Labwork, FAQ

by | Mar 29, 2024 | Labwork / Diagnostics

Labwork, FAQ

FAQ’s About Laboratory Work

By Dr. Karen Burgess

Why should laboratory work be performed on a pet?
There are many reasons to perform testing on a pet, some of the more common include:

  • As part of a wellness examination-our goal with annual labwork is to prove that a pet is healthy and not find abnormalities. The idea is to establish a baseline so that if and when a problem develops there is a “normal” reference point to refer back to. This becomes increasingly important with age, thus why it is recommended that senior pets have labwork done twice a year. In some situations a pet may seem healthy and an unknown medical condition may be identified thus allowing earlier intervention and possibly a better prognosis.
  • With illness – labwork allows further evaluation of the sick pet in an effort to further isolate the problem, assist with treatment, and provide prognosis.
  • Prior to anesthesia – the key to safe anesthesia is to plan ahead. A key component of this is preanesthetic labwork which helps to determine safe drug and dose selection.

How are labwork samples obtained?
Bloodwork is performed on a blood sample. This sample is drawn from a neck or leg vein using a syringe and needle. Urine is either collected in a clean container while a pet is naturally voiding or while being restrained using a syringe and needle.

Where are blood tests performed?
Bloodwork can be done either by an automated analyzer in the hospital providing results within the hour or at a commercial laboratory yielding results within a day or so. Urine evaluation is done by automated analyzers and under the microscope visually. Some samples are also evaluated by trained personnel under the microscope.

Labwork, Complete Blood Count

by | Mar 29, 2024 | Labwork / Diagnostics

Labwork, Complete Blood Count

Complete Blood Count

By Dr. Karen Burgess

What is a CBC (complete blood count)?
A CBC quantifies the number of red and white blood cells and platelets a pet has. It also describes the cells qualities including how they physically look (ex. too small, too large)

What are red blood cells and what tests are done on them?
Red blood cells make up almost half of the blood’s volume. They give blood its red color and contain hemoglobin which is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to all of the cells in the body. Common tests performed include:

  • RBC (red blood cell count), HCT (hematocrit), Hgb (hemoglobin)-measures red blood cell mass and quantity. A decrease in these counts would be suggestive anemia, a potentially serious medical problem.
  • MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW– Measurement of red blood cell size. The size of the red blood cells can give clues about specific disease processes.
  • Retic– Quantification of reticulocytes or immature red blood cells. Helps determine whether the bone marrow is working properly.

What are white blood cells and what tests are done on them?
There are five types of white blood cells. These cells respond to bacteria, viruses, and foreign material in the body. White blood cell types include:

  • Neutrophils– most common white blood cell, typically fight bacterial infections. Can also be elevated with stress.
  • Lymphocytes– components of immune system.
  • Monocytes– are involved with damaged tissue typically.
  • Eosinophils– often involved with parasitic and allergic disease.
  • Basophils– also related to parasitic and allergic disease, uncommon.

What are platelets and what tests are done on them?
Platelets are the body’s first line of defense in the body’s clotting process. Low platelet counts can be indicative of potentially life threatening bleeding problems in a pet.

Labwork, Blood Chemistry

by | Mar 29, 2024 | Labwork / Diagnostics

Labwork, Blood Chemistry

Blood Chemistry

By Dr. Karen Burgess

What is blood chemistry testing?
Blood chemistry testing uses the serum or non-red blood cell portion of blood to evaluate how a variety or organs and systems work in the body. Often a variety of tests are combined to form a profile that is specific for a pet’s age or medical situation.

blood chemistry testing

What tests are commonly performed in a blood chemistry profile?

  • Glucose- Often also referred to as blood sugar, glucose provides energy to all of the body including the kidneys, brain, and muscles. Low blood sugar can cause seizures or collapse while persistent elevations of blood sugar may be indicative of diabetes.
  • Kidney testing– The kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood and regulating sodium (salt) and water concentrations in the body. Ultimately the kidneys produce urine. BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine are waste products that are filtered by the kidneys and elevations can occur with kidney disease or dehydration. A sample of the urine is necessary to fully evaluate kidney function. Electrolyte values are also often performed and further help determine kidney function.
  • Liver testing– The liver serves many functions in the body including waste removal and nutrient breakdown. ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is a direct measurement of liver cell damage. This value goes up and down very quickly allowing real time evaluation of damage to the liver. ALP (Alkaline phosphatase) is a less specific test and can be elevated with liver disease, stress, or secondary to hormonal diseases. GGT, AST, and bilirubin are all additional tests of liver function.
  • Protein values– The body requires protein as building blocks and in fighting off disease. Albumin, globulin, and total protein are all measures of protein in the body. Low values of albumin in particular can lead to life threatening fluid accumulation in the body.
  • Electrolytes– Na (sodium), K (potassium), Cl (chloride), TCO2, and anion gap are all related to electrolyte balance. The body keeps electrolyte values in very narrow ranges. Abnormally high or low levels can lead to collapse, heart failure, or other signs of disease.
  • Minerals– Ca (calcium) and Phos (phosphorous) are minerals that are tightly controlled in the body. Elevation in calcium can be associated with cancer and elevations of phosphorous with kidney disease.
  • Thyroid testing– Thyroid hormone impacts the metabolism of a pet. Elevations, commonly seen in cats, can lead to heart disease, weight loss, and eventually death. Abnormally low levels, more common in dogs, can cause abnormal weight gain, behavior changes, and skin disease.

Toothbrushing

by | Mar 29, 2024 | How To's

Toothbrushing

How To: Toothbrushing

By Dr. Karen Burgess

Right time right place
Chose a time when your pet and you are relaxed and in a comfortable space.

Pet face
Hold your pet as you normally would when petting. Rub or stroke their outer cheek (overlying their teeth) with your finger. Lift their lip periodically during this process. Provide a reward/treat at the end of each session. Repeat this process twice daily for gradually increasing amounts of time until able to perform for 2 minutes and successfully rub over both upper and lower teeth.

Opening the mouth
Put a hand underneath your pet’s chin and let them rest their head in your hand. At the same time, place your second hand on top of their nose (muzzle). Immediately release and provide a reward/treat. Repeat 5-10 times a couple times a day. After several days (when pet appears at ease with above), do the same but lift the upper lips with the hand on the nose exposing the teeth for a few seconds. Reward and repeat as above. Next gradually increase the time teeth are exposed until up to 10 seconds. Once this has been achieved, open your pet’s mouth and touch inside the mouth for a second. Reward and repeat 5-10 times a couple times daily. With each session, try and open mouth slightly wider with the goal being to see all the way to the back teeth. Finally, gradually increase the time the mouth is kept open and time that your finger is kept in the mouth/touching the teeth/gums. If at any time your pet shows signs of anxiety or resentment go back a step until they are comfortable and relaxed before moving on.

Bouillon or tuna water dip
Dip your finger in a tasty liquid of choice. As before, hold the nose and lift the upper lift keeping mouth closed, gently rub your opposite hand’s finger along the gums and teeth working from back to front. The gum line (crevice where gum meets crown or white part of tooth) is of particular importance. Initially perform for 2-3 seconds before providing a reward/treat. Repeat 2 to 3 times daily for gradually increasing amounts of time until able to rub outer surface of all teeth for 10 seconds each.

Pantyhose wrap
Repeat step 3 but with finger wrapped in pantyhose or gauze. Provide a reward/treat at the end of each session.

Taste test toothpaste
Repeat step 4 after placing a small amount of animal toothpaste on your finger. Provide a reward/treat at the end of each session.

Toothbrush
Place a small amount of toothpaste on soft bristled children’s or pet’s toothbrush; try to apply the paste between the bristles thus allowing it to last longer and not be immediately licked off. Lift the upper lip and using slow oval motion at a 45 degree angle focusing on the gum line; brush one tooth and associated gum only. Pay particular attention to the gum line as this is where bacteria and plaque collect. Provide a reward/treat at the end of session and repeat twice daily.

Gradually increase
As pet is comfortable with it, increase the number of teeth that are brushed up until brushing each side for 30 seconds. Attempt to do three to four teeth at a time and complete 10 strokes over each section. As always, provide a reward/treat at the end of each and every session.

Inside of teeth
Although of less importance, above steps can also be repeated for the inner surfaces of the teeth.

Subcutaneous Fluids

by | Mar 29, 2024 | How To's

Subcutaneous Fluids

Subcutaneous Fluid Administration

By Dr. Karen Burgess

Equipment

  • Keep supplies at room temperature.
  • Prior to getting your pet, set up your administration set.
  • Remove fluid bag and administration tubing from packaging.
  • Remove plastic tab from end of fluid bag.
  • Hang fluid bag ideally just above head height (the higher the bag the faster the fluids will flow due to gravity).
  • Remove cap from pointed end of administration set and carefully pierce fluid bag; do not touch tip of administration set during this process.
  • Squeeze clear plastic tube on administration set immediately below fluid bag to fill chamber partially; the idea is to keep air out of the line but still be able to see the fluid drip into the chamber. If you fill the chamber too full you will not be able to see the drips. In this situation, take the bag down, hold it upside down, squeeze chamber to empty fluid back into the fluid bag, and start again.
  • After the chamber is partially full, use roll bar on the fluid line to open up flow. Once fluid is flowing freely from end of line, reclamp the roll bar stopping flow of fluid.
  • Place a fresh needle on end of administration tubing.

Setting

  • Chose a time of day and location that are as relaxing as possible for fluid administration. This may be on your lap, a favorite pillow, or perched near a window.
  • Offer your pet a high value food reward while giving fluids or immediately after if possible. This can often help alleviate some of the negative feelings they may have about the process.

Fluid Administration

  • Lift a scruff of skin at nape of neck forming a tent or triangle.
  • Taking care to not stick your own hand, pierce skin with needle perpendicular to the skin. Insert until needle is no longer visible.
  • If blood is seen after needle insertion, remove the needle and use a different location.
  • The needle should pierce the skin easily and cause minimal discomfort. If needle seems dull or causes unexpected pain, replace with a new needle and try again.
  • Using one hand open up roll bar clamp on fluids allowing flow while holding pet with other hand. It may be necessary to have an extra pair of hands to help.
  • Watch line on fluid bag until volume desired has been administered.
  • Close roll bar clamp and swiftly remove needle from pet. Replace lid and then replace needle with fresh needle (thus ensuring a new needle at the start of every treatment).
  • Do not touch the needle or the end of the administration tubing with your hands or to any other surfaces. These should be kept as sterile as possible with the needle only coming into contact with your pet’s skin.

Fluid Pocket

  • The pocket of subcutaneous fluids is absorbed overtime by the body. If you notice the pocket is still present (you may find it in the same location or “settled” under the chest or belly) at your next scheduled administration time, do not give further fluids and contact Healthy Paws Animal Hospital