Wellness testing for the health of your pet
The various tests recommended by your veterinarian at the Animal Hospital will help him or her to rule out certain disorders, identify functional abnormalities, and help you to extend your pet's active and happy life. Testing also allows us to evaluate patients prior to anesthetic procedures.
Because tests can be confusing, we have listed the most commonly used ones here with an explanation.
COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT
Counts all the different components of the blood. Includes an evaluation of the cells themselves for cancer, parasites or other abnormalities.
Red blood cells - Carry oxygen to the tissues.
Anemia means that the red blood cell count is below normal
White blood cells - There are many kinds of white blood cells, all of them are critical components of the body's ability to fight infection and cancer
Platelets - Platelets are a vital component of early blood clotting. It is important to know platelet counts prior to major surgical procedures.
BLOOD CHEMISTRY TESTS -
These tests evaluate your pet's major organ systems. Especially important are the kidney and liver function tests, because these organs eliminate waste from the body, including drugs and anesthetics.
Albumin - This is the major protein in the blood and acts as a carrier for calcium and other chemicals. Albumin is made in the liver.
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) - This is a liver enzyme that is released into the blood stream in high levels when liver disease is present.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP) - This enzyme is produced in the liver and is elevated in cases of liver or biliary (gall bladder) disease. It can also be elevated in cases of adrenal gland disease as a side effect of the disease. Less commonly, the ALKP is elevated in cases of bowel inflammation or bone disease.
Amylase - The pancreas produces and secretes amylase to digest starches. When the pancreas is inflamed, amylase levels will increase in the blood stream.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - BUN is produced by the liver and removed by the kidneys. Elevations may indicate liver or kidney disorders.
Calcium - Increases in blood calcium may indicate the presence of certain tumors, parathyroid disease or kidney disease.
Cholesterol - Cholesterol levels may be increased in many disorders, including hypothyroidism, Cushing's Disease and certain liver disorders.
Creatinine - Creatinine is a by-product of protein metabolism and is freely filtered through the kidneys. When the creatinine level is increased, kidney function is compromised or a urinary obstruction exists.
Blood Glucose - High blood glucose levels can be associated with stress (especially in cats). They can also indicate diabetes.
Phosphorus - Elevations in phosphorus are usually associated with kidney disease.
Total Bilirubin - Bilirubin has two sources. It is secreted by the liver , stored in the gall bladder and secreted into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion. It is also a breakdown product of hemoglobin, a chemical in red blood cells. Increases may indicate liver or gall bladder disease, or , if associated with an anemia, may indicate red blood cell breakdown.
Total Protein - This is a measure of all the proteins (including albumin) in the blood. Elevations may indicate dehydration, infection or other organ dysfunction.
Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride) - Vital in cases of illness, these chemicals can act as markers for heart disease and adrenal gland disease.
Thyroid Testing -Thyroid hormone regulates the body's metabolic rate. Metabolic rate is the rate at which cells utilize energy, consequently changes in thyroid hormone affect every cell in the body. Thyroid gland disorders are common in older dogs and cats. In the dog, the most common problem is hypothyroidism, or a decrease in the amount of active thyroid hormone produced. In the cat, just the opposite is true. Cats get hyperthyroidism, caused by thyroid tumors which increase thyroid hormone production. Both disorders are treatable. In the case of the cat, early detection can be life saving.
T4 - Wellness testing includes a screening test for circulating thyroid hormone which is often sufficient for diagnosis. There are additional tests available if the findings are questionable.
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