As our pets age, various ailments may develop, leading to premature death. Kidney failure, diabetes, and liver disease are all frequent diseases in middle-aged or older animals. Prostate disorders, adrenal gland dysfunction, and bladder stones are prevalent among senior dogs. It is true that not only elderly pets but also young ones can be affected by these diseases, even in childhood.
Why Are Lab Tests Important?
An analysis of the lab tests performed by your pet is an excellent way to detect any potential problems. For instance, while some diseases develop within organs other than the urinary tract, Early signs can often be observed in urine. The likelihood of successful treatment and recovery increases with early detection through laboratory tests and rapid treatment of specific illnesses.
Feel free to visit websites like https://www.bestfriendsveterinaryhosp.com/site/veterinary-lab-poway for more information regarding diagnostic procedures.
Meanwhile, here are some typical diagnostic tests used to identify illnesses in pets:
Blood Analysis
In essence, screening blood tests determine if a disease is present before it is manifested and becomes symptomatic. Even if your pet or dog seems healthy, it’s advisable to undergo a screening test to ensure they’re not suffering from kidney disease, diabetes, or thyroid illness. When adopting a new pet, you must ensure they don’t bring parasites or diseases from your pets to their new home. In such cases, the best method of action is to prevent.
Prevention is still the best method to detect early signs of a specific disease. Screening tests are also needed when an animal of any age undergoes surgery. Websites like https://www.bestfriendsveterinaryhosp.com/site/veterinary-services-poway/cat-dog-routine-exams can be informative on how to properly maintain your pet and other preventive measures for optimum wellness.
Urine Analysis
Urinalysis may enhance the results of blood tests and provide extra information that blood testing might not be able to reveal. Urine tests, for instance, can reveal whether glucose or ketones exist (indicating the presence of diabetes). Urinalysis tests can also reveal an early stage of the beginning of (albumin) loss through the kidneys, something a blood profile cannot detect. In addition, microscopical urine examinations reveal inflammation, infection, bleeding, malignancy, and bladder stones.
The animal’s urine must be tested at least once every six months, along with a urine culture, for a complete result.
Fecal Analysis
Cats and dogs alike are susceptible to internal parasites. Whipworms, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and protozoa, such as toxoplasma and cryptosporidia, are external parasites. They can be found using a fecal flotation test (a Fecal float) and fecal antigen analysis on a stool sample of an animal. Animals suffering from any illness are tested fecally. However, those with digestive problems such as diarrhea and vomiting are tested most frequently. Numerous diagnostic procedures can be used to determine the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Internal parasites must be checked since they can transmit to other pets and, occasionally, humans. Fortunately, modern parasite treatments are extremely effective.
Radiography
Radiography uses small doses of X-ray radiation to allow the doctor to observe your cat’s or dog’s body. It benefits any animal suffering from a health issue. However, it is most commonly utilized for orthopedic (fractures and dislocations) and soft tissue injuries (bladder blocks, GI blockages, heart/lung illnesses).
Radiography is a way to identify early issues in animals with no specific problems. For instance, puppies can be examined to determine if they have hip dysplasia. When an animal is anesthetized or sedated before an operation like spaying, neutering, or dental cleaning, the clinics perform radiographs as a screening procedure. Radiography performed on animal facilities typically detect problems, allowing them to offer treatment choices before developing severe health issues.
Heartworms Screening
When people think of heartworm, they envision it as a disease that affects only dogs. In reality, heartworm illnesses can also affect cats, although less commonly.
Heartworm disease can be a lethal ailment caused by a worm in the heart and pulmonary blood vessels. Preventive measures are the best therapy to treat heartworm diseases. Animals should be examined before taking preventative measures, as severe consequences could result if an animal suffers from the disease. You should consult your vet to determine the best course of action to stop the spread of the disease. You may also visit websites like https://www.bestfriendsveterinaryhosp.com/site/veterinary-services-poway/puppies-kittens to know why it’s best to start preventative care for your pets while they’re young.
Conclusion
Understanding the significance of common laboratory tests that can be carried out on healthy and sick cats and dogs is essential. By strategically applying these tests with your veterinarian, you will significantly extend your cat’s or dog’s lifespan by identifying health concerns in an earlier stage, paving the way for better treatment.
