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Emergency Info
Open 24 Hours
(916) 685-2494
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Blood Screening
Even pets that seem frisky, wide-eyed and in the best of health can
have hidden medical problems. Left undetected, these problems could grow
into serious, even life-threatening conditions. Blood tests are
essential tools for identifying diseases at the earliest stage possible,
when they are the most treatable.
Blood tests can be used to detect, treat and prevent potentially
dangerous illnesses. Sick or elderly animals often have more than one
disease process affecting them at the same time, complicating diagnosis
and treatment. Blood tests can help pinpoint specific problems. In
addition, some medications can be harmful if your pet has certain
underlying problems, such as kidney or liver disease. In such cases,
your veterinarian may order blood tests to make sure your pet is healthy
enough to take the medication. Finally, even in young and healthy pets,
laboratory testing helps your veterinarian establish a baseline picture
of what represents good health for your individual pet. Blood tests are
recommended as part of your pet’s annual physical examination. That way,
your veterinarian can spot health trends sooner, before they become more
serious.
Types of Blood Tests
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Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC)-
this test provides important information about the types and
numbers of blood cells in your pet’s blood. A low number of red
blood cells, for example, indicates anemia, while a high number
of white blood cells can indicate an infection, chronic
inflammation, or other disease process.
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Blood Chemistry Profile-
this test is particularly important for evaluating organ
function, electrolytes, blood sugar, or screening for clues that
an endocrine disorder may be present. Any abnormalities will
help direct your pet’s veterinarian on any further diagnostic
tests that may be necessary. |
When Blood Tests May be Recommended
Usually before anesthesia is administered, as an essential part of
patient evaluation in preparation for a medical procedure or surgery,
blood screening will be performed to test for organ function and to
determine if your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. Your
veterinarian will decide which tests are most important to run. Blood
screening may also be recommended as part of your pet’s annual physical
examination both to spot problems as early as possible and to develop a
baseline picture of your pet’s health. If your veterinarian suspects a
health problem and needs additional information to make an accurate or
complete diagnosis blood screening may be recommended. If your
veterinarian recommends medications for your pet that might be
contraindicated if he or she has certain underlying diseases then blood
testing would be performed prior to initiating any medications.
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| Contact Bradshaw Veterinary Clinic today at
(916) 685-2494 to make an appointment for your pet! |
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