Blood cells
Red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Equine Blood Analysis
Blood testing is an important diagnostic tool that can provide valuable information about a horse’s general health, organ function, hydration, inflammation, infection and response to training or illness.
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Overview
Blood analysis to support equine health
At Racetrack Veterinary Services, we use blood analysis as part of routine health assessments, poor-performance investigations, pre-purchase examinations and the investigation of illness or unexplained changes in a horse’s condition.
Blood test results are always interpreted alongside the horse’s history, clinical examination and any other diagnostic findings.
Diagnostic Information
What can blood tests assess?
Depending on the tests requested, blood analysis may provide information about:
Hydration & electrolytes
Hydration status and electrolyte balance.
Organ & muscle function
Liver function, kidney function and muscle enzymes.
Proteins & inflammation
Protein levels, inflammation and infection.
Energy metabolism
Glucose and energy metabolism.
Other abnormalities
Other organ or metabolic abnormalities.
Different blood panels provide different information, so our veterinarians select tests based on the horse’s clinical signs and the reason for testing.
Haematology
Complete blood count
A complete blood count, often called a CBC or haematology panel, assesses the cells circulating in the blood.
This may help evaluate:
- Anaemia
- Infection
- Inflammatory responses
- Changes in white blood cell numbers
- Platelet abnormalities
These results can help build a broader picture of the horse’s health.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
A biochemistry panel measures substances and enzymes in the blood that can provide information about organ and tissue function.
This may include assessment of:
- Liver enzymes
- Kidney markers
- Muscle enzymes
- Proteins
- Electrolytes
- Glucose
- Other metabolic parameters
Abnormal results do not always identify one specific disease, so interpretation in conjunction with the horse’s clinical examination is essential.
Performance Investigations
Blood analysis for poor performance
Blood testing is often included as part of a poor-performance investigation. A horse may appear clinically well but still have abnormalities that affect stamina, recovery or willingness to work.
Blood analysis may help identify issues such as:
- Anaemia
- Inflammation
- Muscle damage
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Dehydration
- Organ dysfunction
- Systemic illness
Depending on the findings, further investigation may include lameness assessment, dynamic endoscopy, ECG monitoring, gastroscopy, imaging or other diagnostic procedures.
Racehorses & Performance Horses
Blood testing for training and recovery
Racetrack Veterinary Services regularly works with racehorses and performance horses where health, recovery and fitness need to be closely monitored.
Blood tests may be used to investigate:
- Reduced performance
- Slow recovery after work
- Unexpected fatigue
- Changes in training tolerance
- Muscle soreness
- Loss of condition
- Illness
- Return to work following treatment
Results can be interpreted in the context of the horse’s workload, recent exercise, racing schedule and clinical history.
Pre-Purchase Examination
Pre-purchase blood testing
Blood samples may also be collected as part of a Pre-Purchase Examination where requested.
Depending on the purchaser’s requirements, blood testing may assist with assessment of general health or provide a baseline for further investigation.
The exact tests included should be discussed with the veterinarian before the examination.
Ongoing Care
Monitoring during treatment
Blood analysis can also be useful for monitoring horses during treatment or recovery.
Repeat blood tests may help determine whether:
- Inflammation is resolving
- Organ function is stable
- Hydration is improving
- Muscle enzymes are returning toward normal
- Treatment is having the desired effect
The timing of repeat testing depends on the condition being monitored.
What to Expect
What happens during a blood test?
A blood sample is usually collected from the jugular vein in the horse’s neck.
The procedure is quick and is generally well tolerated.
The sample is then submitted for the appropriate laboratory tests.
Your veterinarian will review the results and interpret them alongside the horse’s examination and clinical history.
Interpreting Results
Understanding blood test results
Blood test results should not be interpreted in isolation. Values can vary depending on factors such as:
Horse factors
Age and breed.
Exercise & hydration
Recent exercise and hydration.
Daily management
Diet, medications and stress.
Sample timing
Timing of sample collection.
Some minor abnormalities may have little clinical significance, while other changes may warrant further investigation.
Your veterinarian will explain what the results mean for your horse and whether any additional tests or treatment are recommended.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can blood tests diagnose the cause of poor performance?
Sometimes they can identify abnormalities that contribute to poor performance, but blood testing is usually one part of a broader investigation.
Does my horse need to fast before blood testing?
Usually not for routine testing, although specific tests may require particular preparation. Our team will advise you if anything is needed beforehand.
How quickly are results available?
This depends on the tests requested and the laboratory used. Some results may be available quickly, while specialised tests can take longer.
Can blood tests detect infection?
Blood tests can identify changes consistent with infection or inflammation, but they do not always identify the exact cause on their own.
Can blood tests show muscle damage?
Yes. Certain muscle enzymes can increase when muscle injury or damage is present.
Can blood tests be repeated to monitor recovery?
Yes. Serial blood testing can be useful for monitoring recovery from illness, treatment or changes in muscle and organ parameters.
Can blood testing be included in a Pre-Purchase Examination?
Yes. Blood samples can be collected as part of a Pre-Purchase Examination where requested and appropriate.
Need advice specific to your horse? Contact our veterinary team.
Book an Assessment
Book a blood analysis
If your horse is showing signs of illness, reduced performance, fatigue, weight loss or changes in behaviour, blood testing may help identify underlying abnormalities.
Racetrack Veterinary Services provides equine blood sampling and analysis as part of routine health care, poor-performance investigations, Pre-Purchase Examinations and ongoing monitoring.
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