Blood Work and Lab Services at Green Dog Veterinary Center
In the veterinary field, blood work and lab services for cats and dogs are essential diagnostic tools that provide valuable information about an animal's overall health. These tests are often part of routine check-ups, pre-surgical protocols, or diagnostic procedures when an animal is ill.
Types of Tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Assesses red and white blood cells and platelets. It helps diagnose conditions like anemia, infection, and certain blood diseases.
- Chemistry Panel: Evaluates organ function, electrolyte status, and more. It helps identify issues like liver or kidney disease.
- Thyroid Tests: Measure the level of thyroid hormones in the blood, helpful in diagnosing hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
- Urinalysis: Tests the urine for signs of kidney disease or urinary tract infections.
- Fecal Tests: Checks for the presence of parasites in the digestive system.
- Viral Tests: Such as tests for Feline Leukemia or FIV in cats and Parvovirus in dogs.
When is it Needed?
- Routine Check-ups: To establish a baseline for future tests and detect early disease signs.
- Senior Pets: Older animals are more prone to diseases and require frequent testing.
- Sick Pets: For diagnosing the cause of symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, etc.
- Before Surgery: To evaluate if the animal is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and surgery.
- Importance
Blood work and lab tests can catch issues before they become more serious, allowing for early intervention and better management of an animal's health. Kittens or puppies can be a part of the initial veterinary visit to ensure that the young animal starts on a healthy footing.
Having these diagnostic tools at a vet's disposal is essential for comprehensive care and treatment planning, especially considering that animals can't communicate their symptoms verbally.