What extra care does my senior cat need?
Statistics show that cats, like people, are living longer. This is great news! We all treasure the companionship we share with our pets. We also hope to provide them the longest, happiest, and healthiest lives possible.

It may seem like only yesterday when you brought home that bright, bouncy kitten. However, by 7 years, your cat has entered middle age. At 12 years old, we consider cats to be "elderly," and at 15 or above, the term "aged" could even apply. In reality, old age is never just a number but rather a measure of the cumulative effects of aging on the body. Many variables affect aging, including genetics, nutrition, and environment. Although good genes remain a matter of luck, there are a growing number of ways we can "slow the clock" and promote a healthful, long and happy life for our pets.

Comparative Ages of Cats and Humans
As your cat ages, changes in behavior and physical condition inevitably occur. Body systems begin to slow down. The haircoat and skin change, joints stiffen, the senses are less keen. Just as in people, several diseases increase in likelihood as cats age. Kidney disease, heart disease, thyroid problems, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer are a few common ones. The good news is that many of these conditions can be controlled or even prevented with early detection and treatment. This is where pet owners, working closely with their veterinarian, make such a significant difference for their pets!

Cats, as you know, are secretive creatures. It takes a watchful companion to notice the first signs of illness. Any unusual symptoms should be brought to our attention as soon as possible. These may include:

• Change in water consumption (watch carefully for an increase in volume)
• Change in appetite
• Lethargy or depression (listless behavior)
• Change in urine production (watch carefully for increased amounts of urine in the litter box)
• Constipation
• Change in litter box habits
• Change in attitude (irritability)
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Bad breath
• Lumps and bumps on or under the skin
• change in grooming habits
• Stiffness, trouble jumping
• Vocalizing for no apparent reason

What can UHAH do to help care for our senior feline?
The most important way your veterinarian can help is by performing a thorough review of your cat’s medical history and by doing a physical examination on a regular basis. While an annual exam suffices for younger pets, we advise seeing your older cat at least every six months (realize six months for a cat equals 2 to 3 years in the life of a human). Special attention will be paid to your cat's teeth and gums, skin and coat, heart, lungs, kidneys, digestive system, eyes and joints.

We also recommend performing several non-invasive tests and procedures on a regular basis. These may include blood tests, urinalysis, x-rays, ECG, and blood pressure measurement, just as is done with routine health examinations in people). These tests help us in two ways; first, your veterinarian can identify early-stage disease when control or even prevention is possible (and most cost-effective). Second, the tests will provide a yardstick with which your doctor can measure changes should your cat become ill in the future.
A proper diet and environment are critical for your cat's health and comfort. Our veterinarians, technicians, and assistants are experts on the special needs of your feline senior citizen and will always be happy to help advise you. Some senior-friendly modifications our hospital team might help you with are:

• Recommendations on a palatable, highly digestible diet with the proper balance of calories and nutrients (based on your cat's specific needs)
• Easier-access litter pans
• A comfortable, heated bed
• Extra assistance with routine grooming

The goal of senior care is simple. We want to help you maintain the highest quality of life for your pet and thereby enhance the bond we all share. Together, you and your veterinarian can help make the senior years the most rewarding years for you and your pet to share with each other.

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What extra care does my senior dog need?
Like people, pets are living longer. That is good news! We all value the companionship we share with our pets. Nothing helps that friendship more than working with your veterinarian to maintain your pet's health and quality of life. As your pet ages, changes in its behavior and physical condition will occur. This is the time to start on a senior health maintenance program to provide optimal care for your older pet.

The aging process varies between species and between individuals. Middle age in humans is defined as 45-59 years, "elderly" 60-75 years, and "aged" is the term applied to individuals greater than 75 years. In animals, we usually start to talk about senior care during the last 25-40% of the expected life span. In reality, old age is not just a chronological measurement of years lived; rather it is a measure of the function of our body systems subsequent to the cumulative effects of aging. Aging can be affected by a number of variables including genetics, nutrition, and environment.

For practical purposes, we start to consider dogs that are over the age of 7 as being "senior.” In general, small dogs (less than 20 pounds) tend to have longer life expectancies than medium to large breeds of dogs and comparative charts have been developed to help you relate your age to that of your pets (Table 1).

What signs should we look for in our senior pet?
As your pet ages, a number of degenerative changes occur in almost all body systems. It is important that you note any of the following symptoms and bring them to the attention of your veterinarian. These include changes in appetite or water consumption, changes in body weight (weight gain or weight loss), or decreases in apparent vision or hearing. It is also important to look for changes in your pet's behavior. Typical abnormal behavioral signs seen in elderly dogs include confusion or disorientation, decreased activity, changes in the sleep/wake cycle, loss of house training and decreased interest in you, your family, or their environment. We can frequently help dogs that are demonstrating these types of abnormalities, so pet owners are encouraged to keep us informed of any problems. Your pet's haircoat and skin should also be examined to look for any new lumps or growths that develop. Bring these to our attention as soon as possible. Dental disease is also a problem in the senior pet so routine oral examinations are a great way to help prevent tooth loss and fight bad breath and oral infections.

What can UHAH do to help our family care for a senior pet?
The most important thing your veterinarian will want to do is obtain a thorough medical history and perform a physical examination on your pet, on a regular basis. Unlike the situation during your pet's early years, your veterinarian will want to see your senior pet at least every 6 months. This makes sense based on the rate at which our pets age relative to how we age. We may also advise taking blood tests and a urinalysis at least once a year. Your veterinarian may also recommend radiographs (x-rays) or ultrasound exams, blood pressure assessment, and glaucoma testing. These tests not only help us to establish baseline information but to look for or monitor existing problems. We will also be looking for signs of gum or dental disease and recommend routine dental care both at home and at the hospital. Any suspicious growths or lumps will be noted and recommendations for biopsy and/or removal will be discussed with you. Our healthcare team will also be keeping a detailed medical record of all your pet's problems including a record of all the medications and supplements your pet takes. Our team’s effort at comprehensive record keeping is the basis for our quality veterinary care.

As the aging process continues, you may also need to consult with your veterinarian about such things as pain management. Conditions like arthritis are very common disorders in older pets. Newer medications are now available which are both safe and effective in the management of a number of chronic senior health problems and your veterinarian will keep you updated on these developments.

The goal of senior care is simple. We want to help you maintain the highest possible quality of life for your pet and thereby enhance the bond we all share. Together, you and your veterinarian can help make the senior years the most rewarding years for you and your pet to share with each other.

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Giving oral medications to a cat

1. You may have to give your cat medication in either liquid or tablet form. If your cat doesn’t like the idea, remember it’s for your pet’s own good. Start by wrapping your cat’s body and legs tightly in a towel, leaving only its heat sticking out from the towel.
   
   
2. If you cradle your cat in one arm, and place your thumb and forefinger on either side of its face, you can force the mouth open by applying gentle pressure at the space between the teeth.
   
   
3. This will allow you to deposit a pill in your cat’s mouth.
   
   
4. Next, gently massage or rub your cat’s throat until they swallow the medication.
   
   
5. If you have to give you cat a liquid medication, use the above procedure but insert the dropper between the cheek and teeth and, while tilting the chin upward, slowly dispense the medication. These techniques are generally accepted and used by veterinarians for the administration of medications to pets. However, it is recommended you consult with your veterinarian before applying them.

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Giving oral medications to a dog

1. If your veterinarian prescribes oral medication for your dog, a few simple tricks may come in handy. If you have to give your dog tablets, the easiest way is to hide the pill inside a small amount of the canned food you are feeding your pet.
   
   
2. If you are feeding the dry form, buy a few cans of the same formula and use this for administering the tablets.
   
   
3. Offer this treat before the regular meal. Dogs usually accept this treat without questioning your motives.
   
   
4. If you must give your dog a liquid medication, insert the dropper between the teeth and cheek and, while tilting the chin upward, slowly dispense the medication. These techniques are generally accepted and used by veterinarians for the administration of medications to pets. However, it is
   recommended you consult with
   your veterinarian before applying them.

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How do I administer subcutaneous fluids to my cat?
PART I: Preparing the venoset

Step 1: Ensure that the wheel of the venoset valve is turned completely down (closed).

Step 2: Examine your bag of fluids. Gently squeeze the bag to check for pinhole leaks. See if the fluids are cloudy. If you find either of these things, discard the bag as it may be contaminated. If your bag is good, proceed by removing the plastic tab from the port of the bag by grasping and pulling it straight off.

Step 3: Remove the protective cap from the piercing end of the venoset by pulling it straight off. To preserve sterility, do not touch the exposed tip.

Step 4: Grasp the drip chamber so that the thumb and indexfingers are resting against the tabs. Center the piercing end of the venoset in the port and push it in using a slight twisting motion. Continue pushing until the piercing end is completely inside the bag.

Step 5: Using the plastic loop on the bag, hang the bag.
Step 6: Fill the drip chamber with fluid by squeezing the chamber. Repeatedly squeeze until chamber is half-full. If you overfill chamber, invert the bag and squeeze fluid back into the bag.
Step 7: Remove the protective cap from the needle end of the venoset. Do not touch the exposed end. Open the valve by pushing the wheel up. Let fluid run through the tubing until all air is removed. Turn valve off.
Step 8: Pick up new needle and remove the protective covering from the hub by twisting. Do not touch the exposed hub.

Step 9: Attach the hub of the needle to the needle end of the venoset by gently twisting it on. The venoset is now ready for you to give fluids to your cat.

PART II: Administering the Fluids to your Cat
NOTE: Warm fluids first by immersing the bag only (make sure the port stays above the water) in a pan or pitcher of hot tap water for 5-10 minutes. Fluids should be lukewarm. Test the fluids on your forearm as you would for a baby before administering them to your cat.
Step 1: Hang fluids bag over a door, doorknob, or shower rod. Suggestion: use an "S" hook fashioned out of a wire coat hanger and hook over a door. Place cat on counter or sit on the floor with cat in your lap. A variation is to have one person hold (and later squeeze to make the delivery of fluids faster) the bag while the other controls the cat and needle. (With practice and a patient cat this can be done solo.)
Step 2: Make sure your cat is comfortable. Make this a pleasurable experience by giving extra attention or favorite treats.
Step 3: Remove the cap from the needle by grasping the hub in one hand, the cap in the other, and pulling your hands straight apart. Caution: as you pull, keep your hands separated to avoid stabbing yourself with the exposed needle. This would not only be painful - it would also contaminate the needle! Set cap aside.

Step 4: With your free hand, lift the skin between the shoulder blades, forming a tent. With a free finger of the needle holding hand, say the ring or middle finger, push in on the skin near the shoulders to form a pocket. This is where the needle will be inserted.
Step 5: Insert the needle with a quick, steady movement, keeping the needle parallel with the cat's body, and the bevel of the needle up. Open the valve (wheel up). Release the skin between the shoulders. You may have to adjust the position of the needle to get a steady flow of fluids. Make sure the needle did not poke out the other side of the skin tent when you were inserting it, and fluids are not leaking on the floor.
Step 6: While administering the fluids you may find it necessary to redirect to the point of the needle a few times to make several "lumps" of fluid under the skin -- e.g. deliver half the fluids over the right shoulder and half over the left. You do not have to take the needle out of the skin to redirect it. In cats that have lost significant weight or cats that have been receiving subcutaneous fluids for some time this may not be necessary.
Step 7: When the required amount of fluid has been administered, turn the valve off and pull the needle out in a quick, smooth movement. Recap the needle. Some fluid, perhaps pink-tinged, may leak out of the injection site. This is normal. Pinch the area where the needle was between your thumb and index finger for a few seconds to close the site.
Step 8: Your cat may now resume her daily routine. The fluids will be slowly absorbed over the course of several hours. The bolus of fluids might slide down your cat's shoulders into her legs or under her chest. While this looks odd, it is not abnormal.
Check the venoset regularly and replace it ever month. The liquid should always appear clear. If there is any cloudiness, it may mean the fluids are contaminated. Change the venoset immediately and throw out the contaminated fluids. Your cat has a weakened immune system because of her health problems, and contaminated fluids will only make the condition worse.

This guide is not meant to replace diagnosis or direction from your own veterinarian. While we believe the specification and usage of equipment, as set forth on this document, are in accord with current recommendations and practice, I accept no legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, and make no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein. If any of your own veterinarian's directions differ from what is outlined, always follow your veterinarian's advice.

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Tips for traveling with your pet

The next time you go on a family vacation, why not take the whole family, Fido and Fluffy included? Just remember that you need to plan and prepare when taking your family pets on vacation, just like traveling with your human family.

Where are you going?
There may be certain restrictions and regulations concerning travel with your pet. When crossing states lines or into other countries, check the U.S. State and Territory Animal Import Regulations web page maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA, APHIS). The site, www.aphis.usda.gov, has links to state regulations on interstate movement of animals.

Be sure to have your pet’s vaccinations up to date, and ask your veterinarian for a health certificate documenting the vaccination record and health of your pet. Generally, you should obtain the health certificate within 10 days of travel, depending on your destination.
How are you getting there?
Planes, trains and automobiles...ships and buses, too; each mode of transportation has its own set of dos and don'ts.

Most trains and buses will not allow you to travel with your pet, with the exception of service dogs accompanying their owners. The two main carriers, Amtrak and Greyhound, only allow Seeing Eye dogs. Check with the individual carrier for specific guidelines before arranging to travel with your pet via train or bus.

Ships are more accommodating to traveling with your pet. Some provide air-conditioned kennels, exercise areas, meals, and staff to check in on your furry friend. Again, check with the cruise line to learn their specific policies on pets, including any fees associated with their services.

Airlines also have regulations and fees for traveling with pets, but in most cases, you can bring your pet along. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and weaned at least five days before flying. Airlines follow the USDA’s guidelines for the transportation of animals, so you will find that most airlines have the same rules and regulations.
The pet should be in a kennel large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around, and lie down. It should also have ventilation on both sides.

The kennel needs a label that says "Live Animal" with arrows to show which side is up. The label should include the owner’s name, address, and phone number. If the pet carrier is within the size limit of a carry-on bag, you may be able to bring it in the cabin of the plane and store it under your seat. Arrangements for the animal to travel with you in the cabin need to be made at the time you book your reservation, and there may be additional fees.

Before you and your pet board the plane, make sure your pet has been exercised and had plenty of water to avoid dehydration. A nearly empty stomach is recommended. Check with your veterinarian for instructions specific to your pet’s age, health, and normal feeding regimen.

Giving your pet tranquilizers or sedatives before flying is strongly discouraged. The increased altitude can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems for an animal that has been tranquilized or sedated.

International travel
If you are traveling out of the country, you and your pet may face numerous requirements, including an international health certificate, special vaccination regulations, a rabies blood test, and even a quarantine period that could last up to 6 months. Always check with your destination country many months before your travel date.


Traveling by car
If your pet doesn’t regularly travel in the car, taking a few short rides before you go on a long trip will help the animal get used to the ride. When on a long trip, be sure to stop regularly to exercise your pet.

Is the destination pet-friendly?
Whether you are staying with family, friends, in a hotel or going camping, always call ahead to see if pets are welcome and if your destination has a pet-friendly environment. Bring a portable carrier to keep your pet in when you're going out, or check to see if kennel facilities are available. If you’re staying at a hotel, tell the front desk if you are going to leave your pet in the room while you are gone. You don’t want to surprise the housekeepers when they come to clean or have them inadvertently let your pet out of your room.

Here are some websites with information on hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, etc. that allow pets:
www.petswelcome.com
www.letsgopets.com
www.pettravel.us  
www.takeyourpet.com
www.pets-allowed-hotels.com

Is your pet healthy enough to make the trip safely?
Before going on any trip with your pet, always consider the pet’s age, health, and anxiety level in relation to being in a new environment. A full physical exam, vaccinations, and possibly blood work by your veterinarian should be performed before your pet travels. Micro-chipping your pet in case it gets lost and having it groomed so that it is more comfortable traveling are both worth considering. If your pet is older, ill, gets carsick, or is just nervous when traveling, you may want to look into a good boarding facility or pet sitter rather than taking the pet along.

What do you need to bring?
Before traveling, make a checklist and gather everything you’ll need to keep your pet comfortable and safe on your trip. Some items to include on your list:

• Pet food
• Water
• Food and water dishes
• Collar with current ID tags
• Vaccination record
• Health certificate
• Bedding
• Litter and box for cat
• Favorite toy
• Any medication the animal is taking, plus extras in case of loss
• Grooming supplies
• Animal first-aid kit
• Recent photo (in case your pet gets lost)
• Phone numbers of your veterinarian, 24-hour emergency veterinary clinics at your destination, and the national poison-control hotline
• Microchip number and database phone number

Traveling with your pet can be a lot of fun and a great way to include the whole family. Planning and being prepared will ensure a smooth and safe trip for everyone!

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Does my pet have a dental problem?

Take this simple quiz to checkout your pet’s mouth. You can see if they may need a dental cleaning.

• My pet’s breath is very unpleasant.
• I notice that my pet seems to drool more than they used to.
• My pet’s appetite is not as good as it used to be.
• I sometimes notice what appears to be blood on my dog’s chew toys.
• My pet used to like hard food, now they don’t seem to care as much for it.
• My pet used to let me look at their mouth, lately they act as if they don’t want me to look in there.
• I think that my pet’s teeth look similar to the photos of a grade 2 mouth, or worse.

If you have answered yes to one or more of these questions, your pet may have dental problems that require professional help.

At University Hills Animal Hospital, we routinely perform a range of veterinary dental procedures. We can help relieve your pet’s discomfort, make them a more pleasant companion, and improve their overall health.

Please contact us with your questions, we’re always happy to help.

Grading Dental/Gingival Disease

Grade 1 Dental Disease
No calculus;
Very light to no gingivitis

Grade 2 Dental Disease
Moderate calculus;
Mild to moderate gingivitis

Grade 3 Dental Disease
Heavy Calculus;
Moderately severe gingivitis
and mild gingival recession

Grade 3+ Dental Disease
Heavy calculus;
Severe gingivitis and
severe gingival recession

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Understanding your pet’s lab tests
The gradual onset of health problems in an apparently healthy pet often goes unnoticed. There are many conditions, which if diagnosed early, can be reversed or controlled for extended periods.

Regular dental care, vaccinations, control of parasites, and a balanced diet are important for good health care. Laboratory testing for the early detection of changes in the health status of your pet is also essential.

Laboratory tests are an important means by which your veterinarian can diagnose numerous illnesses, including blood disorders, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, infection, cancer, thyroid disease, adrenal problems to name but a few. A quality pet wellness program that includes regular laboratory screenings can add years of vitality and extend your pet's life. Below are many of the lab tests routinely performed at University Hills Animal Hospital.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Why it is done
A complete blood count may be done to:

• Find the cause of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, bruising, or weight loss.
• Identify anemia.
• See how much blood has been lost if there is or has been bleeding.
• Find an infection.
• Diagnose diseases of the blood, such as leukemia.
• Check how the body is dealing with some types of medical treatment
• Check how abnormal bleeding is affecting the blood cells and counts.
• Screen for high and low values before a surgery.
• See if there are too many or too few of certain types of cells. This may help find other conditions, such as too many eosinophils may mean an allergy or asthma is present.

A complete blood count is frequently done as part of a regular physical examination. A blood count can give valuable information about the general state of your pet’s health.

Test Overview
A complete blood count (CBC) gives important information about the kinds and numbers of cells in the blood, especially red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A CBC helps us check symptoms, such as fever, weakness, fatigue, or bruising, that your pet may have. A CBC test usually includes:

• White blood cell (WBC, leukocyte) count White blood cells protect the body against infection. If an infection develops, white blood cells attack and destroy the bacteria, virus, or other organism causing it. White blood cells are bigger than red blood cells but fewer in number. When an animal has a bacterial infection, the number of white cells rises very quickly. The number of white blood cells is sometimes used to find an infection or to see how the body is dealing with medical treatment.
• White blood cell types (WBC differential). The major types of white blood cells are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Immature neutrophils, called band neutrophils, are also part of this test. Each type of cell plays a different role in protecting the body. The numbers of each one of these types of white blood cells give important information about the immune system. Too many or too few of the different types of white blood cells can help find an infection, an allergic or toxic reaction to medicines or chemicals, and many conditions, such as leukemia.
• Red blood cell (RBC) count Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. They also carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs so it can be exhaled. If the RBC count is low (anemia), the body may not be getting the oxygen it needs. If the count is too high (a condition called polycythemia), there is a chance that the red blood cells will clump together and block tiny blood vessels (capillaries). This also makes it hard for your red blood cells to carry oxygen.
• Hematocrit (HCT, packed cell volume, PCV) This test measures the amount of space (volume) red blood cells take up in the blood. The value is given as a percentage of red blood cells in a volume of blood. For example, a hematocrit of 38 means that 38% of the blood's volume is made of red blood cells. Hematocrit and hemoglobin values are the two major tests that show if anemia or polycythemia is present.
• Hemoglobin (Hgb) The hemoglobin molecule fills up the red blood cells. It carries oxygen and gives the blood cell its red color. The hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in blood and is a good measure of the blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout the body.
• Red blood cell indices There are three red blood cell indices: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). They are measured by a machine and their values come from other measurements in a CBC. The MCV shows the size of the red blood cells. The MCH value is the amount of hemoglobin in an average red blood cell. The MCHC measures the concentration of hemoglobin in an average red blood cell. These numbers help in the diagnosis of different types of anemia. Red cell distribution width (RDW) can also be measured which shows if the cells are all the same or different sizes or shapes.
• Platelet (thrombocyte) count Platelets (thrombocytes) are the smallest type of blood cell. They are important in blood clotting. When bleeding occurs, the platelets swell, clump together, and form a sticky plug that helps stop the bleeding. If there are too few platelets, uncontrolled bleeding may be a problem. If there are too many platelets, there is a chance of a blood clot forming in a blood vessel.

Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT)
These are liver enzymes. These tests help indicate the health of the liver. They may either depressed or elevated, depending upon the exact illness. Disease of the adrenal glands and pancreas nay also alter these values.

Total Bilirubin
Total Bilirubin is a test for jaundice. Increased levels usually indicate a liver disorder or damaged red blood cells.

Kidney Function Tests (Creatinine, Phosphorus and BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
Are tests of kidney function. They may be run in conjunction with a urinalysis for the most accurate assessment of kidney function.

Complete Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a very important means of evaluating overall kidney function, especially when done in conjunction with blood tests. Urinalysis is also a key test for determining if there is a urinary tract infection or if there is inflammation in the urinary bladder. Urinalysis also helps to confirm, along with blood tests, whether an animal has diabetes (with diabetes, either sugar or both sugar and ketones are present in the urine). In a Complete Urinalysis color, appearance, Specific Gravity, Occult Blood, WBC/HPF (white blood cells), RBC/HPF (red blood cells), PH, Protein, Glucose, Ketones and Bilirubin are all analyzed.

Other Tests

Total Protein, Albumin, A/G Ratio, & Globulin
These tests measure the amount of various proteins in the blood. Albumin may be decreased with disorders of the intestine, kidneys, liver, or decreased nutrient intake. The globulin level may also decrease due to intestinal disease and may increase in response to inflammation or immune system stimulation. 

Calcium and Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio
Show elevated calcium levels and can be a sign of a wide variety of diseases, including lymphosarcoma, a type of cancer.

Glucose
Glucose is a measure of the level of sugar in the blood. Increased levels may indicate diabetes. In cats, elevations may occur in conjunction with stress. A subnormal level may occur with several disorders, including liver problems, severe infection, certain types of cancer, Addison's disease (a disorder of the adrenal glands), and malnutrition.

Amylase and Lipase
These enzymes are tested to look for inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

Sodium, Potassium and Chloride
These components are called electrolytes and are important to many body functions. It is especially important that potassium levels be monitored in sick animals and in animals with decreased kidney function or adrenal disease.

CPK
CPK is a muscle enzyme. Increased levels indicate muscle injury or inflammation.

T4
T4 is a test that measures thyroxin, one of the hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. In cats, we generally look for levels above normal (hyperthyroidism) and in dogs, we look for subnormal levels (hypothyroidism). This is a screening test. If the result is abnormal, more detailed thyroid testing may be necessary to confirm the presence of disease and determine the best course of treatment.

Urine Culture and Sensitivity
Urine culture testing determines whether there is a bacterial infection in the urinary tract. Sensitivity testing determines which antibiotics will likely work best in clearing infection. By determining which bacteria are involved and which antibiotics are most indicated, we have a better chance of controlling the infection more quickly and completely.

Fecal Tests
Fecal tests are done to evaluate for presence of intestinal parasites (e.g., Giardia, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia). It is important to check periodically for parasites, especially if there is a loose stool. Parasites can cause significant intestinal problems in both animals and humans (some parasites can be transmitted from animals to humans).

Blood Coagulation Tests (PT, PTT, platelet count, and more)
The most common reasons for running this test is to be certain that it is safe for your pet to undergo a surgical procedure or rule out possible rodent poison ingestion.

Immune Function Tests (Coombs test, ANA, RA, and others)
This blood test looks for signs of hyperactivity of the immune system that lead to immune-mediated diseases. Disease such as systemic lupus and immune-mediated anemias are detected with this test.

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Recommendations for heartworm prevention in dogs
UHAH follows the guidelines of the American Heartworm Society, which recommends all dogs be placed on monthly heartworm preventative medication. Annual blood testing for heartworms is recommended even if there is year-round compliance by the owner.

Click this link for more information on heartworm disease and prevention www.heartwormsociety.org

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