As our furry friends age, their bodies undergo changes that can leave them more vulnerable to health ailments. Senior dogs are more susceptible to developing various health issues, including renal and liver disease, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. Regular blood tests are crucial for elderly dogs and their importance cannot be exaggerated, as they can detect and track the number of underlying medical conditions that may not be evident to the naked eye. To maintain the health and well-being of our senior dogs, it is vital to arrange routine veterinary check-ups and blood tests. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why regular blood tests are crucial for senior dogs.
Early Detection of Health Problems
Periodic blood tests assist in detecting health issues early on before they worsen and become incapacitating. Dogs are more likely to develop a range of health problems, and early diagnosis enables veterinarians to provide treatment and control the illness more effectively. For instance, blood tests can spot changes in organ function that could be a sign of kidney or liver disease. Veterinarians can put forth a treatment plan that can reduce or halt the progression of the disease, enhancing the dog’s overall quality of life. Many times a simple change in diet can reduce or reverse the symptoms.
Monitoring Chronic Conditions
A chronic medical issue that needs continual care may already exist in senior dogs. Blood testing can support veterinarians in tracking the development of certain illnesses and modifying the prescribed treatment as necessary. For example, if a dog has diabetes, blood tests can be used to monitor glucose levels and ensure that the insulin dosage is appropriate.
Preventing Health Problems
Blood tests on an annual basis can help avoid health problems in older dogs. By spotting abnormalities early on, veterinarians can suggest preventative actions to help avert complications. If blood tests reveal that a dog is predisposed to kidney disease, the pet doctor may advise changes to their diet to help prevent the condition from escalating.
Identifying Cancer
Cancer is a common health concern in senior dogs, and early pinpointing is key to successful treatment. Blood tests can help identify cancer by spotting variations in white blood cell counts and other markers. This allows veterinarians to start treatment as soon as possible and will increase the probability of optimistic results.
Medication Monitoring
Medication is frequently needed to treat multiple illnesses in old dogs. Blood tests can be done to observe how these medications are impacting the dog’s body. For example, some medications can cause liver or kidney damage, which can be determined through blood tests. Initial identification allows veterinarians to change the drug or dosage to stop further harm.
Overall Health Assessment
Regular blood tests can provide an overall assessment of a senior dog’s health. Blood tests can detect changes in blood chemistry, red and white blood cell counts, and other parameters that can indicate the presence of underlying health problems. Veterinarians can use this information to assess the dog’s overall health and develop a customized health plan to ensure the dog’s continued well-being.
Understanding Blood Tests
A vital tool in veterinary medicine is blood testing. There is an array of blood tests that veterinarians may use to evaluate a dog’s health. These tests can include a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry panel, and thyroid hormone testing. Along with blood tests, veterinarians can perform extra diagnostic techniques,likeEchocardiograms, radiographs, , ultrasounds and urinalysis, to create a comprehensive picture of a dog’s health.
Age-Related Changes
Dogs’ bodies alter as they age, which can have an impact on the outcomes of blood tests. For example, senior dogs may have reduced red blood cell counts or changes in liver function which might influence the findings of blood chemistry tests. Veterinarians are educated to consider a dog’s age and breed when interpreting blood test results.
Factors Affecting the Frequency of Blood Tests
The frequency of blood tests for senior dogs depends on various factors, including the dog’s age, breed, and health status. Generally, senior dogs should have blood tests at least once a year, but some dogs may require more frequent testing. For example, dogs with a history of health problems or those taking medication may require more frequent testing.
Importance of Blood Tests for Senior Dog Breeds
Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to certain medical conditions as they age. Regular blood tests can detect these conditions early before they become severe. For example, Golden Retrievers are prone to developing cancer, while German Shepherds may develop hip dysplasia. Diagnositic tests can detect these conditions early, and veterinarians can take steps to manage them and improve the dog’s quality of life.
There are several things that a veterinarian will typically look for in a blood test for senior pets, but two of the major factors are:
Organ Function
A blood test can figure out organ function by evaluating the quantities of certain enzymes, proteins, and other substances that are produced by different organs in the body. When organs are functioning normally, they release these substances in a certain range, but if they are not functioning properly, the levels can be too high or too low.
For example, liver function can be assessed by measuring the levels of enzymes such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in the blood. If these levels are high, it can indicate that the liver is damaged or not functioning properly.
Other organ functions can also be assessed through blood tests. For example. Measuring levels of pancreatic enzymes can indicate whether the pancreas is producing enough enzymes for digestion.
Thyroid testing
Thyroid testing is also commonly performed in senior pets. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism, and imbalances in thyroid hormone levels can cause a wide range of health problems. Thyroid testing typically involves measuring the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood, which can help diagnose hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) or hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone levels). Senior pets are at higher risk for thyroid issues, so regular thyroid testing is important to catch any imbalances early and provide appropriate treatment.
Blood Cell Counts
Blood tests can also measure the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a pet’s blood. Low levels of red blood cells can indicate anemia, which can be caused by a variety of underlying health problems. High levels of white blood cells can indicate an infection or inflammation, while low levels can indicate an immune system problem. Platelets are important for blood clotting, and low levels can cause excessive bleeding or bruising.
Preparing Your Dog for a Blood Test
Preparing a dog for a blood test involves several important steps to ensure that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible for both the dog and the veterinarian. Here are some tips to prepare your dog for a blood test:
- Schedule the test for a time when your dog is calm and relaxed. Avoid scheduling the test during times of the day when your dog is typically more active or excited.
- Make sure your dog has been properly hydrated. Dehydration can make it more difficult for the veterinarian to draw blood.
- Avoid feeding your dog for several hours before the test. A fasted dog is easier to work with and is less likely to vomit or have diarrhea during the procedure. Also, certain blood tests are affected by food so accuracy is impaired when the dog has had a meal.
- Prepare your dog by handling its paws and gently massaging the area where the blood will be drawn. This will help them get used to the sensation and make the process less stressful.
- Bring your dog’s favorite treat or toy to the appointment to help keep them calm and distracted during the test.
- Be calm and reassured throughout the process. Dogs can sense their owner’s anxiety, so staying relaxed can help your dog feel more at ease.
Conclusion
Blood tests are essential for senior dogs. They can detect and monitor various underlying medical conditions that may not be visible to the naked eye, allowing veterinarians to provide treatment and manage the condition more effectively. Senior dogs require regular veterinary check-ups and blood tests to maintain their health and prevent the onset of various health problems. As pet owners, we must ensure that our senior dogs receive the necessary preventive care to ensure they live a healthy life.
If you are looking for senior dog care and dog blood testing near Matthews, NC contact our team at Caring Hearts Animal Hospital. Our team is Fear Free Certified and AHAA accredited. Make an appointment for your pet by calling us at (704) 893-2799 or by scheduling an appointment online.