Pre-Anesthetic Screening Service
Pre-Anesthetic Screening
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Cloquet Animal Hospital feels that a pre-anesthetic blood screening prior to any surgical procedure is very important and therefore, we require it on all animals prior to anesthetizing. Why do we feel pre-anesthetic blood screening is so important?
- Testing can reduce risks – If the results of the pre-anesthetic panel are within normal ranges, we can proceed with confidence, knowing that the anesthetic risk is minimized. However, if the results are not within the normal ranges, we can alter the anesthetic procedure to safeguard your pet’s health.
- Pets can’t tell us when they don’t feel well – A healthy-appearing pet may be hiding symptoms of a disease or ailment. For example, a pet can lose up to 75% of kidney function before showing any signs of illness. Testing helps us evaluate the health of your pet’s liver and kidneys so we can avoid problems related to anesthesia.
- Testing can help protect your pet’s future health – these tests provide baseline levels for your pet and become part the pet’s medical chart for future reference.
- Peace of mind – testing can significantly reduce medical risk and ensure your pet’s health and safety.
The standard pre-anesthetic blood screening consists of a blood chemistry panel and hematocrit reading. The following levels are done:
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) – An enzyme that becomes elevated with liver disease or injury.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP) – An enzyme produced by the cells lining the gall bladder and its associated ducts. Elevated values can indicate liver disease or Cushing’s disease.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) – BUN is produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Abnormal levels can indicate dehydration, and liver and kidney abnormalities.
Creatinine (CREA) – Creatinine is a by-product of muscle metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease or urinary tract obstruction.
Blood glucose (GLU) – High levels indicate diabetes. In cats high levels can also indicate stress or excitement. Low levels can indicate liver disease, infection, or certain tumors.
Total Protein (TP) – The level of TP can detect a variety of conditions including dehydration and diseases of the liver, kidney, or gastrointestinal tract.
Electrolytes – sodium, potassium, and chloride – The balance of these electrolytes is vital to your pet’s health. Abnormal levels can be life threatening.
Hematocrit (HCT) – Provides information on the amount of red blood cells (RBCs) present in the blood. A low hematocrit indicates anemia.