Blood Analysis and Testing
The Key to a Healthy Pet is Early Detection and Prevention of Disease.
The gradual onset of health problems in an apparently healthy pet often go unnoticed. There are many conditions, that if diagnosed early, can be completely reversed or controlled for extended periods of time.
Regular dental care, vaccinations, control of parasites and a balanced diet are important for good health care. Laboratory testing for the early detection of changes in the health status of your pet is also important.
Laboratory tests are an important means by which your veterinarian can diagnose blood disorders, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, infection, cancer, thyroid disease and other hormonal problems. The promotion of quality pet health care through a wellness program can add years of vitality and extend your pet's life.
(WBC) These numbers tell how many of each type of white blood cell are present and whether or not they appear normal. White blood cells help fight infection. White blood cell numbers can increase in response to inflammation and infection. White blood cell numbers can decrease with severe infection or with bone marrow disorders, such as certain cancers.
(RBC) Tests for anemia (low red blood cell levels)
Liver enzymes. These tests help indicate that there may be a problem with the liver. They may also be abnormal with inflammation of the pancreas.
Tests of kidney function (should be run in conjunction with urinalysis for the most accurate assessment of kidney function).
Increased levels of blood sugar may indicate diabetes.
Important body electrolytes. It is especially important that potassium levels be monitored in sick animals and in animals with decreased kidney function or adrenal disease.
Thyroid test. In cats we look for levels above normal (hyperthyroidism), and in dogs we look for subnormal levels (hypothyroidism). This is a screening test. If the result is abnormal, more detailed thyroid testing may be necessary to determine the best course of treatment.
Urinalysis is a very important means of evaluating overall kidney function, especially when done in conjunction with blood tests. Urinalysis is also a key test for determining if there is a urinary tract infection or if there is inflammation in the urinary bladder. Urinalysis also helps to confirm, along with blood tests, whether or not an animal has diabetes (with diabetes, either sugar or both sugar and ketones are present in the urine).
Tests for parasites. Fecal tests are done to evaluate for presence of intestinal parasites (e.g., Giardia, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia). It is important to check periodically for parasites (once to twice a year depending on the animal's environment), even if stools are consistently normal. Parasites can cause significant intestinal problems in both animals and humans (some parasites can be transmitted from animals to humans).