Laboratory Tests Usually Done During Pet Examination

If you become ill, you should be able to describe your symptoms to a medical professional, including how badly you are feeling and when you first noticed the signs. Plus, you can aid the doctor in making a correct diagnosis by responding to their questions.

However, assessing a sick animal is a significantly more difficult task. They have no way to express themselves verbally, so you have to rely on nonverbal cues such as changes in behavior or appearance to determine if something is wrong. Because of this, a laboratory workup is an essential tool that can benefit your pet’s health. It’s a great way to check on your pet’s organs, find out what’s ailing it, and prevent future health problems.

Necessary Laboratory Examinations for Pets

Your pet may need a laboratory workup if you notice any behavioral changes, such as increased thirst, changes in urination and appetite, weight loss, or lethargy. These could indicate various problems, some relatively minor and some more serious. Veterinarians recommend the following tests as part of a comprehensive pet health evaluation.

1. Complete Blood Count

A complete blood count (CBC) can reveal issues like dehydration, anemia, infection, blood clotting, and immune system function. A pet must undergo this test in a veterinary diagnostic lab when he exhibits signs like a high temperature, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, or a loss of appetite. A complete blood count (CBC) can detect bleeding disorders and other unseen abnormalities that could interfere with anesthesia before surgery.

2. Heartworm Testing

The common perception is that heartworm is a canine-specific disease. Although it occurs less frequently, heartworm disease can also affect cats. So if you suspect your cat to be ill, you can bring him to your vet for a comprehensive checkup for cats. An infectious disease caused by worms that develop in the heart and pulmonary arteries can be fatal. Preventing heartworm disease is preferable to treating it. As the disease can cause severe complications, it is advised that pets be tested for heartworm infection before beginning preventative treatment. Talk to your vet about what product would be best for preventing illnesses.

3. Screening Blood Exams

A blood screening is a diagnostic procedure that helps doctors identify health issues before they cause noticeable symptoms. As a result, a screening blood test is recommended to rule out conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and thyroid dysfunction, regardless of how healthy your pet appears. Regarding veterinary surgery, screening tests are crucial for pets of all ages.

4. Fecal Analysis

Both cats and dogs are susceptible to getting intestinal parasites. Tapeworms, roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, and protozoa are all examples of internal parasites. Testing the stool of an animal with a fecal flotation test (also known as a fecal float) and fecal antigen testing can reveal the presence of internal parasites. Internal parasites should be checked because they can be passed from one animal to another and, in some cases, even humans. Thankfully, the treatments available today are highly efficient against parasites.

5. Urinalysis

Urinalysis analyzes the concentration as well as the pH of the urine from a pet. Additionally, it examines the patient’s urine for the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, bacteria, protein, casts, and crystals. The tests reveal a person’s level of hydration, whether they have kidney or bladder disease, infections, diabetes, or other health conditions.

If you happen to suspect your pet, may they be domestic or exotic, make sure to bring them to your trusted veterinary hospital. If you are not sure where to bring your pet, you can visit the websites of animal hospitals, like this site: DockeryMobleyVets.com, to check on their services.