vet tech looks in microscope

Dog and Cat Blood Analysis in Hershey, PA

Hershey Veterinary Hospital offers a full in house laboratory. In house blood work can be run for routine testing, emergency situations, or for pre At Hershey Veterinary Hospital, we provide comprehensive cat and dog blood analysis to help detect underlying conditions early, monitor organ function, and guide treatment decisions. Bloodwork is a key part of your pet’s preventive care and essential for maintaining long-term health.

Whether your pet is showing symptoms, preparing for surgery, or simply due for a wellness exam, lab work gives our veterinary team a deeper look into their overall health.

Our In-House Laboratory

We offer a full-service in-house lab for fast, accurate testing. In-house blood work can be done for routine screening, emergencies, or pre-anesthetic evaluations. Most results are available within about 15 minutes, allowing for timely diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Common in-house blood tests include:

  • CBC (Complete Blood Count) with Differential
  • Chemistry 17 Profile
  • Electrolyte Profile
  • Thyroid
  • Coagulation Tests (PT/PTT)
  • Heartworm/Lyme/Anaplasmosis/Ehrlichia Testing
  • FeLV/FIV/Heartworm Testing
  • Pancreatic Lipase
  • SDMA (Early Kidney Function Marker)
  • Leptospirosis

For more specialized testing, we partner with several reference laboratories. These extended tests usually return results within 24 hours to 1-2 weeks. Our veterinarians personally review these results and contact you promptly.

Additional In-House Tests

Besides blood work, we offer these important diagnostic tests on-site:

  • Fecal Floatation (Parasite check)
  • Urinalysis
  • Parvovirus Testing
  • Giardia Testing
  • Skin Scrape
  • Cytology
  • DTM Fungal Culture

Why Blood Analysis Matters

A Vital Diagnostic Tool

Cat and dog blood analysis is more than just a routine test—it’s a window into your pet’s internal health. Bloodwork can reveal signs of:

  • Kidney disease or impaired kidney function
  • Liver disease or dysfunction
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Infections and inflammation
  • Anemia and clotting issues
  • Immune system abnormalities
  • Electrolyte imbalances
  • And more

Early detection allows us to begin treatment before symptoms worsen, giving your pet a better chance at a full recovery.

blood analysis machines

Types of Blood Tests We Perform

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC measures red and white blood cells, as well as platelets. This test helps assess:

  • White blood cell count – crucial for identifying infections and immune response
  • Red blood cell levels – to detect anemia or dehydration
  • Platelet count – essential for evaluating blood clotting
  • Fibrinogen – a protein that offers insights into blood clotting ability
  • Reticulocytes – immature red blood cells, which can indicate regenerative anemia

Blood Chemistry Profile

Also known as “blood chemistries,” these tests evaluate:

  • Organ function – especially liver and kidney health
  • Blood glucose – to screen for diabetes or hypoglycemia
  • Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride
  • Enzymes such as ALT, ALKP, and AST – indicators of liver or muscle damage
  • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine – markers for kidney function
  • Total protein, albumin, and globulin – which reflect hydration, immune status, and chronic disease
  • SDMA – Sensitive early marker of kidney disease, often elevated before creatinine levels rise
  • Thyroid screening (T4) – evaluate thyroid function, especially in senior pets or those with unexplained weight changes

When Is Blood Work Recommended?

We recommend blood analysis for the following situations:

  • Routine wellness exams – to monitor your pet’s overall health and detect changes early
  • Pre-surgical screening – to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia and surgery
  • Senior pet care – to catch age-related illnesses early; recommended bi-annually starting at 7 years of age
  • Unexplained symptoms – such as weight loss, vomiting, or lethargy, to help identify underlying issues
  • Monitoring chronic conditions or medications – recommended bi-annually unless otherwise directed by Dr. Schengrund

Both cat and dog blood analysis can detect conditions that are invisible to the naked eye but crucial to address.

What to Expect During Lab Work

Dog at the vet

Blood is usually drawn from a vein in the neck or leg. Most pets tolerate the procedure well. In-house testing means results are available quickly, often within the same day, especially important in emergencies.

All tests are performed with your pet’s comfort in mind, and results are reviewed thoroughly by our veterinarians. We’ll walk you through any findings and explain the next steps in your pet’s care.

Partnering in Your Pet’s Long-Term Health

Routine blood tests for dogs and cats play a vital role in preventive medicine. By tracking trends in lab results over time, we can spot changes in kidney function, immune health, and organ performance early, long before symptoms appear.

If you’ve noticed changes in your pet’s behavior or health, or it’s time for a wellness visit, talk to our team about whether dog or cat blood analysis is appropriate. Contact Hershey Veterinary Hospital today to request an appointment online, learn more about our services, or schedule your pet’s wellness exam.

FAQ: Blood Tests for Cats and Dogs

How often should my pet have blood work done?

Annual blood tests are recommended for most adult pets as part of routine preventive care.

Senior pets (age 7 and older) or those with chronic health conditions should have bloodwork performed every 6 months.

Pets on long-term medications may also need bi-annual monitoring to ensure the medication is effective and not causing side effects.

Does my pet need to fast before blood work?

For most chemistry panels, we may recommend fasting for 8–12 hours to ensure accurate results. Always follow our team’s specific instructions.

What can cat bloodwork detect?

Cat blood work can identify kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, liver issues, infections, and more. It’s a key part of assessing overall cat health.

Why is cat and dog blood analysis important before surgery?

Pre-anesthetic blood tests help us ensure your cat’s or dog’s liver, kidneys, and other organs can safely process anesthesia and that their blood can clot properly.