FIVE BASIC TESTS THAT OFFER MORE THAN BASIC INFORMATION
The CBC tests for anemia, infection,
inflammation and overall healthiness of the blood cells. It also evaluates
the number and type of cells in circulation. White Blood Cells (WBC's) help
fight infection or inflammation. Red Blood Cells (RBC's) carry oxygen to the
tissues.
The chemistry panel surveys many of the organ systems of the body to make sure they are working normally.
- Liver (AST, ALT, Alk. Phos, T. Bilirubin, GGT, Cholesterol, Proteins)
This group of tests helps evaluate various functions and health of the liver. Decreased liver function, inflammation, infection and neoplasia (abnormal growth of cells) of the liver and gall bladder may be detected by one or all of these tests.
- Kidney (BUN, Creatinine, Phosphorus, Amylase, Albumin, Globulin)
These tests monitor the function and health of the kidneys. They are the most helpful and sensitive for detecting kidney disease when combined with a urinalysis.
- Pancreas (Glucose, Amylase, Lipase, Triglyceride)
These tests are abnormal when there is something wrong with the pancreas or carbohydrate metabolism (examples are diabetes mellitus and pancreatitis).
- Muscle and Bone
Calcium and Phosphorus are helpful in determining the health of bone metabolism.
CPK and AST are abnormal with muscle damage, trauma, or inflammation
Electroloytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus). These are important in monitoring the electrical, water balance, and cellular health of the body. Deficiencies or excesses of these electrolytes are harmful to the animal's physical and mental well-being.
As the name implies, these test are useful in diagnosing malfunctions of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) is common in dogs; whereas hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) is common in older cats. Because there is no single thyroid test that can diagnose all thyroid diseases in animals, a panel of several different thyroid tests are used to ensure proper diagnosis.
This assesses the health and function of the urinary system. It is especially important in older animals to help in early detection of kidney disease. While some serum chemistries help evaluate kidney function (BUN, Creatinine, etc.), much more information is obtained when a urinalysis is done at the same time. The urine sample is tested for several chemical components (glucose, protein, blood and more), as well as any cells (WBC, RBC, epithelial, etc.) and crystals.
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Fecal
A sample of stool is examined to look for hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, coccidia, Girardia and other intestinal parasites.
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Blood
Serum is tested for the presence of heartworm on an annual basis. Whole blood can also be examined in anemic animals for other parasites, such as Babesia, Hemobartonella, or Cytauxzoon.
A Senior@Seven Wellness Exam Provides Real Answers to Your Pet's Overall Health
Your pet seems to be happy and robust. The truth is, the gradual onset of disease in seemingly healthy pets will often go unnoticed. Once symptoms do appear, the condition may be difficult and and costly to treat and diagnose. This is why a Wellness Exam is so important to your pet's quality of life. Diagnostic testing is the most sensitive and accurate method of early detection of subclinical health problems.
A Wellness Exam includes laboratory tests we can use to diagnose blood disorders, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, infection, cancer, thyroid disease and other hormonal problems. Many of these conditions can be prevented, controlled, or completely reversed if diagnosed early.
A Wellness Exam also gives us a benchmark from which to measure future test results if your pet becomes ill.
A Wellness Exam is just one element of a complete wellness program that promotes pet health. Regular dental care, vaccinations or vaccine titers, control of parasites, proper nutrition, regular exercise and an appropriate environment also add vitality to your pet's life.
Provided by Antech Diagnostics.