Pre-anesthetic and/or
Diagnostic Testing
Diagnostic Testing can identify hidden health problems. Testing
reduces risk - and we recommend some or all of the following tests to determine
your pet's health status, so we can make the best medical decisions, especially
before administering anesthesia. Although performing these tests does not guarantee
that complications won't occur, it does reduce the risk to your pet and provide
you with peace of mind.
Before animals undergo any kind of surgery, a dental health
cleaning, etc, they should have a work-up to check for any possible complications.
Pets over 4 years of age should be tested annually to at least
identify what is the normal range, so a problem can be identified later on.
The top 4 Reasons to test
your pet:
1.)
Peace of mind: Testing can
significantly reduce risk and ensure your pet's health and safety.
2.)
Pets can't tell us when they
don't feel well. A healthy-appearing pet may be hiding symptoms of a disease or
ailment. For example, a pet can lose up to 75% of kidney function before showing
any signs of illness. Testing helps us evaluate the
health of your pet's liver and kidneys, so we can avoid problems related to anesthesia.
3.)
Testing can reduce risks.
If results of the pre-anesthetic are within normal ranges, we can proceed with
confidence, knowing the anesthetic risk is minimized. On the other hand, if results
are not within normal ranges, we alter the anesthetic procedure to safeguard your
pet's health.
4.)
Testing can help protect your
pet's future health. These tests provide baseline levels for your pet and become
part of his or her medical chart for future reference.
Hematology
-
Complete Blood Count (CBC):
A CBC gives details on red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets.
The total WBC and Differential (shows the different blood cells to check for anemia,
inflammation, or any abnormalities) can indicate infection,
leukemia, stress, inflammation, or inability to fight infection. Low platelets
can indicate a bleeding problem, and we may suggest delaying surgery because it
could cause serious surgical complications.
-
Hemotocrit (HCT): Provides information on the amount of red blood cells
present in the blood. A low hematocrit suggests anemia.
-
Morphologic Inspection: Looking
at the cells through a microscope - provides information on the type of anemia
or inflammation, or other abnormalities such as leukemia.
Blood Chemistry
- Albumin (ALB): A protein which is produced by the liver.
Reduced levels of this protein can point to chronic liver or kidney disease, intestinal
disease, or intestinal parasites, such as hookworm infection.
- Alanine
Aminotransferase (ALT): An enzyme that becomes elevated with liver disease
or injury.
- Alkaline Phosphatase
(ALKP): An enzyme produced by the cells lining the gall bladder and its associated
ducts. Elevated levels can indicate liver disease or Cushing's
Syndrome.
- Amylase (AMYL): An enzyme produced by
the pancreas. The pancreas secretes amylase to aid in digestion. Elevated blood
levels can indicate pancreatic and/or kidney disease.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): BUN is produced
by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Abnormal levels can indicate dehydration,
and liver and kidney abnormalities.
- Calcium (CA2+): Increased levels can
be seen with diseases of the parathyroid gland and kidneys or as an indicator
of certain types of tumors.
- Cholesterol (CHOL): Elevated levels of
cholesterol are seen in a variety of disorders including genetic disease, liver
and kidney disease, or urinary tract obstruction.
- Creatinine
(CREA): Creatinine is a by-product of muscle metabolism
and is excreted by the kidneys
- Blood Glucose (GLU): High levels can
indicate diabetes. In cats, high levels can indicate stress, which may merely
be a result of the trip to the veterinary hospital. Low levels can indicate liver
disease, infection, or certain tumors.
- Phosphorus (PHOS): Elevated phosphorus
can be an indicator if kidney disease.
- Total Bilirubin
(TBIL): Bilirubin is a breakdown product or hemoglobin
and is a component of bile. Bilirubin is secreted
by the liver into the intestinal tract. Blood bilirubin
levels are useful in diagnosing anemia and problems in the bile ducts.
- Total Protein (TP): The level of TP can
detect a variety of conditions including dehydration and disease of the liver,
kidney, or gastrointestinal tract.
Electrolytes
-
Sodium, Potassium, Chloride (NA+, K+,
Cl-): The balance of these electrolytes is vital
to your pet's health. Abnormal levels can be life threatening. Electrolyte tests
are important in evaluating vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and cardiac (heart)
symptoms.
Serum T4
- This is a measurement of the level of
thyroid hormone circulating in the blood and is helpful in identifying thyroid
disease. Thyroid disease occurs in both dogs and cats and can have a serious impact
on health if left untreated.
Urinanalysis
- The urine contains by-products from many
organs such as the kidneys, liver, and pancreas. Abnormal levels of these by-products
can indicate disease including diabetes, liver and kidney disease.
Electrocardiogram
- Detects heart rate and electrical rhythm.
Certain abnormal rhythms and heart rates can be deleterious to animals undergoing
anesthesia.
Remember: Testing can identify
HIDDEN health problems.
The best Protections
is Prevention.
262-886-3337
or 262-886-8728