The Importance of Equine Bloodwork: Tests, Fees, and Procedure Explained

Whether they are galloping majestically on the racecourse or providing warm companionship during a leisurely ride, horses have always been faithful partners to humans. For owners, understanding their horse's health status is paramount. Thanks to technological advancements, equine blood tests can now uncover potential health warnings, allowing for early detection and timely treatment to safeguard their well-being at every life stage. This article will detail the main components, associated costs, and procedures of equine blood testing, guiding you to use this diagnostic tool for the most complete care for your beloved companion.

What Do Equine Blood Tests Include?

Equine blood tests encompass a wide range of parameters, enabling veterinarians to gather comprehensive health information from multiple angles. This allows owners to monitor their horse's physiological functions instantly and proactively take measures to protect their physical health based on the results.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is the most crucial test for diagnosing clinical diseases in animals and is a fundamental diagnostic technique essential for all veterinarians. The results are often displayed as a "dot plot," illustrating the size and complexity of red and white blood cells, which helps differentiate various conditions in equids. For instance, if a horse has thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), the density of the blue dots representing platelets will decrease. For the common issue of platelet clumping, a CBC can also show a platelet count below the reference interval, allowing the vet to identify a potential problem early and collect a fresh sample for further analysis. A significant reduction in white blood cells on the CBC could indicate leukopenia, requiring immediate assessment and treatment. These values are not only vital for detecting anemia, inflammation, or infection but are also key indicators for assessing a horse's overall health and should never be overlooked!

Serum Chemistry Analysis

Serum Chemistry Analysis is a vital tool for assessing the function of a horse's major organs and its metabolic status. This test provides essential health information about the liver, kidneys, and muscles, among others. For example, measuring blood glucose levels helps understand the horse's energy metabolism, providing critical reference data for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like laminitis, reproductive issues, and periparturient (around birth) status. Furthermore, testing triglycerides can screen for Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and insulin resistance, helping veterinarians deeply understand potential physiological problems and identify underlying metabolic or organ-related warnings, thus allowing them to adjust feeding or medical strategies accordingly.

Other Specialized Tests

In addition to routine CBC and serum chemistry analysis, veterinarians often utilize special blood indicators for more precise and in-depth diagnosis. For instance, measuring blood lactate concentration can provide information about a horse's exercise fatigue and the extent of tissue hypoxia (lack of oxygen). This helps prevent dangerous situations such as Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis. Medical studies indicate that persistently elevated blood lactate levels in horses are closely correlated with an increased risk of mortality. However, with advancements in technology and medical techniques, veterinarians can more accurately assess the severity of a condition and take the correct therapeutic measures immediately, thereby improving the success rate of treatment.
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Equine Blood Testing: Costs and Procedure Explained

The costs and procedure for a blood test for horses are influenced by several variables, primarily the region, the veterinarian's fee structure, and the specific panel of tests selected.

Equine Blood Testing Costs

The expense associated with horse blood testing can vary significantly, largely depending on the quantity and complexity of the tests the owner chooses. For a basic hematology test (analyzing blood cell counts only), the cost typically ranges from the equivalent of a few hundred to several thousand NTD. If the testing includes a comprehensive blood chemistry analysis or specialized diagnostics for specific conditions—such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), anemia, elevated lactate, electrolyte imbalances, or insulin dysregulation—the fees will be considerably higher. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that owners confirm the required tests and obtain an estimated total cost from the veterinarian before proceeding with the examination.

Equine Blood Testing Procedure

Before conducting a blood test, owners must consult with the veterinarian to confirm any necessary preparatory steps, such as whether the horse needs to be fasted (go without food) prior to the blood draw. This ensures the accuracy of metabolic indicators like blood glucose and triglycerides. Generally, most horses tolerate venipuncture (drawing blood from a vein) very well. However, some horses may exhibit significant fear or anxiety due to unfamiliar equipment sounds or the presence of strangers in their environment. To ensure a smoother and safer testing process, owners can conduct desensitization training beforehand to help the horse become accustomed to similar situations, which aids in reducing their stress levels.

Is Lab Testing Always Required?

Just like humans, horses require regular health checkups to monitor their overall condition and recovery progress. This is especially crucial for senior horses. Continuous monitoring of key internal values helps maintain a stable physical state, effectively contributing to a longer lifespan. While dedicated equine hospitals are uncommon in many regions, making transportation difficult and usually reserved only for critical emergencies, diagnostic tools have advanced significantly. Veterinarians can now perform on-site horse blood tests using portable analyzers. These devices provide rapid results for critical values, including glucose, lactate, hematocrit, and triglycerides. This immediate, real-time monitoring enables quick detection of potential health issues, ensuring the horse receives the swiftest and most accurate treatment possible.

SANcheck | StrideVet 4in1: Your Partner in Equine Health Management

The StrideVet 4in1 is a portable, multi-functional monitoring system designed for professional veterinarians. It accurately measures blood glucose and $\beta$-ketone values in equine blood, covering essential information for health management, including inflammation, infection, dehydration, anemia, Equine Metabolic Syndrome, insulin resistance, and reproductive and perinatal monitoring. When using the SANcheck StrideVet 4in1 for equine blood testing, it provides highly accurate results in a short timeframe. For example: Glucose testing takes just 5 seconds, Hematocrit takes 6 seconds, Lactate takes 15 seconds, and Triglycerides take 60 seconds.
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StrideVet 4in1: Equine Blood Test Specifications

*The table is scrollable horizontally on mobile.

Conclusion

A blood test for horses is an indispensable part of equine health management, providing objective data that helps veterinarians detect potential issues in a timely manner. While comprehensive blood analysis still requires the expertise of a professional veterinarian, the SANcheck StrideVet 4in1 now allows vets to instantly confirm a horse's health status without the need to send samples to an external laboratory. General Life Biotechnology (GLB), the company behind SANcheck, possesses over 20 years of experience in medical device development and has focused for years on developing diagnostic solutions for animal health. The SANcheck product line specifically offers advanced, animal-specific diagnostic tools that provide veterinarians with reliable and accurate information, enabling rapid animal health management. If you have any related inquiries or needs, please feel free to contact us  for first-hand information.
 

References
判讀 ProCyte One* 馬科動物點狀圖
What can your horse’s blood tell you?
祈癒動物醫院的貼文
重新認識CBC (Complete Blood Count)
獸醫師教你看檢驗報告—血球篇
Bloodwork for Horses: A Veterinarian’s Guide to Laboratory Tests
Equine Tests and Fees