To keep your pet safe, we need to be certain that he/she can process and then eliminate the anesthetic they are given.  A simple blood test can determine if your pet's organs are functioning properly.  These results can also reveal any hidden health conditions that could put them at risk.

When your pet's results show normal ranges, we procceed with confidence, knowing that the anesthetic risk is minimized.  If the results come back with abnormal ranges, then we can alter the anesthetic procedure, reducing the risk of potential complications.

We may screen for some of the following conditions in determining your pet's health before a procedure is performed;

Liver-Biochemistry tests can indicate liver disease, cushing's disease and abnormalities resulting from long-term medications

Heart-Immunoassay tests can indicate heartworm disease

Thyroid-Biochemistry and T4 tests can indicate hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism

Teeth-Dental exams uncover mouth infections, which can cause problems with vital organs

Blood-CBC/Hematocrit are used to screen for infection, leukemia and anemia

Kidney-Biochemistry tests can indicate kidney disease and renal failure abnormalities resulting from long-term medications.

Pancreas-Biochemistry tests can indicate panceratitis, diabetes mellitus and abnormalities resulting from long-term medications

 

To help ensure safe anesthesia for your pet, we may run a combination of tests which may include;

Blood Chemistry 

Albumin; A protein that is produced by the liver.  Reduced levels of this protein can point to chronic lever, kidney or intestinal disease.

Alanine Aminotransferase;  An enzyme that becomes elevated with liver disease or injury.

Alkaline Phosphatase;  An enzyme present in multiple tissues, including liver and bone.  Elevated levels can indicate liver disease, Cushing's syndrome or steroid therapy.

Amylase; An enzyme produced by the pancreas.  The pancreas secretes amylase to aid in digestion.  Elevated blood levels can indicate pancreatic disease.

Blood Urea Nitrogen;  BUN is produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys.  Abnormally high levels can indicate kidney disease or dehydration, and low levels can be associated with liver disease.

Calcuim;  Increased levels can be seen with diseases of the parathyroid gland and kidneys, or as an indicator of certain types of tumors.

Cholesterol;  Elevated levels of cholesterol are seen in a variety of disorders, including hypothyroidism, liver or kidney disease.

Creatinine;  Creatinine is a by-product of muscle metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys.  Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease, urinary tract obstruction or dehydration.

Blood Glucose;  High levels can indicate diabetes.  In cats, high levels can also indicated stress.  Low levels can indicate liver disease, infection or certain tumors.

 

Hematology

Hematocrit;  Provides information on the amount of red blood cells (RBC's) present in the blood.  A low hematocrit indicates anemia (low red blood cells or hemoglobin).

Complete Blood Count (CBC);  A more complete panel of tests, a CBC provides detailed information on red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts and platelets.  The total white blood cell counts and individual cell counts can indicate leukemia, stress, inflammation or an inability to fight infection.  Low platelet numbers can indicate a bleeding problem.

 

Electrolytes

Sodium, Potassium, Chloride;  The balance of these electrolytes is vital to your pet's health.  Abnormal levels can be life-threatening.  Electrolye tests are important in evaluating vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and cardiac symptoms.

 

T₄ (thyroxine) 

This is a measurement of the level of thyroid hormone circulating in the blood, and is helpful in identifying thyroid disease.  Thyroid disease occurs in both dogs and cats, and can have a serious impact on health if left untreated.  Testing is especially important for cats over the age of seven.

 

Urinalysis

The urine contains by-products from many organs, such as the kidneys, liver and pancreas.  Abnormal levels of these by-products can indicate diabetes, liver or urinary tract disease.

 

Electrocardiogram

Detects heart rate and electrical rhythm.  Certain abnormal rhythms and heart rates can be harmful to animals undergoing anesthesia.

 

Phosphorus

Elevataed phosphorus can be an indicator of kidney disease.

 

Total Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin as well as a component of bile.  Blood bilirubin levels are useful in indicating liver disease and possibly help characterize anemia.

 

Total Protein

The level of TP can detect a varaiety of conditions, including dehydration and diseases of the liver, kidney or intestine.

 

 Ask for the handout from IDEXX Laboratories, Inc;  Anesthesia and your pet.  Why testing is necessary.