Why Blood Tests Are Important for Monitoring Your Horse’s Health

Blood tests aren’t just something we recommend when a horse is unwell — they’re a powerful tool for monitoring overall health, spotting problems early, and guiding treatment decisions.

What Do Blood Tests Show?

A blood test gives us a snapshot of your horse’s internal health. It can detect subtle changes that might not yet be visible externally — helping us catch illness earlier, manage long-term conditions more effectively, and track how well your horse is responding to treatment.

There are two main parts to most blood profiles:

1. Haematology (Red and White Blood Cells)

This looks at:

Red blood cells (oxygen-carrying capacity, anaemia)
White blood cells (infections, inflammation, immune response)
Platelets (blood clotting)

2. Biochemistry (Organ Function & Metabolism)

This checks:

Liver and kidney function
Muscle enzymes
Electrolytes and minerals (e.g. calcium, phosphorus)
Markers of inflammation
Hormones (e.g. ACTH for Cushing’s disease, insulin levels for EMS)

When Might We Recommend Blood Testing?

✅ Routine Health Monitoring

Blood tests can be used as part of annual health checks, especially in older horses or those in regular work, to detect early changes before clinical signs appear.

✅ Poor Performance or Lethargy

If your horse seems off-colour, sluggish, or not quite themselves, bloods can help identify or rule out underlying medical causes.

✅ Weight Loss or Changes in Appetite

Unexplained weight loss or changes in eating habits may be linked to liver disease, chronic infections, or metabolic disorders — all detectable through blood tests.

✅ Suspected Hormonal Issues

We use blood tests to diagnose and monitor conditions like Cushing’s (PPID) or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS).

✅ Monitoring Chronic Conditions

For horses on long-term medication or with known health issues, regular bloods help us ensure organs are coping and adjust treatments if needed.

✅ After Illness or Surgery

Blood work can track recovery progress and flag up any complications early.

What Are the Benefits?

Non-invasive and quick to perform
Early detection of illness or underlying problems
Guided treatment based on your horse’s unique needs
Peace of mind — especially for owners of older or high-performance horses

How Does It Work?

A small blood sample is taken from your horse’s neck using a sterile needle. Most horses tolerate it very well, and it only takes a few moments. Samples are either run in-house or sent to an external lab, depending on the type of test. Results usually come back within 24–48 hours, however, some tests can require up to one week.

Could Your Horse Benefit from a Blood Test?

If your horse isn’t quite themselves, is ageing, managing a chronic condition, or you simply want a clearer picture of their internal health, a blood test is a great place to start.