Pet Care
Laboratory Testing
Laboratory testing of blood and urine samples plays an important role in helping your veterinarian assess the health of your pet. The tests can verify that your pet is in good health, but will also help in early detection of infection or disease.
These tests allow the veterinarian to establish what the “normal” values are for your particular pet and set a baseline for future testing. In a sick pet, lab tests are done to help the veterinarian make a proper diagnosis of the problem and to monitor your pet’s response to treatment. Labs are also done prior to surgery to help identify pets that are at a greater risk for complications from anesthesia and help your veterinarian determine which anesthetic is best for your pet.
All laboratory tests are a “snapshot” of the patient at the time the blood and urine samples were taken. Readings can vary from test to test for many reasons. For this reason, a healthy pet can have some test results that are outside of the normal range. Your veterinarian will take that into account along with any clinical signs, health history, age, etc.
There are four basic laboratory tests that may be used. A CBC, or complete blood count, deals with the cell portion of the blood. IT will show the number, type, and healthiness of blood cells circulating in the blood stream, including the hemoglobin and the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body, the white blood cells that help fight infections and inflammation, and the platelets that aid in blood clotting. Leukemia, anemia, infection, inflammation, and dehydration can be determined with the use of running a CBC.
A chemistry panel deals with the fluid portion of the blood. The tests will measure the level of various compounds and chemicals in the blood providing information on the health of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, adrenal glands, immune system, muscle and bone.
Thyroid function tests evaluate the function of the thyroid gland and measure the amount of hormone in the gland. Hypothyroidism is common in dogs and hyperthyroidism is common in cats.
A urinalysis will evaluate the function and health of the urinary system measuring color, clarity can concentration. Abnormalities such as glucose, protein, blood and blood cells can be checked for. A urinalysis is useful in detecting a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, diabetes and dehydration.
Copyright
© 2005. Logue's
TLC Pet Hospital. All rights reserved.
Site designed and
maintained by
Eversole Design