Why go to the vet?
In some instances going to the vet is an obvious decision. If your pet is not doing very well or is pretty sick, this is your only option. But what we don’t talk about is annual or bi-annual check ups with your veterinarian even if your dog or cat is seemingly doing fine… This is very important because the vet and their staff will develop a personal relationship with your pet- if they know your pet healthy, they'll have a better understanding of how your pet is sick.
As your dog gets older it is important to get a physical examination and blood work done every 6-12 months. On average, doing annual/bi-annual bloodwork should start around the age of 8 years old- depending on species, breed, family history or other instances.
Talk with your Vet to get their recommendation for your specific pet!
Staying on top of your pets' health will give you an ease of mind; knowing that they are in great health or that you caught something super early.
Bloodwork
Running bloodwork can show so much information on how your pets' organs are functioning. 2 basic tests are a Complete Blood-cell Count (CBC) and a serum chemistry.
The CBC can show Red blood cell counts, Infections & Platelet counts (clotting).
Common diseases your Vet might see from these tests are: Anemia, bacterial infections, parasitic infections, bone marrow disease, inflammation and clotting disorders.
The chemistry shows more organ dysfunction; liver, kidney, pancreas and electrolyte abnormalities.
Common diseases your Vet might see are: Chronic or Acute kidney disease, pancreatitis, hepatitis and some forms of cancer.
For example; kidney disease is very prominent with cats, most cats don’t show signs until they are in the end stages of stage two or beginning stages of stage three of chronic kidney disease. Treating this disease early on is less invasive and could save you money in the long run.
Physical Examinations
The Vet will feel all over your pets' body, feeling for lumps and bumps, skin issues, inflammation or pain. They also will auscultate (listen) to your pets heart and lungs.
Common diseases your Vet is able to find during their exam are: tumors, rash's, heart murmurs/heart disease, lung disease and arthritis.
Radiology
Radiographs (X-Rays) and ultrasonography (ultrasounds) play a vital role in Veterinary Medicine; these diagnostic tests show any changes going on with the inside of the body that we are unable to feel physically during their exam or see on bloodwork. (Unfortunately, there are several diseases that won't show up on either.)
All in all...
Personally I know that I always want my dog, Oliver, and my cat, Ivy Jean, to be in top shape and I would be so distraught if something were to happen and I waited too long to get them checked out. While being a veterinary professional, there are some things that I can’t do without a veterinarian or a veterinary clinic like bloodwork, ultrasound or radiographs.
I know medicine in general can be quite complicated and diagnostics can be costly. There are great options available, like Pet Insurance, Care Credit and other financial companies. I will have a blog talking more about financial options!
