Cat Blood Work at Vintage Heights Veterinary Hospital
Why is lab work important for my cat's health?
We want to know what's going on internally, especially as cats get older. Sometimes we run into issues with kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid hormone is being kicked out too much, diabetes, or liver problems. The only way we can really tell what's going on is by doing lab work, very similar to when you or I go to our physician.
What are the most common lab tests performed on cats?
The most common tests we run is probably what we call a senior panel. From that, we gain a lot of information. We're going to check a blood count, what we call a CBC, and a serum chemistry, which tells us about blood sugars, kidney function, liver function, and more. It also provides a T4 level, which is a measure of thyroid hormone. In older cats, hyperthyroidism is pretty common, and that one test can give us a boatload of useful information.
How often should my cat have lab work done?
It kind of depends on what we find. If things are pretty normal and the cat is doing well, we suggest lab work once every 12 to 24 months as they get older. If we find kidney disease, for example, we may want to retest sooner. We might just check a renal panel rather than doing a full panel again. It varies depending on the situation and how the cat responds to medications.
How long does cat blood work take?
Usually about 24 hours, but it can vary depending on the tests requested. Some can take a couple of days, but generally, we will have results within about a day. If it's critical, we have in-house lab work that can produce results in as little as 15 minutes.
Is getting lab work done painful or stressful for cats?
I wouldn't say it's painful, and for most cats, it's not a big deal. However, some cats may react because we have to restrain them to place the needle in the vein to get the sample. It's similar to you or I going in for a blood draw.
How should I prepare my cat for blood work?
Generally, we like them fasting, especially from food, for at least six hours before drawing the sample. It's not always possible, but we don't advise restricting water, especially if we're checking kidney function. The food fasting, if possible, should be about six hours.
How are blood samples collected in cats?
Generally, a couple of technicians or sometimes a veterinarian will lay the cat flat or hold them up on a table. Depending on the test and blood needed, we may draw from a back leg, front leg, or jugular vein.
How are lab results used to monitor my cat's ongoing health conditions?
For example, if your cat has hyperthyroidism, we may use a medication like methimazole. We monitor how the cat responds to ensure the dose controls the thyroid hormone effectively. Some medications can have side effects, so follow-up blood work helps determine if things are going okay.
What is a feline leukemia test, and why is it important?
Feline leukemia is a virus, predominantly a problem for outdoor cats, transmitted through saliva or blood. Cats that fight or interact with other cats are at risk. Rarely, indoor cats can contract it through a screen if a stray cat hisses at them. We usually test kittens at three to six months old to ensure it's not an issue.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (402) 489-0501, or you can email us at staff@vhvet.com. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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