What is the best test to diagnose hypothyroidism in dogs? My 5year old corgi was diagnosed with a t4 level of 0.4. They just measured t4 but can they also measure tsh and free t4. She has not had any hair loss or lack of energy just a few pound overweight but not uncommon being that she is a corgi. she weighs 28 when she should weigh 26. I am not sure the results are correct because she was on prednisone short term the month before she was tested. can the steroids cause a false low in her t4 levels? thanks in advace. Sarah
I have a nine-year old hunting dog whose coat has become harsh in recent years and whose tail has lost hair in patches. Otherwise, he seems pretty healthy and energetic. I feed him quality food, but it seems like he needs more oil or fat in his diet. Diagnosis please?
My dog has some serious skin issues and has stumped a few vets as to the cause. Her hair started thinning along her sides; it gets to a certain point and doesn't get any worse. She isn't bald in these spots, it's very thin and you can see her skin. She has also recently started getting large brown flakes of dandruff.
She has been to a vet and had a CBC which showed nothing abnormal and also had a skin scraping done, which also showed nothing. She is scheduled to have a biopsy done in a couple weeks but I was just wondering if you might have some ideas of what else it could be as it's getting frustrating (for both of us) and I'm sure the severe dandruff is not good for my allergies/asthma.
Our 14 year old Miniture Schnauzer has been drinking alot of water (more then normal). And he can not hold his pee. This does not happen all the time but it has been happening more frequently. We go to let him outside and before he can get to the door he has peed. Or we can be in the kitchen and turn around & he has peed. And there is alot of pee. We have been to our vet and they have done blood and urine tests for cancer,diebities,theroid and other things. And everything turned out good. Last Sunday we started him on Proin but it does not seem like it has helped yet. We need some help and so does he.
Recently, I had a client ask me what the difference is between having one blood work profile done over another. She explained that she had always thought all blood work was the same and tested for everything we need to look at. I explained that this is not the case at all.
Blood work panels can be very simple or very complex. Most basic blood work panels evaluate a CBC (Complete Blood Count) and Chemistry. A CBC looks at white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This can be particularly effective for evaluating for infection, inflammation, anemia, coagulation problems, blood parasites, hydration and blood volume, in addition to other things. A basic chemistry panel evaluates a few liver enzymes, kidney enzymes, protein levels, glucose levels and that's about it. More thorough panels will also evaluate more liver enzymes, enzymes associated with the gallbladder and pancreas, electrolytes and minerals.
Of course, there are specific blood tests that can just test for something in particular. For example, common blood work tests that we run every day in clinics include a test for Heartworm disease ( a blood borne parasite that migrates to and lives in the heart), Feline Leukemia and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), Pancreatic Serum Lipase tests, Tick borne disease tests. These simple, fast blood tests can help rule out these diseases. Other commonly performed blood work includes specific panels to evaluate metabolic changes and likely endocrine disease. These include blood work to evaluate the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and pancreatic testing. There are even panels that are designed to test for levels of medication in your pet, such as seizure medications. These are often used to follow up on your pet's response to a specific medication.
Keep these tests in mind next time you visit your veterinarian. Blood work is usually recommended once yearly as a screening profile to be sure everything is looking okay with your pet. The type of panel and cost of the panel should be discussed with your vet. Senior or geriatric panels should always be considered with pets as they age. Pre-anesthetic blood work can also add insight prior to surgery and is always recommended.
Let me know if you have specific questions about certain panels or information for pets with obvious clinical signs, such as vomiting or fever. A physical exam and history always aids a veterinarian in making a decision about blood work and helps them pick the panel that will tell us the most about what might be going on with your pet.
I have an almost 8 year old blue heller, she had a seizure last night. This is the second one that she has had in the past few months, I have been reading on line about how sometimes it is from a vitamin/mineral dificiency, or something in the dog food. What do you think?
My 7 year old box terrier has started to pee loads inside and outside the house and it smells strong whats wrong with her?
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Questions Answered By:
Dr. Lauryn Spohn, DVM
