March Animal Hospital

                             Monday: 7:30am - 8:00pm

                                Tuesday - Wednesday: 8:30am - 6:00pm

                           Thursday: 8:30am - 8:00pm

                           Friday: 8:30am - 6:00pm
                          Saturday: 8:30am - 2:00pm
                         Sunday - CLOSED

 

 

March Animal Hospital
1000 E. Central Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
(847)670-8470



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March Animal Hospital

Laboratory Testing

 

 

 

Veterinarians depend on laboratory results as a diagnostic tool to help them understand the status of your pet's health. When your pet is healthy, laboratory tests provide a means to determine your pet's baseline values. When your pet is sick, the veterinarian can more easily determine whether or not your pet's lab values are abnormal by comparing the baseline values to the current values. Subtle changes in these laboratory test results, even in the outwardly healthy animal, may signal the presence of an underlying disease. AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) recommends that dogs and cats at middle age undergo laboratory tests at least annually. During the senior years, laboratory tests are recommended every six months for healthy dogs and cats.

At a minimum, the following tests are recommended:

  • Complete Blood Count: This common test measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in a given sample of blood. The numbers and types of these cells give the veterinarian information needed to help diagnose anemia, infections and leukemia. A complete blood count also helps veterinarian monitor your pet's response to some treatments.
  • Urinalysis: Laboratory analysis of urine is a tool used to detect the presence of specific substances that normally do not appear in urine, such as protein, sugar, white blood cells, bacteria or blood. A measurement of the dilution or concentration of urine is also helpful in diagnosing diseases. Urinalysis can assist in the diagnosis of urinary-tract infections, diabetes, dehydration, kidney problems and many other conditions.
  • Blood Chemistry Panel: Blood-chemistry panels measure electrolytes, enzymes and chemical elements. This information helps your veterinarian determine how various organs, such as the kidneys, pancreas, and liver, are currently functioning. The results of these tests help your veterinarian formulate an accurate diagnosis, prescribe proper therapy, and monitor the response to treatment. Further testing may be recommended based on the results of these tests.
  • Thyroid Level: This blood test measures the amount of circulating thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is common in dogs resulting in lethargy, weight gain, and dermatological problems. Hyperthyroidism is common in senior cats resulting in weight loss, increased appetite and thirst, and heart problems.
  • Microscopic Fecal Parasite Evaluation: Microscopic examination of your pet's feces can provide information about many different kinds of diseases such as difficulties with digestion, internal bleeding, and disorders of the pancreas. Most importantly, though, this test confirms the presence of intestinal parasites, some of which can be transmitted to people.
  • Radiographs/Ultrasound: Imaging studies allow visualization of internal organs including the bladder, liver, spleen, kidney, pancreas and heart. These are especially useful in diagnosis of cardiac problems as well as abdominal growths and orthopedic issues.
File NameDescription / Comment
Understanding your Pet's Bloodwork - PDF file