Blood Screening FAQs
EARLY DETECTION PROGRAM:
Coupled with a yearly complete physical exam, early detection blood chemistry screening provides us with the best information on the overall health of your pet. We offer early detection blood screening panels with annual exams at a significant savings of nearly 50% from our outside laboratory Antech Diagnostics.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ANIMAL TESTING:
Along with a detailed medical history and a thorough physical examination, we can order diagnostic testing to establish baseline laboratory test that can detect the onset of diseases and conditions early, when treatment and prevention are most effective.
YOUR DOG’S HEALTH ASSESSMENT:
Using the information gained from this evaluation, we will provide you with an assessment of your dog’s overall health and make any necessary recommendations. We will also look for arthritis, which us common in older dogs, as well as dental disease, which can lead to serious medical conditions. For the best care, your senior dog should be examined by your veterinarian every six months, which is similar to a time of 2 to 3 years in people.
Most dogs are considered to be “senior” at seven years of age. However larger dogs tend to have a shorter life expectancy than their smaller counterparts so that health issues may occur sooner for them. If your dog is a larger breed, you need to pay particular attention to your pet’s life stage and changing needs at an earlier age than you might expect.
Approximately 22% of dogs older than seven years old harbor disease that is only detectable with an advanced diagnostic workup. Fortunately, many diseases can be treated and have favorable outcomes if diagnosed in the early stages. However, dogs age more rapidly than people, so dramatic changes in health can occur in as little time as 3 to 6 months. That is why visits to your veterinarian and regular testing are essential to your pet’s quality of life.
ROUTINE TESTING:
Several noninvasive tests and procedures performed regularly can provide us with a baseline for measuring changes and can help detect early-stage disease. These tests check for:
- Anemia
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Disease of the heart, intestines, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and thyroid
EARLY TREATMENT:
Routine testing combined with twice-a-year exams can reassure you of your older dog’s continued good health or health your veterinarian begin treatment early, giving you and your dog a formidable advantage over diseases.
Serum Chemistry
Liver: This group of tests evaluates various functions and the structural integrity of the liver
Kidney: These tests monitor the function and health of the kidneys. They are most sensitive for detection kidney disease when combined with urinalysis
Pancreas: These tests assess the function and health of the pancreas and carbohydrate metabolism
Electrolytes: Important in monitoring the electric water balance and general cellular health of the body
Muscle/Bone: Checks for the presence of damage, trauma, and inflammation
Thyroid Function Tests: These evaluate the function of the thyroid gland
Complete Blood Count
CBC: Test for anemia, infection, inflammation, leukemia and functions of the bone marrow
Urinalysis: Assesses the health and function of the kidneys and bladder, especially important in older animals for early detection of kidney decease
Parasite Exams: Checks for parasites in the intestinal tract such as roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, coccidia, heartworm, and Giardia. Blood us tested for heartworm disease.
Have questions? We have answers.
Please complete the form below and a member of our staff will get back to you as quickly as possible. If this is an emergency situation during business hours, please call us at 303-688-8665.