Bloodwork baseline...

MowMow · 01-29-2012, 02:23 PM

MowMow turns an estimated 8 years old this year and I'm wondering when I should take him in for a baseline bloodwork panel.

I talked briefly about that with the vet and she suggested 10 but... that seems kind of old to me. Would it be wiser to start this year and have it done yearly so we have a good solid set of numbers to monitor as he ages?

laurief · 01-29-2012, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MowMow

MowMow turns an estimated 8 years old this year and I'm wondering when I should take him in for a baseline bloodwork panel.

I talked briefly about that with the vet and she suggested 10 but... that seems kind of old to me. Would it be wiser to start this year and have it done yearly so we have a good solid set of numbers to monitor as he ages?

If you can swing the expense, there's no downside to getting baseline bloodwork done now and then again annually to keep an eye on any changes. There are plenty of 8 yr old CRF cats out there, so it's not too early to start monitoring.

Laurie

MowMow · 01-29-2012, 02:55 PM

Well, expense is relative. I'd rather give up my Sunday trips to the pastry shop for coffee/danish (whimper) and spend the 165.00 yearly than face HUGE bills should something happen down the line and possibly lose him.

I worked it into my budget and it looks like I can take him in late April or first of May to have it done. I'd do it now but after so long unemployed

I had FINALLY saved up a few dollar..then blew it on his difficult boy parts last week.

laurief · 01-29-2012, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MowMow

I had FINALLY saved up a few dollar..then blew it on his difficult boy parts last week.

Ain't that always the way? I can't remember the last time I was able to save any money with this 4-legged crew of mine. In fact, I have, on more than one occasion, suggested to my vet that he may as well just build on a guest room for me.

Laurie

Kobster · 01-29-2012, 08:00 PM

We usually say starting at age 7-8, so I think now is as good a time as any. Good owner for even thinking about it!

MowMow · 05-19-2012, 06:01 PM

Sorry to resurrect an older post but I had a question on this. After my OWN medical bills the cats got pushed back a few months but I'm just about ready to take them. What blood work should I request. The new vet indicated there were two tests. One is cheaper and she said a basic screening. There is a second more expensive that she said was more comprehensive but ont really necessary until he's a bit older.

What specifically should I request they screen for?

laurief · 05-19-2012, 06:07 PM

You need to find out exactly what's included in each of the panels and how much they cost. Also, has MowMow had or does he currently have any medical concerns or symptoms? The answers to those questions will help you determine which panel to request.

Laurie

MowMow · 05-19-2012, 06:18 PM

Nothing concerning. He eats well, I add lots of water to his food so he's hydrated, and his eliminate is always good. Just want a baseline for future issues and to make sure all is well.

Edited to add: He's got a history of urinary issues, but I doubt that a bloodtest wil help with anything there.

laurief · 05-19-2012, 06:41 PM

With a history of urinary issues, checking his renal blood values (creatinine and BUN) would be advisable.

cinderflower · 05-19-2012, 08:14 PM

now is better but i prefer to err on the side of caution. like laurie said, find out which tests are covered in each. i agree with having one that shows creatinine and BUN. and thyroid of course. it's really important to have that one when they're younger because sometimes the numbers look okay but the cat isn't, and sometimes they're off the rails. i know very little about liver tests, i honestly don't see how it could hurt to have a more detailed one though--it will show you where potential problems lie (and you know that already but it will be demonstrable) and you can probably make do with rudimentary ones if they consistenly show normal results.

it isn't until after 12 that you have to be more on top of it if you have a cat with known problems. my 15-year-old goes 3-4x a year, but a lot of times there are easier measures that can be taken early on. the others just go once a year (2 and 5--hopefully i have awhile? lol)

i know what you mean about things happening just when you get a little $. my cats have eaten a couple of vacations and one or two laptops, but that's okay.

01-29-2012, 02:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
MowMow Premier Cat Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 5,667	Bloodwork baseline... MowMow turns an estimated 8 years old this year and I'm wondering when I should take him in for a baseline bloodwork panel. I talked briefly about that with the vet and she suggested 10 but... that seems kind of old to me. Would it be wiser to start this year and have it done yearly so we have a good solid set of numbers to monitor as he ages? __________________

01-29-2012, 02:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
MowMow Premier Cat Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 5,667	Well, expense is relative. I'd rather give up my Sunday trips to the pastry shop for coffee/danish (whimper) and spend the 165.00 yearly than face HUGE bills should something happen down the line and possibly lose him. I worked it into my budget and it looks like I can take him in late April or first of May to have it done. I'd do it now but after so long unemployed I had FINALLY saved up a few dollar..then blew it on his difficult boy parts last week. __________________

01-29-2012, 08:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
Kobster Cat Addict Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 3,019	We usually say starting at age 7-8, so I think now is as good a time as any. Good owner for even thinking about it! __________________ Rachael with Thurston, Sully and Ninja and Moxie their canine guardian. Kobie, Mocha, Puzzles and Tyler, Gone but never forgotten

05-19-2012, 06:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
MowMow Premier Cat Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 5,667	Sorry to resurrect an older post but I had a question on this. After my OWN medical bills the cats got pushed back a few months but I'm just about ready to take them. What blood work should I request. The new vet indicated there were two tests. One is cheaper and she said a basic screening. There is a second more expensive that she said was more comprehensive but ont really necessary until he's a bit older. What specifically should I request they screen for? __________________

05-19-2012, 06:18 PM	#8 (permalink)
MowMow Premier Cat Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 5,667	Nothing concerning. He eats well, I add lots of water to his food so he's hydrated, and his eliminate is always good. Just want a baseline for future issues and to make sure all is well. Edited to add: He's got a history of urinary issues, but I doubt that a bloodtest wil help with anything there. __________________

05-19-2012, 06:07 PM	#7 (permalink)
laurief Cat Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: northern Minnesota Posts: 2,576	You need to find out exactly what's included in each of the panels and how much they cost. Also, has MowMow had or does he currently have any medical concerns or symptoms? The answers to those questions will help you determine which panel to request. Laurie

05-19-2012, 06:41 PM	#9 (permalink)
laurief Cat Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: northern Minnesota Posts: 2,576	With a history of urinary issues, checking his renal blood values (creatinine and BUN) would be advisable.

05-19-2012, 08:14 PM	#10 (permalink)
cinderflower Cat Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 231	now is better but i prefer to err on the side of caution. like laurie said, find out which tests are covered in each. i agree with having one that shows creatinine and BUN. and thyroid of course. it's really important to have that one when they're younger because sometimes the numbers look okay but the cat isn't, and sometimes they're off the rails. i know very little about liver tests, i honestly don't see how it could hurt to have a more detailed one though--it will show you where potential problems lie (and you know that already but it will be demonstrable) and you can probably make do with rudimentary ones if they consistenly show normal results. it isn't until after 12 that you have to be more on top of it if you have a cat with known problems. my 15-year-old goes 3-4x a year, but a lot of times there are easier measures that can be taken early on. the others just go once a year (2 and 5--hopefully i have awhile? lol) i know what you mean about things happening just when you get a little $. my cats have eaten a couple of vacations and one or two laptops, but that's okay.

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