Preventative Lab Work at the Animal Hospital of Sullivan County
Preventative lab work is just as important as preventative medicine. The majority of chronic illnesses and diseases are preventative, if they are discovered in time. Most importantly, preventative lab work can save your pet’s life, and save you hundreds or perhaps thousands of dollars in surgeries and medical bills.
Benefits of Preventative Blood Work
Blood work tells a lot about the condition of the body, and can pinpoint infections, diseases and potential health issues. By collecting a sample of your pet’s blood, urine and stool and analyzing it, doctors can learn more about your pet’s immune system. Once your pet’s immune system is compromised, it becomes difficult for vets to treat your pet’s condition. The types of diseases and illnesses preventive lab work can identify are:
- Kidney disease and kidney insufficiency
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Endocrine diseases such as thyroid disease, cushings disease and addison’s disease
- Pancreatic disease
- Anemia, inflammation or infection in the blood
- Infectious diseases such as heartworm, lyme, anaplasmosis and ehrlichia
- Intestinal Parasites that can cause ill health and some of which are contagious to people
Most people are not aware of the importance of blood/lab work. The body contains a mixture of chemicals that your pet’s body need to remain healthy. When these chemicals are imbalanced, they can cause a reaction throughout your pet’s body. In fact, unbalanced chemicals can affect different organs in the body. For example, a deficiency in your pet’s albumin levels can signify a problem with your pet’s liver.
Overall, blood tests are used to detect any potential medical problems, identify chronic illnesses and diseases, diagnose illnesses and diseases and give doctors a clear path as to how to treat potential health problems, and how to prevent new health problems.
When Does a Vet Typically Order Blood/Lab Work?
- On the first visit, we might recommend a blood test to rule out diseases including congenital disease. We might also recommend getting your pet neutered or spayed.
- As part of your pet’s physical examination, we will order blood work and order a urine test.
- Pets displaying any abnormal symptoms or abnormal behavior could be signs of an illness, injury or disease.
- Pre-surgical blood work for pets is always in order. As vets, we want to test the functionality of your pet’s kidneys and liver. Blood work can reveal any health concerns prior to your pet undergoing surgery.
- Before beginning a new medication and following up on that medication is another reason we might order preventative blood work.
Contact Us for Your Pet’s Wellness and Health Concern
If your pet is experiencing a problem or if you are concerned about the health of your pet, give our office a call at (845) 292-6711. At the Animal Hospital of Sullivan County, we thrive to provide the best care for your pet. We offer compassionate and professional services for all pets. Our in-house approach allows us to immediate access of medication, emergency care, and surgical equipment. The longevity and health of your pet depend on your pet getting regular veterinary care that includes yearly exams, vaccinations, preventative lab work and preventative medications for internal and external parasites.
