How Important is Annual Blood Work?

Since our furry companions don't always let us know when they are having problems, the doctors at Care Animal Hospital are committed to wellness diagnostic tests on an annual (or sometimes biannual) basis to spot problems that might be occurring.
Two weeks ago, a ten year old shepherd cross presented for his normal wellness exam and a blood, urine and fecal samples were evaluated. Interestingly, there was only one abnormality on the blood sample. One of the blood values (alkaline phosphatase) was dramatically out of line (normal value should have been 100 and his was 1200). This particular value usually suggests that the bile is not flowing well through the liver, but it can also elevate for other causes, specifically when there is too much cortisol (a steroid hormone) being produced by the adrenal glands.
An abdominal ultrasound was recommended to the owners and accepted. On ultrasound, performed at our hospital by a board certified radiologist/ultrasound specialist, Dr. Chuck Pugh, a large liver mass was discovered in addition to several smaller masses on the adrenal glands. This information has been very, very helpful in trying to design a plan to address the abnormalities found. The dog is in very, very good condition and should be able to withstand procedures well. Chest x-rays will be evaluated before any investigation into the abdominal changes since finding evidence of a mass in the lungs would change our approach to this case.
It is cases such as this that make the doctors of Care Animal Hospital convinced that wellness blood, urine, and fecal exams are well worth the time and money.
If your pet hasn't had wellness tests in the last 12 months, consider scheduling an exam and have your pet fasted for 12 hours prior so blood can be drawn. Obtaining a urine a fecal sample and bringing them along (good for 3 hours refrigerated before coming in) would be a great ideas as well.
Give me a call if you'd like to talk about this case or a concern on one of your own animals (Dr. Paige Garnett, 303-421-8200.)