken bones, chest/lung problems, or swallowed objects.
- Ultrasound lets us view soft organs like the liver, kidneys, bladder, and intestines in real time — ideal for detecting tumors, stones, or fluid buildup.
Think of it this way:
Blood tells us something’s happening. Imaging tells us what’s happening, and where.
Final Thoughts
So next time your vet says, “Let’s run a Chem 10 and CBC,” you’ll know they’re not just ticking boxes — they’re making sure your pet is healthy on the inside, not just the outside.
Routine bloodwork and imaging help us catch problems early, treat them better, and keep your fur kid feeling their best.
Even if the results are normal? That’s still a win — it gives peace of mind and sets the baseline for a long, healthy life ahead.
