As a pet owner in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, keeping your furry or feathered friend healthy means more than regular walks or treats. Routine veterinary lab tests are a key part of preventive care, even when your pet seems perfectly fine on the outside.
These tests allow vets to look inside your pet’s body and catch early signs of illness, infection, or organ dysfunction before any symptoms appear. Whether you own a dog, cat, rabbit, or bird, lab tests help ensure your companion lives a long, healthy life.
From checking red blood cells to measuring kidney function, veterinary tests can sound complex.
But understanding what they do and how they work doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this guide, we break down the most common tests your vet might recommend, explain what each one tells you about your pet’s health, and outline how to prepare your pet for testing day.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A complete blood count is one of the most common lab tests performed on pets. It gives a detailed look at the cells circulating in your pet’s bloodstream and helps diagnose various conditions, including infections, inflammation, anemia, and immune system disorders.
The test is especially useful for pets who seem unusually tired, have pale gums, or are recovering from surgery or illness. It’s also routinely included in pre-surgical screenings.
The CBC includes red blood cells (RBCs), which carry oxygen through the body. Based on the MSD Veterinary Manual findings, the normal RBC level in dogs is 4.95-7.87; for cats, it is 5.0-10.0; and for rabbits, it is 4-7. A low RBC count can signal anemia, leading to weakness and fatigue, while a high count may point to dehydration.
Hemoglobin levels are also measured, indicating the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Hematocrit values reflect the percentage of blood volume made up by red cells, and abnormalities can reveal both anemia and dehydration.
White blood cells (WBCs) are another critical part of the CBC. They help fight infections, and their count can increase or decrease with immune deficiencies. The standard range for WBC is 5.0-14.1 for dogs, 5.5-19.5 for cats, and 6-12 for rabbits, based on the research by MSD Veterinary Manual.
The test also evaluates platelets, which are essential for clotting. A low platelet count could put your pet at risk of excessive bleeding, especially during surgery or after an injury. These readings provide an in-depth view of your pet’s internal health and immune status.
Blood Chemistry Panel
The blood chemistry panel is designed to evaluate how well your pet’s organs function. It measures the levels of various enzymes, proteins, and waste products to assess the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and more.
Vets often recommend this test during annual checkups or if your pet shows signs of illness such as vomiting, weight loss, or increased thirst.
Kidney function is gauged using markers like blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Gavazza and colleagues (2020) suggested that elevated levels of either can indicate poor filtration and early kidney disease.
The panel also checks for total protein and albumin levels. Low protein levels can suggest liver or kidney problems, while abnormal albumin might indicate dehydration or chronic illness.
Liver enzymes such as ALT and ALP are also evaluated. High values may indicate liver inflammation or damage, common in older pets or those exposed to toxins. Aasawarachan and his team (2020) found that elevation in ALT levels was useful in indicating all liver-related issues in pets, confirming the suitability of these tests.
Glucose levels are another vital component; a high reading could signal diabetes, while a low value might indicate issues like insulin overdose or malnutrition. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium are also assessed, as imbalances can affect muscle function and hydration.
Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a valuable tool that provides insights into your pet’s kidney and bladder health, hydration status, and metabolic function. It’s non-invasive and often recommended alongside blood tests for a fuller overall health picture.
This test is particularly helpful if your pet is having accidents at home, drinking more water than usual, or showing discomfort while urinating.
The test starts with visually inspecting the urine’s colour and clarity. Healthy urine should be clear and light yellow. Cloudiness or a dark colour can signal infection, dehydration, or the presence of blood.
The specific gravity measures how concentrated the urine is, helping vets assess hydration and kidney function.
Chemical analysis includes checking for pH, protein, glucose, and ketones. A high protein level may indicate kidney disease, while the presence of glucose often points to diabetes. Ketones can appear in urine during periods of starvation or unmanaged diabetes.
Microscopic examination can reveal crystals, which may form bladder stones, white blood cells or bacteria that indicate infection.
Fecal Examination
A fecal exam is used to detect parasites and abnormal bacteria in your pet’s digestive system. It’s particularly important for young pets or those who spend time outdoors. This test can uncover worms like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, as well as protozoa such as Giardia and coccidia.
Stool samples are analyzed under a microscope after a flotation process that separates parasite eggs. Parasites may not always cause visible symptoms, but they can affect nutrient absorption and lead to long-term digestive problems.
In some cases, unusual bacteria may also be identified, pointing to infections that require antibiotics. Routine faecal testing is a key part of preventive care and helps protect other animals and humans in the household.
Thyroid Function Tests
Thyroid function tests evaluate how well your pet’s thyroid gland produces hormones. These tests are recommended when pets show symptoms like unexplained weight gain or loss, lethargy, or changes in coat condition.
In dogs, the concern is usually hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, which can cause weight gain, sluggishness, and skin issues. A low level of the hormone T4 often confirms the diagnosis.
Hyperthyroidism is more common in cats, especially in older cats. This condition causes increased appetite, weight loss, and hyperactivity and is typically marked by elevated T4 levels. Proper diagnosis ensures that hormone imbalances are treated promptly to avoid complications with the heart and other organs.
Heartworm and Infectious Disease Tests
Heartworm is a serious parasitic infection transmitted by mosquitoes. Blood tests can detect the presence of heartworm antigens or microfilariae (immature worms) in your pet’s bloodstream. Dogs are more commonly affected, but cats and even ferrets can be infected as well.
If left untreated, heartworm can lead to lung disease, heart failure, and even death.
Other infectious disease tests screen for conditions like feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), parvovirus in dogs, and avian chlamydiosis in birds. These tests are usually conducted if your pet shows severe symptoms like fever, vomiting, or lethargy.
Early detection of infectious diseases improves the chances of successful treatment and prevents the spread to other pets.
Preparing Your Pet for Lab Tests
To ensure accurate results, some lab tests require a bit of preparation. Your vet may ask you to withhold food for 8 to 12 hours before a blood test, especially if glucose or lipid levels are being measured. However, water should always be available to prevent dehydration.
If urine or stool samples are needed, your vet might recommend collecting them at home in a clean container. Fresh samples are best, ideally within a few hours of collection. Your vet may handle sample collection at the clinic for more complex tests.
Try to keep your pet calm and comfortable before the appointment, as stress can sometimes affect test results, especially in cats and birds.
Always inform your vet of any medications or supplements your pet is taking, as these can influence the outcome of certain tests. Being honest and thorough helps the clinic interpret your pet’s results accurately and recommend the right course of action.
Conclusion
Veterinary lab tests might sound intimidating, but they are essential to responsible pet ownership. In a hot and bustling environment like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, pets can be more vulnerable to health challenges that aren’t always visible.
Regular testing allows vets to catch issues early, track ongoing conditions, and tailor treatments to your pet’s needs.
By understanding what each test reveals and preparing your pet properly, you can take an active role in their health and wellness journey. These tests are not just for when your pet is sick; they’re valuable tools that help ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy.
Visit Vets24 Today to Get Veterinary Tests for Your Pet!
At Vets24, your pet’s health is our top priority. Whether it’s a routine checkup or a deeper look into symptoms, our experienced veterinary team at the best vet clinic in Ras Al Khaimah uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to ensure accurate results and timely care.
From blood work to urine analysis and everything in between, we offer comprehensive testing in a calm, pet-friendly environment. Schedule your pet’s lab tests today and give them the proactive care they deserve.