Pet wellness planning means we will listen and work with you to develop a strong understanding of your pet care needs and assist you in developing the plan that fits your lifestyle. Some of the issues addressed in the development of the wellness plan include the following:
Laboratory Tests
In a healthy animal, we run laboratory tests during the initial pet wellness exam to establish “baseline” values for your pet. We may run such veterinary laboratory tests as:
- CBC (complete blood count)—Measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample; these numbers give us information to help diagnose infections, anemia, and leukemia.
- Chemistry panel—Measures electrolytes, enzymes, and chemical elements such as calcium and phosphorous levels; these measurements help determine how the animal’s organs (kidneys, pancreas, and liver) are functioning.
- Urinalysis—Testing of the urine helps detect the presence of notable substances such as protein, sugar, white blood cells, or blood; the concentration of urine can also indicate a possible illness. Urinalysis helps diagnose urinary-tract infections, diabetes, dehydration, kidney problems, and more.
Then, if your pet should get sick, we compare the new vet lab work to the previous baseline values to determine the exact level of abnormality.
When your pet is sick, we also use laboratory tests to confirm the presence of illnesses and to rule out other diseases. Sometimes we may need to use lab tests during the treatment of a disease or illness to see how your pet is responding to treatment.
When a pet is scheduled for veterinary surgery, we typically run presurgical screening tests to determine the risk of complications while under general anesthesia. Screening tests of this type may be recommended for all ages, from young, healthy animals to senior pets.
Fleas
Fleas can be more than just a nuisance. In some dogs and cats, they cause severe allergic reactions. All cats and dogs, and other mammals, too, are susceptible to flea infestations; therefore, any dog or cat that ventures outside can pick up fleas from wildlife. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms, especially in cats.
Different flea control products work in different ways, have varying levels of effectiveness, and kill different flea stages (eggs, larvae, and/or adults). At Green Lane Animal Hospital, we will help you pick the best preventative flea medication for the lifestyle of your pet.
A Word About Pet Poisons
So many innocent-looking items hold damaging, or even fatal, consequences for your pet! Your best defense against accidental poisonings is education—learn as much as you can about substances that are toxic to animals. The following items are just a few of the many dangers in and around the average household:
- Household products—antifreeze, liquid potpourri, fabric softener sheets, mothballs, batteries
- Plants and flowers—aloe, azalea, daffodil, holly, tulip
- Foods—avocado, chocolate, macadamia nuts, onions, raisins and grapes
- Medications—pain killers, cold medicines, antidepressants, vitamins, diet pills
For comprehensive information and lists of toxic substances for pets, visit the Pet Poison Helpline and click on Is That Poisonous?
If you suspect that your pet has ingested something toxic, call Green Lane Animal Hospital immediately at 905.597.7373; for after-hours veterinary emergencies, go to our Emergency Information page to find your closest emergency clinic.
More information on many pertinent pet care topics is available to you at your pet’s wellness visit. Also, our Puppy and Kitten Kits have many helpful tips and resources for you. If you haven’t received yours, contact our office today.