mature - Royal Canin Canada

CIRCLE OF HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONSFOR CHARLIEVeterinary CareCharlie’s bloodwork tells us that he is as healthyinside as he looks outside. His Complete BloodCount (CBC) showed that his blood andimmune system cells are functioning normally.Abnormalities in the CBC can indicate infections,cancer, and other diseases, so a normal CBC isgreat news!The Biochemical Profilehelps his veterinarian assesshis liver and kidneys, andalso identify abnormalitiesin his blood sugar andelectrolytes. Charlie’sbiochemistry profile revealedtwo abnormalities. Charlie’sBlood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)was outside of the normal reference range. BUNand Creatinine levels are used by veterinarians,together with interpretation of a urine sample, asan indicator of renal health. Charlie’s Creatinineis normal and his urinalysis shows excellent urineconcentration. The most likely reason for the mildelevation in his BUN is that he was very mildlydehydrated- which may occur on the way tothe clinic when dogs are excited and panting.There was a slight elevation in his AlanineTransaminase (ALT). This is an enzyme that isfound in hepatocytes (liver cells) and becomeselevated when there is inflammation or damagein the liver. This elevation of his liver enzyme wasNUTRITvery slight and his other liver enzyme parameterswere normal. His veterinarian recommendedrepeating his blood work in one month to seeif the elevation is persistent and an indicatorof change in his liver function that may requiretherapy or additional diagnostic testing. This isvery important information for Charlie’s owner toknow early as it will allow her to monitor Charlie’sliver for any disease. Charlie’s veterinarian alsorecommended a thyroid hormone level be run,and this was normal.The FNA samples from the growthson Charlie’s skin were consistentwith sebaceous cysts, which arebenign masses that occur whenglands in the skin get clogged andINOswell. There is no need for concernat this time, however monitoring ofskin growths to check for changesin size, shape, and appearance isrecommended, as in humans, to ensure that skincancer is not overlooked.ExerciseCharlie’s veterinary team was glad to seethat he has maintained the same weight andcontinues to be in ideal body condition.Charlie has remained energetic in his goldenyears. His owner discussed that Charlie has beenslowing down and seeming stiff and sore afterrunning. With this information, and also from thephysical exam and the laboratory work results,21 | PET HEALTH REVIEW | www.royalcanin.ca/veterinary