In-house Testing

We have several additional tests that we can do in house. The doctor will decide which test is best for your pet. 

 

Zuko is getting his blood pressure taken.

Blood Pressure Measurement: A blood pressure measurement determines the pressure in the blood vessels during each part of the heart beat (when pumping blood out of the heart and when filling the heart with blood).

 

Certain diseases such as kidney disease and heart disease can cause unhealthy increases in blood pressure. High blood pressure, in turn, can damage organs. It can also lead to blindness, especially in cats with unregulated hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid hormone). If detected, medicine is available to control high blood pressure. Since high blood pressure usually doesn't cause any signs by itself, every senior pet pet should have his blood pressure measured at least once yearly. 

 

Anesthesia drugs commonly cause blood pressure to decrease, sometimes to serious levels. Intravenous (IV) fluids help maintain proper blood pressure to allow adequate blood flow to the liver, kidneys, heart, and brain. At Loving Paws Pet Clinic, your pet will receive IV fluids and constant blood pressure monitoring while under anesthesia. This allows us to adjust the IV fluids so your pet is receiving the proper amount.

 

Electrocardiogram (ECG): An electric current causes the heart to beat. This current is controlled by the pacemaker, a bundle of specialized muscles within the heart. An electrocardiogram, or ECG, measures this current and records it as a tracing. This tracing represents the rhythm of the heart.

 

Using this information, the doctor can determine if the heart is beating properly. If it is not, she can determine what kind of irregular heart beat (arrhythmia) is present. An abnormal ECG reading can also give us a clue to look for other health issues. An increased heart size or increased levels of potassium in the blood can affect the ECG.

 

For an ECG, Zuko needs to lay on his left side.

An ECG is easy to obtain. Your pet will lie on his side, and we will apply clips on three legs. If your pet cannot lie on his side, he can remain standing. Within 5 minutes, a full tracing of your pet's heart beat will be available for review. During anesthesia, we use the ECG to monitor the heart throughout the procedure.

 

An ECG is easy to obtain. Your pet will lie on his side, and we will apply clips on three legs. If your pet cannot lie on his side, he can remain standing. Within 5 minutes, a full tracing of your pet's heart beat will be available for review. During anesthesia, we use the ECG to monitor the heart throughout the procedure.

 

If your pet is showing any signs of heart disease such as fainting or coughing, an ECG should be performed. Your pet will also have his ECG monitored during any anesthesia. Loving Paws Pet Clinic advises an ECG be performed yearly for every senior pet to identify early signs of heart disease. 

Zuko just has to hold his head still during his eye pressure test.

Ophthalmic (eye) tests: We have several options for testing the health of the eyes.

 

Eye pressure can be measured with a state-of-the-art device that lets us know if there is inflammation inside the eye or if glaucoma is present.

 

The cornea (clear outside part of the eye) can be stained to look for any wound on the eye. Treatment for an eye infection can vary based on these findings.

 

Tear production can be measured by placing specialized strips on the eye and closing the eye for a minute. If your pet is not producing enough tears, then medicine will be needed as dry eyes become injured and infected easily.

 

A retinal exam can be done to look at the back of the eye were the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels are.This area can be affected by many systemic (whole body) diseases and cause your pet to go blind.