Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is recommended for pets undergoing general anesthesia because it helps the veterinary team assess what is happening inside your pet’s body - even when they appear healthy on the outside.
Since pets cannot tell us how they are feeling, veterinarians rely on diagnostic testing to identify hidden health concerns that could affect anesthesia or recovery. In some cases, abnormalities found on bloodwork can be corrected before anesthesia, or the anesthetic plan can be adjusted to better suit your pet’s needs. In more serious situations, surgery may be postponed until additional testing or treatment is completed to help ensure your pet’s safety.
What does pre-anesthetic bloodwork assess?
Preanesthetic bloodwork typically includes two main components:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) - evaluates the RED AND WHITE cells circulating in your pet’s blood: cells
- Biochemistry Panel
Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body. The CBC evaluates:
- The number of red blood cells
- Their size and shape
- Hemoglobin content
Abnormalities may include:
- Anemia - low red blood cell count
- Polycythemia - elevated red blood cell count
White Blood Cells
White blood cells help the body respond to infection and inflammation.
- An elevated white blood cell count may indicate infection or inflammation.
- A low white blood cell count may suggest a more serious disease process or immune suppression.
Platelets
Platelets are responsible for blood clotting.
- A low platelet count may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery
What does the biochemistry panel evaluate?
The biochemistry panel assesses:
- Liver function
- Kidney function
- Blood glucose levels
- Serum protein levels
The liver and kidneys are especially important because they metabolize and eliminate anesthetic medications from the body.
Other findings may include:
- Elevated blood glucose - may indicate diabetes
- Low serum proteins - may lead to delayed healing after surgery
- Elevated protein levels - may suggest dehydration, meaning additional intravenous fluids may be needed during anesthesia
What if the bloodwork is normal?
That is excellent news — and exactly what we hope to see! Normal results help confirm that your pet is likely a good candidate for anesthesia and surgery. The results are also added to your pet’s medical record to serve as a healthy baseline for future comparisons.