Equine Health

Medicine & Husbandry

Blood Tests: Diagnostic Profile

	Dr. Kelly Anez in the lab.

The equine diagnostic profile is composed of several multiple blood tests that provide valuable insight into a horses’ health. The test has three parts: CBC (complete blood count, which is an analysis of red and white blood cells), chemistry and electrolyte panel, and fibrinogen. As is common in human medicine, equine practitioners are starting to collect samples from patients during routine physical exams. A small blood sample is processed in our laboratory can help identify a wide range of possible disease processes including clotting disorders, infection, toxicities, and organ dysfunction or failure.

While blood profiles are useful when diagnosing clinically ill animals, they are also an excellent tool in preventative medicine. Sub-clinical conditions such as anemia, stress, metabolic disorders, muscle injury (especially in horses prone to “tying up”) or early liver and kidney disease can be diagnosed and treatment measures can be started.