Below is an overview of commonly recommended laboratory tests. It will include their name, description, what it tells us, and which patients would benefit.
Common Protocols
All patients who take chronic medications, regardless of what they are, should have a CBC and Chemistry at least once a year. Not because we worry about medications causing problems, but because the use of certain medications needs adjusting should medical issues arise. The urinalysis may be recommended as part of a “minimum database,” depending on the age, breed, and recommendations of your veterinarian.
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
This test checks the number of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets (PLTs) present in a blood sample. It will also check other specific aspects of RBCs and WBCs. For pets healthy of physical examination, the CBC will not provide enough information alone. Instead, it is used to further assess general organ function, whose values are provided by the Chemistry Panel. However, chronic autoimmune diseases and other conditions may require regular monitoring of the pet’s RBCs, WBCs, and PLTs.
Chemistry Panel
This test investigates a variety of values that can provide information regarding organ function. It will check liver and kidney values, blood sugar, electrolytes, etc. This information is assessed alongside a physical examination and a CBC. Note that “no significant findings” or “within normal limits” doesn’t mean an animal is 100% healthy. The body does a magnificent job maintaining balance for as long as possible. Only after significant progression of a disease will many of these values change.
Urinalysis
This test requires at least 1 tablespoon of urine. General screening urinalyses (UA) can use naturally voided or “free catch” urine samples. If a true problem, such as infection, is suspecting, your doctor may collect a urine sample directly from the bladder using a procedure called a “cystocentesis” (or cysto, for short). The urinalysis is an adjunct test for general organ function as there are values used to further assess kidney, liver, and endocrine function. There will also be tests to identify any issues with urinary crystals, bladder stones, etc.
Less Common Protocols
Some of these tests will typically be part of a minimum database for older pets. Otherwise, they will be recommended for pets demonstrating specific symptoms.
Thyroid Panel
Generally, felines will develop hyperthyroidism and canines will develop hypothyroidism. The thyroid has a significant role in metabolism and homeostasis. As your pet ages, the likelihood of them developing thyroid abnormalities increases. Some providers will include a “T4” (thyroxine) as part of their yearly screening bloodwork. T4 is an active thyroid hormone, but there are several other values required for proper diagnosis of thyroid conditions. If the T4 comes back abnormal, your veterinarian will recommend the full panel. Monitoring a chronic thyroid problem can often be accomplished with just the T4. The most common laboratory is Michigan State University (MSU).
GI Panel
General organ function tests may provide information about GI health if there is moderate-severe disease present. If trying to assess pets with non-traditional symptoms or mild-moderate disease, they will likely need a proper GI Panel to be sent to a reference laboratory. The GI Panel assesses TLI, PLI, Cobalamin, and Folate – all major players in gut health. The pet does need to be fasted for 8-12 hours prior to this blood draw to ensure accurate results. The most common group to assess these panels is Texas A&M University.
Imaging
The previous tests referred mostly to fluid analyses that provide information about the function of internal organs. These next tests focus more on organ structure.
X-Rays
Also known as “radiographs” or “rads,” x-rays are black and white images used to assess internal organ size and shape. They are best for observing general outlines, checking for obvious masses, or assessing bones. They are considered the best for general screening, but further imaging may be required for soft tissue assessment.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to look inside the body. They are not helpful for assessment of bone or the inside of bone structures. They are, however, very helpful for more specific assessment of organs inside the abdomen and chest. While it may be difficult to see the entire organ, ultrasound can assess structures inside the organs as well as measure the depth of tissue layers. Ultrasound is often used to assess the kidney, liver, adrenal, intestinal, pancreas, and heart.
MRI
Short for magnetic resonance imaging, MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create images. MRI is best for assessing organs or tissue inside of boney structures (the brain and spinal cord) and/or small areas of soft tissue. While they are expensive and require the dog or cat to be completely anesthetized, they are the best imaging technique for assessing neurologic conditions and very small, abnormal areas.
Comments