Our pets are as many members of our family. They’re always having fun with us, whether running, playing, or even sleeping. We are inseparable from when they are bouncing pups until they’re fully grown. But what happens when they become an inability to keep up? It is evident that “slowing down” is often seen as pets reach middle age and beyond.
Many of the health issues that canines have as they age are prevented. All healthy pets should visit the vet facility at least once a year. Any age group would benefit from a thorough physical exam from head to toe, but senior pets are more likely to show symptoms of possible issues.
Senior Pet Diagnostics
Your physician may recommend you schedule your annual check-ups at intervals and other preventative diagnostic procedures to catch problems in the earliest stages. Early diagnosis is essential to an effective treatment, which we’ve learned from our vets. Therefore, let’s take a more in-depth look at various tests your senior dog might require.
1. Complete Blood Count
The red blood cell, white blood cell count, and platelet count are all part of the complete blood count (CBC). The CBC measures the overall number of cells in the blood size, proportions, and sizes of the various cell types.
The CBC is a diagnostic tool for identifying more severe issues. A low red blood cell count shows that something is bleeding. It could be that the body’s red blood cells are being destroyed or consumed, or the body’s production isn’t enough. An increased count, on the other hand, may suggest the presence of dehydration. A change in the white blood cell lines can indicate an infection, inflammation, or malignancy.
2. Blood Chemistry
A blood chemistry test evaluates the function of an organ. Kidney function, liver enzymes tests, blood protein, and blood-sugar levels are a test panel’s most widely reported results. Other values include the pancreas, electrolytes as well as gallbladder function.
Carolina veterinary specialists will know what you need to do based on these numbers. Lethargy may be caused by liver diseases or similar. In the case of high blood sugar levels in diabetes testing, a chemical test could assist. For instance, when liver enzymes are abnormally high, the result could indicate the next area of investigation. It provides a great deal of information at a low effort and expense.
3. Thyroid Test
T4 and free T4 are the shorthand of a particular type of thyroid hormone. It’s a term commonly used by veterinarians in thyroid tests. T4 is a kind of thyroid hormone that is produced within the body. However, it is only an examination for screening purposes, and it is necessary to conduct further research when the results are unnatural.
One of the dogs’ most commonly diagnosed illnesses is hypothyroidism. It is one of the conditions where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. The result is that the dog appears older than they have because it might have a decrease in appetite and energy and gain weight.
A surgical operation may be necessary to treat a thyroid condition in your pet. Do a Web search for “veterinary surgeon near me” to get localized results.
4. Urine Analysis
The Urinalysis, or UA in the way it is usually abbreviated, is a chemical analysis of your dog’s urine. Urine can be a sign of several illnesses. We test urine’s protein levels, pH, crystals, cells, and more. Each of these details reveals your dog’s health.
It’s only sometimes necessary to bring a urine sample to a reputable facility like Carolina Veterinary Specialists Rock Hill for an infection check. Diabetic conditions, kidney disease, bladder stones, and even prostate and bladder cancers can all be detected with a simple urine test. The indication is so sensitive that it often predicts blood work changes.
5. Chest X-ray
The term “radiograph” is simply another word for “x-ray.” X-rays of your dog’s thoracic (chest) area can be an excellent diagnostic tool. With chest X-rays, your veterinarian can examine the lungs, heart, spine, trachea, esophagus, and, occasionally, upper belly.
A dog’s refusal to play fetch might be due to his lack of ability to heal from the game’s intensity. Chest X-rays may show lung and heart problems affecting a patient’s health, breathing, and general health. Heart disease primary, asthma, allergies, and cancer are among these.
