What Your Pet’s Bloodwork Can Tell You About Their Health
- posted: Jan. 26, 2026
When you bring your companion to Brookwood Veterinary Clinic for a checkup, your veterinarian may suggest a "senior panel" or "routine screening." Your dog or cat might look perfectly healthy and energetic. However, because our pets are masters at hiding discomfort, their blood often tells a story that their behavior doesn't.
If you are looking for a vet near you in Raleigh, NC, understanding the diagnostic power of bloodwork can help you make the best decisions for your pet’s longevity.
A Window Into Internal Health
A physical exam is essential, but it only allows us to evaluate what we can see, hear, and feel from the outside. Bloodwork provides a microscopic look at your pet’s internal chemistry. At our vet clinic near you in Raleigh, NC, we typically focus on two main components: the Complete Blood Count (CBC) and the Chemistry Profile.
● The CBC (Complete Blood Count): This test analyzes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It can tell us if your pet is struggling with hidden anemia, fighting an undiagnosed infection, or dealing with an inflammatory condition. It also helps us ensure their blood can clot properly before a dental or surgical procedure.
● The Chemistry Profile: This is where we evaluate organ function. We look at specific enzymes and electrolytes to determine how well the liver and kidneys are processing waste. We also check glucose levels to screen for diabetes and protein levels to assess nutritional status and hydration.
Why Baseline Testing Matters
One of the most important reasons to perform bloodwork is to establish a baseline. Every pet is an individual; what is "normal" for one dog might be slightly high for another. By having bloodwork on file from when your pet is healthy, we have a point of comparison if they ever become ill. This allows us to spot subtle trends years before physical symptoms develop.
Proactive Care for Raleigh Pets
In the Raleigh, NC, area, we also use bloodwork to screen for vector-borne diseases. A quick "4DX" test, for example, looks for heartworm disease and common tick-borne illnesses like Lyme or Ehrlichia. These conditions can be devastating if left untreated, but they are often caught early through routine blood screening.
Ultimately, bloodwork is about peace of mind. It allows us to transition from "reactive" medicine, treating a sick pet, to "proactive" medicine, keeping a healthy pet well. To schedule bloodwork for your pet, call Brookwood Veterinary Clinic at (919) 779-2940.
- posted: Jan. 26, 2026
When you bring your companion to Brookwood Veterinary Clinic for a checkup, your veterinarian may suggest a "senior panel" or "routine screening." Your dog or cat might look perfectly healthy and energetic. However, because our pets are masters at hiding discomfort, their blood often tells a story that their behavior doesn't.
If you are looking for a vet near you in Raleigh, NC, understanding the diagnostic power of bloodwork can help you make the best decisions for your pet’s longevity.
A Window Into Internal Health
A physical exam is essential, but it only allows us to evaluate what we can see, hear, and feel from the outside. Bloodwork provides a microscopic look at your pet’s internal chemistry. At our vet clinic near you in Raleigh, NC, we typically focus on two main components: the Complete Blood Count (CBC) and the Chemistry Profile.
● The CBC (Complete Blood Count): This test analyzes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It can tell us if your pet is struggling with hidden anemia, fighting an undiagnosed infection, or dealing with an inflammatory condition. It also helps us ensure their blood can clot properly before a dental or surgical procedure.
● The Chemistry Profile: This is where we evaluate organ function. We look at specific enzymes and electrolytes to determine how well the liver and kidneys are processing waste. We also check glucose levels to screen for diabetes and protein levels to assess nutritional status and hydration.
Why Baseline Testing Matters
One of the most important reasons to perform bloodwork is to establish a baseline. Every pet is an individual; what is "normal" for one dog might be slightly high for another. By having bloodwork on file from when your pet is healthy, we have a point of comparison if they ever become ill. This allows us to spot subtle trends years before physical symptoms develop.
Proactive Care for Raleigh Pets
In the Raleigh, NC, area, we also use bloodwork to screen for vector-borne diseases. A quick "4DX" test, for example, looks for heartworm disease and common tick-borne illnesses like Lyme or Ehrlichia. These conditions can be devastating if left untreated, but they are often caught early through routine blood screening.
Ultimately, bloodwork is about peace of mind. It allows us to transition from "reactive" medicine, treating a sick pet, to "proactive" medicine, keeping a healthy pet well. To schedule bloodwork for your pet, call Brookwood Veterinary Clinic at (919) 779-2940.
Primary Location
2810 Brookwood Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27603