Complete peace of mind through complete
after hours and emergency care.
Client Education
Our practice goal is not limited to offering the best after hours and emergency care for River Valley pet owners. We'd like to create great pet owners out of each and every client we see through our client education program. Each month, an employee will chose a subject and create a page just for educating area pet owners. Check back often for updates and interesting pet care facts.
This month's topic:
The Importance of Pre-Surgical Blood Testing
compiled by VA Lindsay Rouse
Many pet owners wonder why their veterinarian recommends blood tests before surgery. You may question the necessity of such tests, especially if your pet is young and seems healthy or the procedure is going to be quick and routine such as a spay or neuter. However, it is important to remember that ANY surgery requiring anesthesia should be considered a serious event. There is always risk involved when a pet is under anesthesia, and the risks of general anesthesia are usually greater than that of the surgery itself. These risks can be reduced by allowing your vet to perform pre-anesthetic blood tests, which can reveal hidden, unknown diseases or health threats.
Many young dogs and cats, especially pure breeds, can have congenital or hereditary health problems that have not presented symptoms yet. Blood work is of critical importance for older pets because they commonly develop problems with the heart, liver and kidneys, dental disease, etc. The vast majority of veterinarians deem it mandatory to perform testing prior to any anesthesia in pets that are at least 6 to 7 years old (considered senior or geriatric). Sometimes, underlying health problems can be triggered by the additional stress incurred with surgery.
The following are some common pre-anesthesia blood tests and what they tell us:
CBC (Complete Blood Count)-This test examines the relative numbers of red and white blood cells and platelets in the blood. This tells the veterinarian whether there is inflammation or infection present or whether your pet is anemic or has problems with blood clotting. Anemia and clotting issues are extremely important information to have prior to surgery.
Chemistry Panel-Consists of the following main tests:
BUN, Creatinine, Phosphorus-Kidney function
ALT, Alkaline Phosphatase, Bilirubin-Liver function
Amylase, Lipase-Pancrease function
Total Protein, Globulin-Immune system, Dehydration
Glucose-Diabetes, Insulin tumor
Cholesterol-Hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s disease, Pancreatitis
Calcium-Kidney disease, Hyperthyroidism, Some tumors
Electrolytes-Endocrine disease, Kidney function, Dehydration (Can tell the vet what type if I.V. fluids should be administered)
If any abnormalities are found in your pet’s blood results, the vet can alter the type of anesthesia or medications used to make the procedure safer and will be aware of any further treatment that may be needed. Normal results can give you peace of mind, knowing that you did everything possible to increase the likelihood of a successful surgery for your pet.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at 479-649-3100.
