It is our goal to make sure that your cat or dog can process the anesthetic it is given. By running pre-anesthetic blood tests to confirm that your pet's organs are functioning properly, we should detect any unknown health conditions before we give anesthesia.
Pre-anesthetic blood testing is recommended for any pet undergoing surgery to make sure they are in a low-risk category for receiving anesthesia and/or surgery.
Levels for liver and kidney function, glucose, total protein, and electrolytes (sodium and potassium) are determined. A complete blood count is also done. These tests are especially important in older animals, but even puppies and kittens can sometimes have problems that would otherwise go undetected.
Some of the abnormalities that are sometimes detected include underlying liver or kidney disease, hypoglycemia or early diabetes, anemia, or infection. Having this information will allow us to make the best decisions for treating your pet prior, during, and after surgery.
Other important laboratory tests include a fecal (stool) test for intestinal parasites, a blood test for heartworms for dogs, and blood tests for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus for cats.
We have high-tech laboratory equipment in our office and trained, licensed veterinary technicians who do the lab work, so we are able to have results very quickly.
Pets that are seven years or older are required to have pre-anesthetic blood work before anesthetic will be administered. We feel this service is important for all pets and recommend it for all ages before undergoing anesthetic.
Some customers like to bring their pet in the night before surgery and have their pet spend the night with us. That way we can keep them from eating and drinking the night before and the morning of surgery.
If you would like to fill out a pre-anesthetic lab form before you arrive, print it out and bring it with you to your appointment, or fax it to us at (816) 741-0737.
Please let us know if we can help you in any way. You can reach us at (816) 741-8338.