How Much Does a Full Blood Panel Cost for a Dog?

Blood tests can reveal a lot about your dog’s health, from detecting issues early on to monitoring the effectiveness of treatments. They’re a vital tool in preventive care and diagnosing problems when you visit the vet. Whether you’re a new or experienced pet owner, understanding the value and the cost of blood work can help with decision-making and budgeting.

The price of dog blood tests can vary, but usually, they can cost up to $200 or even more, depending on a few factors. So, let’s break down what can impact the cost, the types of tests your dog might need, and how pet insurance can help you save some money.

Why Is Blood Work Important For Dogs?

Here are some of the main reasons why regular blood tests are vital for your dog:

1. Early Detection of Diseases: Blood tests can detect many health issues, like kidney disease, liver problems, and some cancers before symptoms appear. Early detection can save your dog’s life and increase the chances of successful treatment.
2. If your dog is being treated for a condition, blood work can help monitor the treatment’s effectiveness and guide any changes.
3. Regular blood tests can set a baseline for your dog’s health, making it easier to spot any changes that may indicate health issues.
4. Pre-surgical Screening: Blood work is often done before any surgery to check your dog’s health and find any risks or complications.
5. Senior Dog Care: As dogs age, they are more likely to get sick. Regular blood work can detect age-related issues early, allowing for prompt intervention and management.

Understanding The Components Of A Complete Blood Panel

A complete blood panel, or CBC and chemistry panel, is a group of tests. They provide a detailed analysis of your dog’s health. This panel typically includes the following components:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC):
   • Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count
   • White Blood Cell (WBC) Count
   • Hemoglobin (Hb) and Hematocrit (Hct)
   • Platelet Count
2. Chemistry Panel:
   • Liver Enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT)
   • Kidney Function Tests (BUN, Creatinine)
   • Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride)
   • Blood Glucose
   • Total Protein and Albumin
3. Urinalysis:
   • Urine Specific Gravity
   • pH
   • Protein, Glucose, and Ketones
   • Microscopic Examination
4. Additional Tests (if needed):
   • Thyroid Function Tests
   • Heartworm Test
   • Fecal Examination

The whole blood panel has several components, each revealing essential details about your dog’s health. The CBC checks the red and white blood cells, platelets, and other blood parts. The chemistry panel tests the liver and kidney functions, and urinalysis can detect urinary tract issues. 

Average Costs Of A Blood Panel For Dogs

Here are some average costs for a basic and comprehensive canine blood panel:

Basic Full Blood Panel: $100 – $300

• A basic blood panel provides a general overview of the dog’s health, is often used during routine check-ups, and typically includes essential tests such as:
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures red and white blood cells, hemoglobin levels, and platelets to assess overall health, immune function, and potential infections.
  • Blood Chemistry Panel: Evaluates kidney and liver function, blood sugar, and electrolytes.

Comprehensive Full Blood Panel: $200 – $500

• A comprehensive blood panel is typically used when a pet shows symptoms of illness or requires a thorough health assessment. This includes everything in a basic panel, along with additional specialized tests, such as:
  • Thyroid Function Tests: To assess hormone levels related to thyroid activity.
  • Electrolyte Panel: Provides more detailed information on minerals and hydration.
  • Heartworm or Tick-Borne Disease Screening: Tests for parasites or infections.
  • Advanced Organ-Specific Tests: In-depth evaluation of liver, kidney, or other organ functions

What Are These Averages Based On?

The cost averages for blood panels are influenced by several factors, including:

• Location: Veterinary costs can vary significantly based on geographic area. Urban areas or places with a higher cost of living tend to have higher veterinary prices.
• Veterinary Practice: The type of clinic or hospital (e.g., private practice, large animal hospital, emergency clinic) can impact prices. Specialized or emergency clinics often charge more than general practices.
• Test Complexity: A more comprehensive panel with other tests included can cost up to $1,500—if not more.

How Can Pet Insurance Help if Your Dog Needs a Blood Work?

Pet insurance can be a valuable tool in managing the costs of treating a dog’s veterinary expenses. By having a pet insurance policy in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that you can provide medical care for your furry companion without worrying about the financial burden. Pet insurance can help cover the costs of veterinary consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, and even specialized treatments if required.

Reimbursement

This method is the most common for pet insurance companies. You pay out of pocket for the veterinarian bill, and then the insurance company reimburses you for what’s covered under the insurance plan. The steps look like this.

• You pay the vet bill after your dog’s visit.
• You fill out the pet insurance claim form.
• Submit the claim form and other required documentation to the insurer. 
• After the claim is approved, you will be reimbursed for eligible expenses. 

What Does Odie Pet Insurance Cover?

Pet insurance covers various veterinary expenses, providing financial protection and peace of mind for pet owners. Here are the details of the coverage options offered by Odie Pet Insurance:

Illness & Injury Plan

The Illness & Injury Plan is an all-inclusive insurance plan designed to cover a wide range of medical needs for your pet. This plan includes comprehensive coverage for various illnesses, injuries, and veterinary services. Some of the covered items include:

• 24/7 Televet Chat
• Emergency vet visits
• Overnight hospital stays
• IV Fluids & Medications
• Medical Supplies
• Surgeries
• MRI/CAT Scans
• Rehabilitative Care
• Prescription Medications
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Laboratory Tests

Accident-Only Plan

The Accident-Only Plan is designed for pet owners seeking coverage specifically for accidents. This plan provides financial protection for emergency veterinary care resulting from accidental injuries. It includes 90% reimbursement up to $10,000 each year, with a $250 annual deductible. 

Here’s an overview of the Accident-Only Plan:

• Coverage for broken bones, sprains, eye injuries, and traumatic dental fractures.
• Coverage for wounds, including bite wounds, lacerations, snake bites, and bee stings.
• Veterinary treatments covered for accidental injuries include X-rays & ultrasounds, laboratory tests, emergency care, hospitalization, CT scan & MRI, and surgery.

The Wellness Add-on Plan

The Wellness Plan is an add-on for routine care coverage you can purchase with an insurance policy. It focuses on preventive care and covers routine veterinary services. Odie has two wellness plan options available: 

 Basic Plan

• Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
• Reimbursement up to $305 per year.

Plus Plan

• Ideal for puppies and kittens.
• Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
• Reimbursement up to $535 per year.