Do you know the importance of blood chemistry testing? Not only is this useful to help detect problems early but it is also particularly helpful to do before an anesthetic procedure. Blood chemistry will help evaluate the functioning of your pet’s organs, (i.e. the liver and kidneys) because these organs process and rid the body of normal metabolic by-products and medications used during anesthesia. More testing may include the following:

Hematology evaluates the blood cells:

Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

White blood cells are the body’s primary means of fighting infection.

Platelets are important for the blood clotting process to stop bleeding.

Electrolytes are vital to your pet’s health. Abnormal levels can be life threatening. Electrolyte tests are important in evaluating vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and cardiac (heart) symptoms.

T4 (Thyroxine) is a measurement of the level of thyroid hormone circulating in the blood and is helpful in identifying thyroid disease. This can occur in both dogs and cats and can have a serious impact on health if left untreated. Testing is especially important for cats over the age of seven.

Urinalysis – The urine contains by-products from many organs, such as the kidneys, liver and pancreas. Abnormal levels of these by-products can indicate diabetes, liver, or urinary tract diease.

Electrocardiogram detects heart rate and electrical rhythm. Centain abnormal rhythms and heart rates can be harmful to animals undergoing anesthesia.