Bloodwork Services

Extracting a small sample of your pet’s blood and analyzing it is a routine part of clinic life. For your pet, the process is quick and virtually pain-free. The sensation is similar to getting a regular vaccine injection. Our registered veterinary technicians perform bloodwork almost every day, and these samples help us get important information about your pet’s health that we simply cannot have from visual or external examinations. Please call us at 902-863-3157 to learn more about our bloodwork services.

Why are blood tests important for my cat’s or dog’s health?

First, bloodwork can help us diagnose numerous health conditions in your pet, especially at the early stages or in conditions that have little to no symptoms. Puppies and kittens usually get blood tests on their first vet visit to help us get baseline info about their health. It is also routine to get blood tests before surgical procedures, before starting a new medication, during a wellness exam and whenever your pet is acting “off” but not showing any symptoms of disease.

How long does it take to get blood test results?

At Antigonish Veterinary Clinic, we have the capability to conduct most of our lab tests in house. It usually takes a few hours to obtain results. More complex tests are sent out to an outside laboratory if needed, and are received in about 2 to 3 business days.

How often should blood tests be done?

It truly depends on your pet’s unique case. If your pet has a medical condition that requires continuous treatment and close monitoring, they may need to have several blood tests done throughout the year. Healthy pets, on the other hand, should have their blood draw during their annual wellness exam.