What can blood tests detect in cats?
During a blood test for cats, various chemicals in the blood stream are analyzed. Some examples are: Cat blood tests can indicate a deficiency in albumin levels, which indicates a possible liver issue because albumin is produced in the liver, or intestinal or kidney issue as albumin can be lost if these are diseased.
Does Blood work Show kidney failure in cats?
Just like any diagnostic tool, blood tests for cats are more effective when used as part of a diagnostic plan which may include other tests. For example, elevated BUN and creatinine levels can indicate a kidney problem. However, they can also indicate mild dehydration in the period leading up to the bloodwork.
How old do cats have to be to get blood work?
Most vets recommend annual testing for cats seven years and older, and, depending on a cat’s health history, annual or bi-annual testing for senior cats over the age of eleven.
What should I expect from my 9 year old cat?
Many cats are just as bouncy at 9 as they were at 5 and 6, but some may be slightly less energetic. As cats begin to age, they may start having trouble handling stress. You may notice that your cat seems less tolerant of loud noises and environmental changes. Just like humans as they age, your cat’s nutritional needs are starting to change.
When do cats start to experience physical changes?
Cats are individuals and, like people, they experience advancing years in their own unique ways. Many cats begin to encounter age-related physical changes between seven and ten years of age, and most do so by the time they are 12. The commonly held belief that every “cat year” is worth seven “human years” is not entirely accurate.
How to interpret your cat’s blood work results?
MCHC (Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) is another value for interpreting hemoglobin concentrations in cells. RDW (Red blood cell distribution width) elevations can indicate that there is an increased variety in red blood cell sizes. This value should be interpreted along with other red blood cell values.