Pet Health Screening Tests
in Jacksonville, FL
Preventative care includes yearly blood work even when your pet appears healthy. This provides a valuable base line of what your pet’s normal organ function looks like. When animals show us that they feel sick, their diseases are often in a more advanced stage. Routine lab work allows us to find many of these diseases in earlier stages which makes treatment and/or management more effective.
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Can animals catch Covid-19?Reports of animals infected with SARS-CoV-2 have been documented around the world. Most of these animals became infected after contact with people with COVID-19, including owners, caretakers, or others who were in close contact. We don’t yet know all of the animals that can get infected. Animals reported infected include: Companion animals, including pet cats, dogs, and ferrets. Animals in zoos and sanctuaries, including several types of big cats, otters, and non-human primates. Mink on mink farms. Wild white-tailed deer in several U.S. states. Please check with the CDC for the most up-to-date COVID information. Information last checked on October 5, 2021 CDC Pet Link
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Can you be with pets if you have COVID-19?According to the CDC, If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), you should avoid contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would with people. Please check with the CDC for the most up-to-date COVID information. Information last checked on October 18, 2021
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Do pets need a mask?Please do not put masks on pets; masks could harm your pet. Please check with the CDC for the most up-to-date COVID information. Information last checked on October 18, 2021 CDC Pet Link
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Can the virus spread to people from the skin, fur, or hair of pets?"There is no evidence that the virus can spread to people from the skin, fur, or hair of pets. Do not wipe or bathe your pet with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other products, such as hand sanitizer, counter-cleaning wipes, or other industrial or surface cleaners. Please check with the CDC for the most up-to-date COVID information. Information last checked on October 18, 2021 CDC Pet Link
When Will A Veterinarian Recommend a Comprehensive Screening Panel?
The following situations can result in blood work being suggested:
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On the first veterinary visit: We recommend kittens and puppies complete blood tests to rule out congenital diseases, for baseline information, and for pre-anesthetic testing prior to spaying or neutering.
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During semi-annual wellness exams: This is recommended as part of a thorough physical examination because cat or dog's blood work, along with other bodily fluids like urine, can help identify conditions that the examination portion of a physical cannot.
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If an animal seems not quite right: blood tests are suitable for an animal that is not displaying any overt signs of illness, disease, or injury but is acting abnormally.
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Pre-surgical tests: Cat or dog blood work is used to determine the efficiency of the liver and kidneys, which helps a veterinarian select the safest dose of anesthesia. Tests can also help determine the surgical risk level in infirm, elderly, or injured dogs.
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Prior to starting a new medication: This is particularly useful for new medications that may be metabolized by the liver or kidney.
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During senior wellness exams: Blood tests are usually recommended for mature, senior, and geriatric animals as part of their periodic wellness exams. They are extremely beneficial, as we often see seniors return to a more youthful state when blood tests identify an issue that can be easily treated.