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 https://www.gesco.zacatecas.ipn.mx/
- 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 https://heylink.me/oyo4d.oficial/ 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 https://adventuresplanner.com/ 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.
