Veterinary Bloodwork in Austin, TX
Compassionate Care for Your Pets
At Meow Bark Veterinary, we believe that your pet’s health is best protected through attentive, proactive care. Located in the heart of the Goodnight Ranch community, our team provides gentle, accurate pet bloodwork in Austin, TX to keep your dogs and cats feeling their best year-round.
Bloodwork allows us to detect illness early, monitor ongoing health, and establish a vital baseline for future comparison. Led by Dr. Brian Hayes and Dr. Erica Lozoya, our team combines compassion with advanced diagnostic technology to give every pet the highest level of care in a calm, fear-free setting. Schedule your next wellness visit today and let our doctors help you stay one step ahead of potential health concerns.
What Does Bloodwork for Pets Include?
Routine bloodwork for dogs and cats provides a snapshot of your pet’s internal health. The process typically includes two major tests: a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and a Chemistry Panel.
- A CBC measures red and white blood cells and platelets, helping us detect infections, inflammation, anemia, or immune disorders.
- A Chemistry Panel evaluates organ function and internal balance. Baseline panels look at liver enzymes, kidney values, glucose, and proteins, while more advanced panels may include pancreas enzymes, thyroid hormones, and electrolytes.
At Meow Bark Veterinary, we customize every panel based on your pet’s age, species, and health needs. Our doctors discuss all results with you, ensuring you understand what each number means for your pet’s long-term wellness.
How Is Labwork Conducted in Animals?
Our team performs all veterinary lab tests with care, patience, and minimal stress.
- A small blood sample is collected from a vein using a sterile needle and syringe.
- For urinalysis, samples may be collected by walking your pet, using ultrasound guidance, or with a gentle urinary catheter.
- We ask owners to bring a fresh stool sample within 24 hours of the appointment to complete parasite testing.
If your pet feels anxious, we may suggest mild anti-anxiety medication before the visit to ensure a smooth, fear-free experience. Our goal is always comfort, accuracy, and compassionate care.
How Much Does Pet Bloodwork Cost in Austin, TX?
The cost of pet bloodwork depends on several factors, including your pet’s age, condition, and the level of testing required. A basic blood test may be sufficient for a young, healthy pet, while a senior or chronically ill pet might need more detailed panels.
At Meow Bark Veterinary, transparency is a core value. We explain why each test is recommended, what information it provides, and how it benefits your pet’s overall care. You can always expect honest estimates and clear communication before any testing is performed.
How Often Should My Dog or Cat Get Blood Tests?
For healthy adult pets, annual bloodwork is an essential part of routine preventive care. It allows our doctors to track trends over time and catch subtle changes before they develop into health problems.
Senior pets or those with existing medical conditions may benefit from testing every six months to closely monitor organ function and treatment progress.
How Do I Prepare My Pet for Bloodwork?
Preparing for pet bloodwork is simple. We may ask that your pet fasts for a few hours before testing, depending on the type of panel being run. Always ensure your pet has access to fresh water.
Bring a stool sample collected within 24 hours of the appointment, and notify our team about any medications or recent diet changes. Most importantly, know that our entire staff is trained in low-stress handling, so your pet’s visit remains calm and comfortable from start to finish.
Why Does My Veterinarian Recommend Blood Tests Before Surgery?
Before any surgical or dental procedure, pre-anesthetic bloodwork helps us screen for any abnormalities that could impact metabolism and excretion of anesthesia. These tests measure red and white blood cell counts, kidney and liver function, and electrolyte balance.
By reviewing these values ahead of time, our veterinarians can tailor anesthesia plans and minimize any potential risk. This step provides peace of mind and supports a safe, predictable outcome for both dogs and cats.
What Can Bloodwork Reveal About My Pet’s Health?
Comprehensive blood tests for pets can uncover changes within the body that physical exams can’t detect. Results may reveal issues involving:
- Liver and kidney function
- Heart and thyroid health
- Pancreas and adrenal glands
- Infection, inflammation, or immune response
Routine testing can also identify early signs of cancer, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances, allowing for timely treatment and improved quality of life.
How Long Will It Take to Get Bloodwork Results?
For annual and pre-anesthetic labwork, results are typically ready within three to five days. For sick pets, we can get information same-day thanks to our in-house laboratory analyzers.
Once the results are available, our doctors personally review them with you, explaining what each finding means and what, if any, next steps are needed.
What If My Pet’s Bloodwork Comes Back Abnormal?
An abnormal result does not always mean that your pet is sick. Certain factors like stress, recent meals, or medication can temporarily affect test values. If we notice any irregularities, we may recommend retesting or performing additional diagnostics for clarity.
Our team will discuss every option with you so that together, we can decide the best course of action for your pet’s continued health and comfort.
Can Bloodwork Detect Early Illness Before Symptoms Show?
Absolutely. Routine pet bloodwork allows us to detect early signs of disease before physical symptoms appear. Subtle changes in kidney function, thyroid activity, or liver enzymes can alert us to potential problems long before your pet feels unwell.
This early insight helps our veterinarians design preventive care plans that protect your pet’s health and extend their life.
Additional Tests in Comprehensive Annual Labwork
In addition to bloodwork, our annual wellness panels may include:
- Urinalysis, to evaluate hydration, kidney function, and detect infection.
- Parasite screening, including tests for heartworm, tick-borne disease, and intestinal worms.
- Viral testing for cats, to monitor for FeLV and FIV.
Together, these diagnostics give us a complete view of your pet’s internal health and ensure early intervention when necessary.
Why Choose Meow Bark Veterinary for Pet Bloodwork in Austin, TX
Choosing Meow Bark means choosing a team that values precision, compassion, and community. Dr. Hayes and Dr. Lozoya bring years of experience and a heartfelt commitment to providing fear-free veterinary care for every patient.
Our advanced diagnostic tools deliver fast, reliable results, and our doctors take time to explain each finding in clear, supportive language. We believe that great medicine starts with trust, and we’re proud to provide that trust to our Austin neighbors every day.
Secure Your Pet’s Path to Wellness
Schedule Your Pet’s Bloodwork in Austin, TX!
If it’s time for your pet’s bloodwork in Austin, TX, we invite you to schedule a visit at Meow Bark Veterinary. Our clinic proudly serves pets and families throughout the Goodnight Ranch community with preventive, dental, and surgical care designed around your pet’s comfort and long-term health.
Call us today or book online to schedule your pet’s blood test and experience the compassionate care your companion deserves.