AGAH Geriatric

The Key to a Healthy Pet is Early Detection and Prevention of Disease

The gradual onset of health problems, in an apparently healthy pet, often go unnoticed. There are many conditions which, if diagnosed early, can be completely reversed or controlled for extended periods of time.

Regular dental care, vaccinations, control of parasites and a balanaced diet are important for good health care. Laboratory testing for the early detection of changes in the health status of your pet is also important.

Laboratory tests are an important means by which your veterinarian can diagnose blood disorders, kidney and Lyme disease, diabetes, infection, cancer, thyroid disease and other hormonal problems. A wellness program can add years of vitality and extend your pet's life.

Compete Blood Count (CBC) WBC Monocytes Neutrophils Eosinophils Bands Basophils Lymphocytes	These numbers tell how many of each type of blood cells are present and whether or not they appear normal. White blood cells help fight infection. In leukemia, which is a cancer of the blood system, either the numbers of white blood cells are increased or their appearance is abnormal, or both. White blood cell numbers can decrease with severe infection or with bone marrow disorders.
PLATELETS	Platelets help with blood clotting. It is important to make sure that these numbers remain normal or close to normal.
Red Blood Cells (RBC)	Tests to evaluate red blood cells (size, shape, number),
Packed Cell Volume (PCV) (Hematocrit)	Tests for anemia (low red blood cell levels)
MCV MCH RBC Morphology (shape) MCHC	These tests help tell which type of anemia is present.
ALT ALP AST GGT	Liver enzymes. These tests help indicate that there may be a problem with the liver. They may also be abnormal with inflammation of the pancreas.
TOTAL BILIRUBIN	Increased levels usually indicate either a liver disorder or damaged red blood cells.
TOTAL PROTEIN A/G RATIO ALBUMIN GLOBULIN	Protein levels. Albumin may be decreased with disorders of the intestine, kidneys, liver, or decreased nutrient intake. The globulin level may also decrease due to intestinal disease and may increase in response to inflammation.
CREATININE BUN PHOSPHORUS	Tests of kidney function (should be run in conjunction with urinalysis for the most accurate assessment of kidney function)
CALCIUM CALCIUM / PO4 RATIO	Elevated calcium levels can be a sign of a wide variety of diseases. A common cause is lymphosarcoma (a type of cancer).
GLUCOSE	Blood sugar. Increase levels may indicate diabetes. In cats, elevations may occur in conjunction with stress. A subnormal level may occur with several disorders, including liver problems, severe infection, and malnutrition.
AMYLASE	Tests for inflammation of the pancreas or helps evaluate kidney function.
SODIUM POTASSIUM (NA/K) RATIO CHLORIDE	Important body electrolytes. Levels can be affected by diseases of the adrenal gland, kidney function, vomiting, diarrhea, and others. Imbalances can lead to serious illness, and heart arrhythmias.
CPK	Muscle enzyme. Increased levels indicate muscle injury or inflammation.
T4	Thyroid test. In cats, we look for levels above normal (hyperthyroidism) an in dogs, we look for subnormal levels (hypothyroidism). This is a screening test. If the result is abnormal, more detailed thyroid testing may be necessary to determine the best course of treatment.
Complete Urinalysis	Urinalysis us a very important means of evaluating overall kidney function, especially when done in conjunction with blood tests. Urinalysis is also a key test for determining if there is a urinary tract infection or inflammation. Urinalysis also helps to confirm, along with blood tests, whether or not an animal has diabetes (with diabetes, either sugar or both sugar and ketones are present in the urine).

If you have pets in advancing age, please consider the benefits of our geriatric testing for your pet. Our doctors
and staff are available to answer any questions. Call the facility at (540) 659-8140