(949) 354-5201 Dog & Cat Blood Work near Laguna Woods, CA Expert care for senior pets near Laguna Woods, CA—because age deserves attention. Request Appointment veterinarian in Lake Forest, CA animal hospital vet clinic pet hospital veterinarian in Lake Forest, CA animal hospital vet clinic pet hospital

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Why Blood Work Is Critical for Pet Health

In Laguna Woods, CA, a city known for its senior community and peaceful pace, many pets are aging right alongside their owners. At Bliss Animal Hospital, we provide diagnostic blood work that’s especially valuable for early detection in senior dogs and cats. Whether your pet is your only companion in a quiet residence or a social butterfly in a multi-pet household, understanding their internal health is key to maintaining comfort and longevity.

Our veterinary team uses blood tests to monitor organ function, assess for chronic conditions, and ensure anesthesia safety for pets undergoing surgery or dental care. Many common diseases—like hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or diabetes—start silently and progress gradually. In Laguna Woods, CA where wellness and independence matter at every age, routine blood work empowers pet owners to make informed, timely decisions that can extend their pet’s health and happiness.

In-House Veterinary Lab With Same-Day Results

Bliss Animal Hospital is equipped with an advanced in-house diagnostic lab, allowing us to deliver same-day blood test results in urgent situations. When your pet is sick or in crisis, time matters—and our in-house capabilities mean faster answers and faster treatment.

For routine panels and more complex cases, we partner with trusted reference laboratories. These results are typically returned within 1–3 business days, ensuring your pet receives accurate, timely care without delay.

What this means for you:

  • Immediate turnaround for urgent diagnostics
  • No need to wait days for critical results
  • Experienced veterinary team reviews results in real time
  • Fast follow-up treatment when needed

At an affordable vet clinic, a veterinarian wearing gloves gently holds a dog's paw while drawing blood from its front leg with a syringe.

Common Blood Tests for Dogs and Cats

We offer a wide range of veterinary blood tests based on your pet’s age, symptoms, and medical history. Each test provides different insights into your pet’s health.

Examples of tests we may recommend:

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

Measures red and white blood cells, platelets, and more. Helps detect infections, inflammation, anemia, immune disorders, and clotting issues. Often used when pets are lethargic, pale, or have fever, and is part of both routine and emergency evaluations. +

Blood Chemistry Panel

Evaluates liver, kidney, and pancreas function, plus glucose and electrolyte levels. Useful for identifying dehydration, metabolic disease, toxin exposure, and organ stress. Commonly used for both healthy pets and those showing signs like vomiting, excessive thirst, or weight loss. +

Thyroid Panel (T4)

Assesses thyroid hormone levels, which control metabolism. Crucial for diagnosing hypothyroidism in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats. Recommended for pets with unexplained weight changes, skin or coat issues, or behavioral shifts—especially in middle-aged and senior pets. +

Heartworm Test

Detects heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and can be life- threatening. Essential for dogs, even those on prevention. Often paired with tests for tick-borne diseases. Recommended annually to confirm your dog is heartworm-free before refilling prevention. +

FeLV/FIV Testing

Screens for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. Important for outdoor cats, new adoptions, or cats exposed to unknown animals. Positive results guide isolation, ongoing care, and long-term disease management for both single and multi-cat households. +

Pre-Anesthetic Panel

Confirms your pet’s body is ready for anesthesia by evaluating blood counts and organ function. Helps reduce surgical risks and tailor anesthesia safely. Required before most procedures like spay/neuter, dentals, or mass removals, especially in older or at-risk pets. +

Our team will walk you through the recommended tests based on your pet’s specific condition and needs.

Bar graph showing percentage of dogs with clinically significant blood or fecal test findings by age group. Adult dogs (ages 2–6) average around 25–29%, senior dogs (ages 7–10) range from 24–31%, and geriatric dogs (ages 11–15+) show increasing rates from 37% to 64%.

Age matters: This IDEXX study shows that over 25% of adult and senior dogs have blood or fecal abnormalities that require follow-up, with the rate rising sharply to over 50% in geriatric dogs.

When Should Your Pet Get Blood Work?

Blood work isn’t just for sick pets. Routine testing allows us to detect illness before symptoms show—and early detection gives us the best chance to treat or manage disease effectively.

We may recommend blood work in the following cases:

  • Before any surgical procedure requiring anesthesia
  • During your pet’s annual wellness exame
  • If your pet is lethargic, vomiting, drinking more water, or losing weight
  • For senior pets (age 7+) to catch age-related changes early
  • If your pet is on long-term medication requiring organ monitoring
  • Prior to starting dental cleanings or other intensive treatments

If you’re unsure whether your pet needs blood work, our veterinary team is happy to guide you based on symptoms, breed risks, and life stage.

A veterinarian at an affordable vet clinic, dressed in scrubs and gloves, draws blood from a calm, long-haired cat on an exam table. Blood samples in test tubes sit nearby.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Our goal is to make diagnostic testing smooth and stress-free—for both you and your pet.

Here’s what typically happens during a blood work appointment at Bliss Animal Hospital:

  • Initial consultation: Our veterinarian reviews your pet’s medical history and symptoms.
  • Sample collection: Blood is gently drawn, usually from the front leg or neck.
  • Testing: In-house tests are run immediately when needed, and reference lab samples are prepared for transport.
  • Results & discussion: We explain what the results mean and answer your questions.
  • Next steps: If treatment is needed, we review options and develop a care plan.

Your pet’s comfort and safety are always our top priorities.

A graphic titled "Diagnostic screening tests" features icons and brief descriptions for Blood cell health, Organ function, and Infectious disease screenings for pets, highlighting what they evaluate—ideal info from an affordable vet clinic.

Key diagnostic screening tests in pets include blood cell health, organ function, and infectious disease detection—critical tools for early diagnosis and preventive care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, absolutely. Even if your dog or cat appears healthy during a physical exam, many underlying health conditions can go unnoticed until they’re more advanced—and harder or more expensive to treat. Routine blood work allows us to detect early signs of disease in vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and thyroid, often before any outward symptoms develop. In some cases, we’ve caught life-threatening conditions in the earliest stages, giving pet owners more treatment options and time. Preventive diagnostics like blood work are a cornerstone of long-term pet wellness.

For the most accurate results, especially for blood chemistry panels that measure glucose, cholesterol, and certain electrolytes, we recommend that pets fast for 8 to 12 hours before the blood draw. This means no food during that window, but water is still allowed. Fasting helps ensure that the blood sample isn’t affected by recent meals, which can skew certain values and make it harder to interpret results. Our team will let you know in advance whether fasting is needed based on the type of test ordered and your pet’s medical history.

Yes, we offer same-day blood test results for urgent cases thanks to our fully equipped in-house diagnostic lab. This is especially important for pets experiencing acute symptoms, those scheduled for emergency surgery, or pets requiring rapid treatment decisions. Our veterinary team can analyze results quickly and begin care right away if needed. For routine wellness panels, senior screenings, or more specialized diagnostic tests, we use trusted external reference labs. These typically return results within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the complexity of the test. In all cases, we keep you informed every step of the way.

The cost of blood work can vary depending on your pet’s age, health concerns, and the specific tests needed. At Bliss Animal Hospital, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality care at competitive prices for South Orange County families. We never take a one-size-fits-all approach—your pet’s doctor will tailor diagnostics to their needs and explain why each test is recommended. Once we’ve assessed your pet, our team will provide a personalized estimate before moving forward. No surprise bills, no pressure—just transparent, compassionate care focused on your pet’s wellbeing.

Most pets tolerate blood draws very well. The process is quick and minimally invasive, typically involving a small sample from the front leg or neck. Our team uses gentle, fear-free handling techniques to keep pets calm and comfortable throughout. Sedation is rarely needed.

For senior dogs and cats (typically age 7 and older), we recommend blood work at least once a year—sometimes every 6 months for those with ongoing health concerns. Age-related diseases often progress silently, and regular screening allows us to catch issues early and manage them proactively.
A small black and white French Bulldog puppy with one ear up and one ear down sits on a surface outdoors, wearing a collar with a bell—fresh from a checkup at an affordable vet clinic. The background is blurred green foliage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, absolutely. Even if your dog or cat appears healthy during a physical exam, many underlying health conditions can go unnoticed until they’re more advanced—and harder or more expensive to treat. Routine blood work allows us to detect early signs of disease in vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and thyroid, often before any outward symptoms develop. In some cases, we’ve caught life-threatening conditions in the earliest stages, giving pet owners more treatment options and time. Preventive diagnostics like blood work are a cornerstone of long-term pet wellness.

For the most accurate results, especially for blood chemistry panels that measure glucose, cholesterol, and certain electrolytes, we recommend that pets fast for 8 to 12 hours before the blood draw. This means no food during that window, but water is still allowed. Fasting helps ensure that the blood sample isn’t affected by recent meals, which can skew certain values and make it harder to interpret results. Our team will let you know in advance whether fasting is needed based on the type of test ordered and your pet’s medical history.

Yes, we offer same-day blood test results for urgent cases thanks to our fully equipped in-house diagnostic lab. This is especially important for pets experiencing acute symptoms, those scheduled for emergency surgery, or pets requiring rapid treatment decisions. Our veterinary team can analyze results quickly and begin care right away if needed. For routine wellness panels, senior screenings, or more specialized diagnostic tests, we use trusted external reference labs. These typically return results within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the complexity of the test. In all cases, we keep you informed every step of the way.

The cost of blood work can vary depending on your pet’s age, health concerns, and the specific tests needed. At Bliss Animal Hospital, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality care at competitive prices for South Orange County families. We never take a one-size-fits-all approach—your pet’s doctor will tailor diagnostics to their needs and explain why each test is recommended. Once we’ve assessed your pet, our team will provide a personalized estimate before moving forward. No surprise bills, no pressure—just transparent, compassionate care focused on your pet’s wellbeing.

Most pets tolerate blood draws very well. The process is quick and minimally invasive, typically involving a small sample from the front leg or neck. Our team uses gentle, fear-free handling techniques to keep pets calm and comfortable throughout. Sedation is rarely needed.

For senior dogs and cats (typically age 7 and older), we recommend blood work at least once a year—sometimes every 6 months for those with ongoing health concerns. Age-related diseases often progress silently, and regular screening allows us to catch issues early and manage them proactively.

Book Your Pet’s Blood Work in Lake Forest Today

Whether your pet needs pre-surgical testing, has unexplained symptoms, or just needs routine wellness diagnostics, Bliss Animal Hospital is here to help. Our compassionate team combines advanced diagnostics with personalized care—so you get answers fast and your pet stays healthy.

Call us today at (949) 354-5201 or request an appointment online to schedule your pet’s blood work in Lake Forest.

At an affordable vet clinic, a veterinarian wearing blue gloves holds a cat's leg while showing a blood sample in a vial. The brown and white cat looks forward calmly during the examination.
A person in pink pajamas holding a credit card and using a laptop, searching for an affordable vet clinic, with a small brown and white dog sitting beside them on the couch.

Flexible Payment Options

We aim to make our Veterinary diagnostics services accessible and convenient for all pet owners. We accept a variety of payment methods to accommodate your needs:

  • Cash and Checks: We welcome payments made in cash or by check.
  • Debit and Credit Cards: We accept major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
  • Pet Insurance: We work with various pet insurance providers to help manage the cost of surgical procedures. Please consult with your insurance company to understand the coverage details.
  • Financing Options: We offer financing options through CareCredit. Our team can provide more information and assist you in finding a plan that suits your budget.

If you have any questions about our payment options, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

Meet our Veterinarians

The blissful faces behind the care.

Driven by compassion and purpose, here is the team who will work to make a difference in your pet’s life. Every single visit.

dr nayara pataro vet dr nayara veterinarian bliss animal hospital vet near me

Dr. Nayara Pataro

Veterinarian

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dr sam amirshahi vet dr sam veterinarian bliss animal hospital vet near me

Dr. Sam Amirshahi

Veterinarian

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What your neighbors are saying!

Areas we Serve at Bliss Animal Hospital:

“Better Care. Better medicine.” This is our motto, and our veterinary staff stands behind it.

Bliss Animal Hospital is conveniently located at the Home Depot Plaza in Foothill Ranch, less than a 10-minute drive from the neighborhoods of Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, and Irvine (Great Park and Portola Springs). We also serve more distant regions like Tustin, Coto de Caza, Las Flores, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Stonegate (Irvine), Woodbury (Irvine), and Cypress Village (Irvine).

Our vet hospital is ready to serve not only the communities of South Orange County but also anyone who truly believes that veterinary medicine starts with relationships.