Barbara A. Willhouse, DVM
Pre-Surgery Lab Test Recommendations
A thorough physical exam is performed the day of surgery. Unfortunately, many disease processes can occur that would not be detected by a routine physical exam alone. Many chronic or subtle disease processes cause only vague or intermittent signs and symptoms such as :
- Changes in activity levels, either decreased or increased
- Inability to exercise normally
- Increased water consumption or changes in urination habits
- Behavioral or mental changes
- Changes in sleep or eating habits
- Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
- Weight loss or gain
Because an anesthetic procedure may worsen an existing disease process, we require a COMPLETE LAB PROFILE for any animal over 8 years of age. This consists of a full chemistry profile, a complete blood count and a urinalysis.
If you pet is less than 8 years of age and is displaying none of the above signs, then we recommend a screening profile. This consists of a complete blood count and screening tests for liver and kidney disease. Should any of these show abnormal results, we would contact you to proceed with the full lab work up.
Each of the lab test checks different aspects of a pet's health.
CBC (Complete Blood Count) - Detects anemia, a non-specific consequence of many chronic disease process, inflammation or infection.
Full Chemistry Profile - A battery of 16-20 tests that check for many types of liver and kidney problems, certain hormonal problems (including diabetes), and protein or electrolyte imbalances (calcium, sodium, potassium).
Urinalysis - A good screening test for liver, kidney and certain hormonal abnormalities, as well as diabetes.
Screening Chemistries - Provide only a screen for certain liver and kidney abnormalities. The kidney and liver are the two main organ systems that are responsible for metabolizing anesthetics. Tese tests are an aide in determining anesthetic risk, and not as a diagnostic tool in a sick or geriatric animal.
If you pet is less than 8 years of age and is displaying none of the above signs, then we recommend a screening profile. This consists of a complete blood count and screening tests for liver and kidney disease. Should any of these show abnormal results, we would contact you to proceed with the full lab work up.
Each of the lab test checks different aspects of a pet's health.
CBC (Complete Blood Count) - Detects anemia, a non-specific consequence of many chronic disease process, inflammation or infection.
Full Chemistry Profile - A battery of 16-20 tests that check for many types of liver and kidney problems, certain hormonal problems (including diabetes), and protein or electrolyte imbalances (calcium, sodium, potassium).
Urinalysis - A good screening test for liver, kidney and certain hormonal abnormalities, as well as diabetes.
Screening Chemistries - Provide only a screen for certain liver and kidney abnormalities. The kidney and liver are the two main organ systems that are responsible for metabolizing anesthetics. Tese tests are an aide in determining anesthetic risk, and not as a diagnostic tool in a sick or geriatric animal.
