NEWSLETTERS

The Holidays came and went. All the Grandchildren went home. A great time was had by all. Now back to reality. We hope you all had a bountiful one. This month’s newsletter will be presented by, Dr. Marjorie Williams as an introduction to our practice.

My father, Dr. Johnson, just informed me that I am to do this month’s newsletter so this is my first official Indian River Animal Hospital Newsletter. Staying with his format I will begin with some family background and then continue with a quick description of the importance of performing a geriatric blood profile on our family pets.

As some of you may know I am the youngest child of Dr. Johnson’s. I have been in General practice for four year prior to meeting my husband whom is also a Veterinarian. After our marriage both my husband and I moved to Fort Collins, Colorado where we completed a residency in Veterinary Clinical Pathology at Colorado State University. My husband has been working as a Veterinary clinical pathologist for over a year and is currently working for Antech, which is associated with Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Maitland Florida. While I just finished my residency in July, I enthusiastically decided to work with my father until our first child is born. I would like to extend a huge thank you to my entire family for helping us move to Florida and for a wonderful holiday season.

As our pets age it is important to monitor their health status by performing an annual geriatric blood profile and physical exam. A complete diagnostic blood profile includes a complete blood count and chemistry profile to assess normal function of various organ systems. Common reasons Veterinarians perform blood tests are to identify an underlying pathologic disease not otherwise noticed on physical exam, further confirm a suspected disease, to rule out other potential diseases, and lastly to assess changes of a previously diagnosed disease (Stochkam, 2008).

A Complete blood count (CBC) is often used to evaluate our pet’s white blood cells, red blood cells and platelet count. Major components of the CBC are listed below and include:

White blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils), which are an important component of their immune system in fighting infections.
Red blood cells also known in medical jargon as erythrocytes transport oxygen to various organs for normal function.
Platelet count assesses your pet’s platelets, which are vital for the blood to clot.

The chemistry profile assesses the major organ systems in the body including the liver, kidney, muscle, and also their electrolytes, which are important for various processes such as maintaining fluid homeostasis and electrochemical gradients, muscle contraction and bone development.