Annual Health Profile/Bloodwork for Dogs & Cats
Just like people, pets are enjoying longer and healthier lives. As dogs and cats age, routine wellness exams and tests become more important in early detection of disease and to help maintain health. An annual physical examination should be performed on every pet, and basic bloodwork (a complete blood count and chemistry panel for both dogs and cats. Cats should also have thyroid testing) is recommended. The lab tests are used not only for early problem detection, but also serve as a healthy baseline should your pet become ill.
The recommended tests are:
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests for anemia, infection, and inflammation and measures some of the blood clotting components.
The Blood Chemistry Panel is made up of many different tests, mostly to assess the function of the major body organs:
- Kidney (BUN, Creatinine, Phosphorus) These tests monitor kidney function and are useful in detecting long term or acute kidney disease. Early detection of kidney disease is essential for long-term management. While loss of kidney function cannot be cured, degeneration can be slowed down with changes to diet, medication and proper monitoring.
- Liver (AST, ALT, Alk Phos, Bilirubin, Albumin) These tests help assess the function of the liver and gall bladder. Liver degeneration, infection, inflammation, and neoplasia may be detected by these tests, although further testing may be necessary to define specific problems. Contrary to popular belief, liver disease is treatable, although recovery can sometimes be prolonged.
- Pancreas (Glucose, Amylase, Lipase) These tests monitor pancreatic function and can help in the diagnosis of diseases such as diabetes mellitus.
- Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, and Phosphorus) These tests are useful in monitoring dehydration, bone metabolism and general body health.
Thyroid Tests are used to determine thyroid gland function. Since the thyroid gland helps regulate almost all body metabolic functions, and under or overactive thyroid gland has serious repercussions systemically. Thyroid disease can be managed with medication or surgical procedures.
These tests cause little to no discomfort for your pet, and provide a wealth of information. Test results are usually available the next day, and we will call you to discuss test results and recommend further monitoring or treatment as needed. With wellness testing as part of your pets routine health care, you can help keep your companion by your side for many years to come.
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Westchester’s Best Vets
No surprise to our staff or our clients – we’ve got great people at Bond Animal Hospital! Our doctors were named among the county’s best veterinarians in the March issue of Westchester Magazine!
Check out their article here.
Breaking News:
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Animal Care Help:
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When to see your vet:
Five reasons to see your veterinarian today
- Bleeding from anywhere
- Vomiting with a loss of appetite
- Acute pain – including eyes (squinting)
- Respiratory difficulty
- Sudden and extreme lethargy
Five reasons to see your veterinarian tomorrow
- Acute lameness
- Intense itching
- Decreased appetite
- Increased thirst or urination
- Persistent diarrhea
Five reasons to see your veterinarian soon
- Decrease in weight
- Change in activity levels
- Hair loss
- Bad breath
- Chronic lameness
Dental Health
PetFit Challenge
Pet owners understand that obesity is about more than appearance. Scientific evidence shows that obesity is a condition that can lead to serious disease. In conjunction with the AVMA and Hill’s our hospital is focused on raising awareness about the right way to achieve and maintain healthy weight:
- Proper nutrition
- Increased physical activity
- Regular veterinary visits
Click on the link above for tools to help you increase your pet’s activity, decrease their weight and start them living a happier and healthier life!
Bond Animal Hospital
250 Central Avenue
White Plains, New York 10606
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