We have prepared this article with help of Antech Diagnostics to help you understand the importance of periodic Wellness Exams.
Your pet seems to be happy and robust. The truth is, the gradual onset of disease in seemingly healthy pets will often go unnoticed. Once symptoms do appear, the condition may be difficult and costly to treat and diagnose. This is why a Wellness Exam is so important to your pet's quality of life. Diagnostic testing is the most sensitive and accurate method of early detection of sub clinical health problems.
Our Wellness Exam Plus package includes laboratory tests we can use to diagnose blood disorders, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, infection, cancer, thyroid disease and other hormonal problems. Many of these conditions can be prevented, controlled, or completely reversed if diagnosed early.
A Wellness Exam also gives us a benchmark from which to measure future test results should your pet become ill. A Wellness Exam is just one element of a complete wellness program that promotes pet health. Regular Dental Care, vaccinations or vaccine titers, control of parasites , proper nutrition, regular excersice and appropriate environment also add vitality and years to your pet's life.,
FIVE BASICS TESTS THAT OFFER MORE THAN BASIC INFORMATION
These are five types of basic tests we will use to evaluate wellness, Each one provides a wealth of information concerning the true health of your pet:
1. COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC)
The CBC tests for anemia, infection, inflammation and overall healthiness of the blood cells. It also evaluates the number and type of cells in circulation. White Blood Cells (WBC's), help fight infection or inflammation. Red Blood Cells (RBC's), carry oxygen to the tissues.
2. CHEMESTRY TESTS
The Chemestry panel surveys many of the organ systems of the body to make sure they are working normally. These will Include:
Liver: This group of tests helps evaluate various functions and health of the liver.
Kidney: These tests monitor the fuction and health of the kidneys.
Pancreas: These tests are abnormal when there is something wrong with the pancreas.
Muscle and Bone: Evaluates Calcium and Phosphorous , muscle damage, trauma or inflammation, Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium)
Deficiencies or excesses of these electrolytes are harmful to the animal 's mental and physical well being.
3. THYROID FUNCTION TESTS
These tests are useful in diagnosing malfunctions of the Thyroid gland. Because there is no single thyroid disease in animals, a panel of several different thyroid tests are used to unsure proper diagnostic.
4. URINANALYSIS
This asseses the health and fuction of the urinary system. It is speacially important to help in early detection of kidney disease. The urine sample is tested for several chemical components , as well as any cells and Crystals .
5. PARASITE EXAMS
FECAL: A sample of stool is examined to look for hookworms, whipworms, roundoworms, and possibly coccidia, Giardia and other intestinal parasites
BLOOD: Serum is tested for the presence of heartworm on an annual basis.
DISCOVER A LONGER , HEALTHIER LIFE FOR YOUR PET.
We can provide additional information about the benefits of a Wellness Exam for your pet. It's one of the simplest ways available to help our companion animals live longer and healthier lives.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this or other topics, please give us a call back at 770-528-6363 or visit us at 1770 Powder Springs Rd. SW. Marietta, GA 30064, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you! Thank you!