| There are five types of basic tests that
we use to evaluate wellness. Each one provides a wealth of information
concerning the true health of your pet.
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
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.
2. Chemistry Tests
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).
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.
 3.
Thyroid Function Tests
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.
4. Urinalysis
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.
5. Parasite Exams
A sample of stool
is examined to look for hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, coccidia,
Girardia and other intestinal parasites.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Wellness Exam also gives us a benchmark from which to measure future test
results if your pet becomes ill.
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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.
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