The Life Span Cycle Of Vet Care For Dogs

Should Your Pet Have a Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Test Before Surgery?

5 November 2018 by Leonard Wallace

If your pet needs routine surgery under a general anaesthetic, then your vet may offer you a pre-anaesthetic blood test before the surgery goes ahead. What does this blood test do, and does your pet need it?

What Is a Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Test?

Apart from needing its surgery, your pet may seem fine. However, there may be stuff going on that you don't know about. A pre-anaesthetic blood test gives a more in-depth check. It provides your vet with information about the health of your pet that they may not otherwise know.

For example, these tests can check that your pet doesn't have a condition or illness that isn't showing symptoms yet. It checks things like organ functions and blood counts, both of which give clues that something is wrong if they aren't within normal ranges.

This test simply helps your vet assess if your pet is fit to have the anaesthetic and the surgery. It can also show other problems that may need treatment during the procedure or give indications that your pet needs special treatment before or after the surgery. 

Does Your Pet Need the Blood Test?

Not all pets need a pre-anaesthesia blood test. For example, if your pet is young, fit and healthy and has had an anaesthetic before, then your vet may not think that a test is necessary.

Typically, you'll be offered a test if your pet has one or more of the following issues:

1. Your pet is getting on a bit. Older pets are more likely to have hidden underlying problems or conditions. They may also need extra help if they're having general anaesthesia or invasive surgery.
2. Your pet is having an emergency operation.
3. Your pet is generally a bit unwell or off-colour and your vet doesn't know why.
4. Your vet suspects that your pet has another condition or illness.
5. Your vet wants to take the opportunity to run some basic tests as part of your pet's overall health management.

Your vet may not insist that your pet have this blood test, but it's worth doing if they recommend it. Bear in mind that this is just a blood test and not an invasive procedure. Your pet may not like having blood taken, but it won't do your pet any harm.

If you're worried about having a pre-anaesthesia test, ask your vet why they want to do one. In most cases, this is just a routine check that you don't need to worry about. Contact your local vet clinic for more information.

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