Pre-Anesthetic testing is all about safety!

Q: Why is pre-anesthetic testing important?

A: Anesthesia and surgery are generally very safe, but no procedure is completely without risk. A physical examination and appropriate testing before anesthesia can help identify medical problems that may not be obvious during a routine exam.

Because pets cannot tell us when something feels wrong, diagnostic testing can reveal changes in organ function, blood counts, blood sugar, clotting ability, and other areas that may affect anesthesia or recovery.

If a problem is found, your veterinarian may adjust the anesthetic plan, recommend additional testing, postpone the procedure, or begin treatment before anesthesia.

Q: What can pre-anesthetic testing uncover?

A: Pre-anesthetic testing can identify a variety of conditions that may increase anesthetic or surgical risk, including kidney or liver disease, diabetes, anemia, infection, electrolyte abnormalities, and some clotting disorders.

The results help your veterinarian choose an anesthetic plan appropriate for your pet’s age, health, and individual needs.

Q: My pet’s procedure is routine. Is testing still important?

A: Yes. Procedures such as spays, neuters, dental cleanings, and other commonly performed surgeries still require anesthesia and can place stress on the body.

Pre-anesthetic testing provides valuable information about your pet’s health before the procedure and can help your veterinary team make safer, more informed decisions about anesthesia and monitoring.

Q: When will the results be available?

A: Turnaround time depends on the tests performed. Many routine laboratory results are available within 24 hours, while some specialized tests may take longer.

Q: How is testing performed?

A: A small blood sample is collected from your pet and submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory for analysis. The laboratory uses modern testing equipment and experienced laboratory personnel, with veterinary specialists available for consultation when needed.

Your veterinarian may recommend more extensive testing based on your pet’s age, medical history, physical examination findings, medications, and the procedure being planned.

What Does It All Mean?

Your Guide to Common Pre-Anesthetic Tests

WHAT IS A CBC?

A CBC, or complete blood count, evaluates the major types of blood cells in your pet’s body, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

The CBC can provide important information about your pet’s overall health and may help identify conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, platelet abnormalities, and some blood disorders.

WHAT IS A CHEMISTRY PROFILE?

A chemistry profile measures a number of substances in the blood that provide information about organ function, hydration, blood sugar, proteins, electrolytes, and other aspects of your pet’s health.

The specific tests included may vary depending on your pet’s age, health history, and the procedure being planned.

Your pet’s samples are submitted to a trusted veterinary diagnostic laboratory with established quality-control procedures. Results are reviewed by your veterinarian and, when needed, veterinary laboratory specialists are available for consultation.

WHAT TESTS MAY BE INCLUDED IN A PROFILE?

• Albumin – A protein produced by the liver. Abnormal levels may be associated with liver disease, kidney disease, intestinal disease, inflammation, or other conditions.
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) – An enzyme that may increase with certain liver, gallbladder, bone, hormonal, or medication-related conditions.
• ALT – An enzyme that can increase when liver cells are injured.
• BUN – Blood urea nitrogen can provide information about kidney function, hydration, and other metabolic processes.
• Creatinine – Commonly used to help assess kidney function.
• Globulin – A group of blood proteins that may change with inflammation, infection, immune stimulation, or certain diseases.
• Glucose – Measures blood sugar. Abnormal levels may be associated with stress, diabetes, liver disease, hypoglycemia, and other conditions.
• PT and PTT – Tests that evaluate parts of the blood-clotting system and may be recommended before certain procedures.
• Total Protein – Measures the combined amount of albumin and globulins and can provide information about hydration and several disease processes.
• Thyroid Testing – Tests such as T4 or free T4 may be recommended when thyroid disease is suspected or when clinically appropriate.
• Urinalysis – Provides information about urine concentration, kidney function, urinary tract health, diabetes, and other medical conditions.
• Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio (UPC) – Measures the amount of protein being lost in the urine and can help evaluate certain kidney disorders.

Not every pet needs every test listed above. Your veterinarian will recommend testing based on your pet’s age, medical history, physical examination, medications, and the procedure being planned.