As pets age, various ailments may develop that can cause them to die early. Diabetes, kidney failure, and liver diseases commonly affect middle-aged and older animals. Prostate disorders, adrenal gland dysfunction, and bladder stones are common in dogs with geriatric diseases. However, older pets and younger ones are susceptible to these conditions from childhood.
Why Are Lab Tests Important?
A lab test analysis from your pet is an excellent method to identify potential issues. For instance, even though some diseases manifest in organs other than the urinary tract, the first signs of symptoms may be detected in urine. The chances of a successful treatment and recovery increase when early detection is made through lab tests and swift treatment for certain diseases. You may click here for more information.
Here are some of the most common tests for diagnosing the presence of pet diseases:
Blood Analysis
Screening blood tests, according to the definition, is a test that’s used to identify a condition before it becomes a symptom. Even if your pet or dog appears healthy, getting a screening blood test is best to ensure they aren’t suffering from diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, or thyroid illness. When considering adopting a pet, ensuring they don’t carry parasites from your previous pets to their new home is essential. In these instances, the most effective option is preventative.
Prevention is the most effective method to detect early signs of a specific disease. Screening tests are also necessary when an animal at any age is undergoing surgery. Scheduling routine exams at Best Friends Veterinary Hospital is essential for the overall well-being of your pet.
Urine Analysis
Urinalysis tests can complement the results of blood tests and provide additional information that blood tests might not be able to reveal. Urine tests, for instance, will tell if ketones or glucose exist (indicating the presence of diabetes). Urinalysis also can detect the beginning of a loss of protein (albumin) loss through the kidneys, something a blood test cannot see. Additionally, a microscopical urine examination can reveal bleeding, inflammation, infection, malignancy, and bladder stones. The animal’s urine must be tested at least every six months, in addition to the urine culture, to get an accurate result.
Fecal Analysis
Cats and dogs alike are susceptible to internal parasites. Roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, hookworms, protozoa, and others like toxoplasma and cryptosporidia are all examples that are internal parasites. They can be identified using the fecal flotation test (a floating fecal) and fecal antigen tests in a pet’s stool. Animals suffering from any illness are examined fecally; however, those who suffer from gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting are the most often tested. A variety of diagnostic procedures can help determine the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Internal parasites should be checked because they could be transmitted to pets of other breeds and, in some instances, even humans. Fortunately, modern treatments for parasites are extremely effective.
Radiography
Radiography utilizes small amounts of X-ray radiation, allowing the doctor to observe your cat’s or dog’s body. It is beneficial to all animals suffering from any health issue. It is often used for orthopedic issues (fractures dislocations, fractures) and soft tissue issues (bladder stone, GI blockages, heart/lung diseases).
Radiography can help identify early signs in animals that do not have specific problems. For instance, puppies can be checked to determine if they have hip dysplasia. If an animal is anesthetized or sedated for spaying, neutering, or dental cleaning, the clinics conduct radiographs as a screening procedure. When performing radiography on animals, clinics usually detect issues that allow them to offer treatments before developing severe diseases.
Heartworms Screening
When people think of heartworm, they imagine the disease only affects dogs. However, heartworm disease can also affect cats but less frequently.
Heartworm disease is a fatal ailment caused by heartworm and pulmonary arterial arteries. Preventive measures are the best method of treatment for heartworm illness. Animals should be examined before starting preventative treatments as early as 8 weeks old, as severe consequences could result if an animal suffers from the disease. Speaking with your professional kitten vet in Poway about the best treatment to avoid spreading infection is essential.
Conclusion
Knowing the importance of routine laboratory tests that can be conducted on healthy and sick cats and dogs. Strategically utilizing these tests, you and your vet can significantly extend your cat’s or dog’s lifespan by identifying health concerns early and allowing for better treatment.