Much like their human companions, our four legged friends benefit from routine blood work to evaluate the condition of vital organs and over all health. Even in animals which appear to be otherwise healthy, blood work may detect early signs of many health conditions allowing for early treatment and improved prognosis. In addition blood work can be utilized to evaluate the body’s ability to properly process and eliminate medications and anesthesia. Health conditions including but not limited to diabetes, hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, liver and kidney diseases are diagnosed through the evaluation of blood work. Remember that one year of your life is equal to seven years of your pet’s life, therefore it is important to evaluate blood work on at minimum an annual basis. By the time that most pets reach the age of seven in human years they are already considered to be a senior citizen. Although blood work in young dogs up to 18 months of age provides a baseline of your pet’s state of health, blood work becomes increasingly important as your pet ages. Senior Health Profiles are generally more comprehensive and provide a thorough evaluation of your pet’s current health status. Early detection of medical conditions will save your pet and your pocket book from added stress. For example, treatment of kidney disease prior to kidney failure may add years to your pet’s life. Ask us at Animal Central for more information.
Senior pet (copyright Animal Central)
For additional information please visit:
http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?art_key=33c35746-865f-4fc7-a0df-cd816e06e13b
Dr. George Stroberg, DVM and Staff
