As January rolls in, we find ourselves and our pets becoming another year older. Did you know that your pet ages more rapidly than we do, and can be affected by some of the same age related diseases? Dogs over 50 pounds are considered seniors after the age of 5, and dogs under 50 pounds and cats are considered seniors after the age of 7. Since they age quicker, we recommend yearly to twice a year blood work and examinations to help us detect health issues early. There are a number of tests we may recommend based on your pet’s age, symptoms, and health status. These include a variety of blood tests such as a complete blood count, chemistry panel, and thyroid tests, a urine test, or other tests as necessary. A complete blood count, or CBC, is a blood test that looks at the number, size, shape, and color of the red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets or clotting cells, and the amount of protein in the blood. This test can help alert us to problems such as anemia, infections, clotting disorders, dehydration, blood parasites, or even cancer. A chemistry profile is another blood test. It looks at liver and kidney values to help alert us to problems such as liver disease, kidney disease, […]
Providing the best possible veterinary care for your pet.
Heritage Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinarian clinic that provides examinations, diagnostic services, dental care, surgical services, medicine, grooming and boarding services in Maple Grove, Minnesota. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of pet care possible and facilitating an environment where client communication and education are at the forefront of our practice.
