Cooper'sMama
Forums Enthusiast
Do you guys have annual blood panels run every year? My vet generally doesn't. Do you recommend it? Even for a healthy or young dog? I know it can detect things early.
Annual bloodwork.
- Thread starter Cooper'sMama
- Start date
Emmasmom
Forums Sage
When I did the heart worm test last year, the vet was able to run the full panel. There was some special pricing from the lab at the time. I am going to see if this is available again this year. With my other Shelties, I never did.
Silaria
Forums Sage
Both of mine are hypothyroid so I have their thyroid levels tested in conjunction with their annual checkup. Doing it that way allows me to keep an eye on it on a regular basis so we can make any adjustments in their medication levels.
I also have heartworm tests done every two years since they are on heartworm medication all year round.
I also have heartworm tests done every two years since they are on heartworm medication all year round.
trini
Forums Sage
Annual bloodwork
I have what is called a "senior panel" done for all of mine annually once they have reached 3 years old. The senior panel bloodwork is not done "in house", it is more extensive in what it tests than the typical in house bloodwork that is done before a dental or before surgery. It takes 10 days to 2 weelks for the results to come in. But I personally think it is worth it as it can flag medical issues long before visible symptoms appear. And for thyroid I always ask for a Michigan State panel to be done...which tests all thyroid readings not just T4 as a routine thyroid test does.
Trini
I have what is called a "senior panel" done for all of mine annually once they have reached 3 years old. The senior panel bloodwork is not done "in house", it is more extensive in what it tests than the typical in house bloodwork that is done before a dental or before surgery. It takes 10 days to 2 weelks for the results to come in. But I personally think it is worth it as it can flag medical issues long before visible symptoms appear. And for thyroid I always ask for a Michigan State panel to be done...which tests all thyroid readings not just T4 as a routine thyroid test does.
Trini
take4roll10
Moderator
At my dog's yearly check up, I do blood work, thyroid, tick test and urinalysis.
Cooper'sMama
Forums Enthusiast
My vet has never given me the option to have blood panels ran. Is this a bad sign? I would like bloodwork run yearly on all of mine
Ann
Moderator
I never do it yearly. They have bloodwork prior to any surgery or dentals, or a mini-panel if there's a need. Otherwise we titer before vaccinations after age 4 and do the full panel every three years.
Mignarda
Forums Enthusiast
I apply the same philosophy that I apply to myself: I never get routine tests for fear the doctor might find something and try to treat it.
missjenneygirl
Forums Enthusiast
I do a senior blood panel plus T4 to Michigan State at age 7. We use that as a baseline. Then, at age 10 to compare. After that, as needed if we feel there is something of concern. (There always will be, as they enter the later years).
My theory is prophylactic blood work, so we are ahead of any issues that may give us a clue early on. Knock on wood, I have never had a kidney failure issue in 25 years. I do not believe in high protein over 26-28. I think that taxes the kidneys. A steady diet throughout their life, in accordance to their age and activity level.
My theory is prophylactic blood work, so we are ahead of any issues that may give us a clue early on. Knock on wood, I have never had a kidney failure issue in 25 years. I do not believe in high protein over 26-28. I think that taxes the kidneys. A steady diet throughout their life, in accordance to their age and activity level.