Blood Test before spaying

[Chip's Mom]

Has anyone gotten their dog a blood test before spay or neuter and what all do they test for? I forgot to ask my vet today.

[LaRogue]

I've always had my dogs blood tested before neutering and any other surgery. Pip had a complete blood work up before his tooth extraction this past Oct. I don't know everything they test for, someone else could probably tell you that, but I know it includes kidney, liver, and blood cell readings. My vet also includes more tests for senior dogs. He calls or you can wait while it's done and he discusses the results with you prior to the surgery. I know some people don't have it done, but I feel it's worth the extra cost and effort. Sorry, I couldn't be of more help.

[Chip's Mom]

Thanks, I am going to have it done on Taffy before her spaying. I didn't get it done on the boys and probably should have.

[Corgis4me]

Originally Posted by Chip's Mom

Has anyone gotten their dog a blood test before spay or neuter and what all do they test for? I forgot to ask my vet today.

Bonnie, I did this on my dog when I had him neutered and would do it anytime if he had to be put under. It gave me peace of mind also and costs me about $40 extra. My vet said it shows that the kidneys and liver are functioning properly along with other things and he said that the liver and kidneys is the route that the anesthesia is broken down and removed from their body and therefore, it is important to see that these are functioning right or anesthesia could be more risky.

I think at my vet if you opt out of it you have to sign a waiver indicating that you understand the risks involved in not having it done.

[Chip's Mom]

It is $32.00 here and I thought that was reasonable. I didn't even think about it with Chip & Dale but I asked about it with Taffy and i am going to get it done on her. The vet said only about 3 percent show any problems but better to be safe then sorry.

[glencorgi]

Another thing it offers Bonnie is a base line for all their levels when they are healthy. Should they get sick, then they have something to compare those tests to and can help with diagnosis of a problem.

Debbie

[Chip's Mom]

Thanks Debbie - that is another good reason to get it done then and for the price, it is well worth it. The vet did say that about 3 percent of dogs that she has tested have shown some elevation. One pup had kidney problems and only lived to be three years old but she said it gave them a heads up on early treatment and may have prolonged his life some.

[Louwants]

Duncan had blood test before he was neutered. To check for problems and also like glencorgi said, gives the vet a baseline to go by.