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Old January 22nd, 2008, 11:27 AM
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Lab Workups Advice

i was wondering what labs are suggested for those feeding a homemade or raw diet? i would have posted what my vets suggestions are but they seem to have telephone difficulties today.

-ashley
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Old January 22nd, 2008, 07:47 PM
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I seem to remember the tests recommended listed in the book, "Holistic Guide For a Healthy Dog" by W. Volhard and K. Brown but I can't find my copy anywhere (I have a bad habit of lending out books without writing down who I lent them to ). I do know that chemistry tests including liver, kidney, pancreas, and muscle and bone are recommended. But I seem to recall others. I think there's also a section in the book that covers how to read the results. I'll search the house again tomorrow. Keep your that it doesn't take the whole day .
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Old January 23rd, 2008, 09:21 AM
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lol thanks LP! ill call my vet today to see what they suggest too. im hoping the list isnt long and im hoping the list is long!!!

-ashley
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Swift Tribe-
Chris- Husband, 04/30/77
Cailyn- Daughter, 07/05/99
Jeffrey- Son, 03/24/06
Alex- Son, 03/25/09
Mister- Black LabX, M, 08/06(?)
The Shadow Stalker- Gray Tux DSH, M, 04/04
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Baby Girl- Tabby DMH, F, 12/03(?)
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Old January 25th, 2008, 10:19 AM
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my vet didnt have any idea as to which labs should be for a homemade dieted dog. did you ever find that book LP?? does anyone have any suggestions as to where i can find a list of lab work ups that are suggested???

-ash
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Swift Tribe-
Chris- Husband, 04/30/77
Cailyn- Daughter, 07/05/99
Jeffrey- Son, 03/24/06
Alex- Son, 03/25/09
Mister- Black LabX, M, 08/06(?)
The Shadow Stalker- Gray Tux DSH, M, 04/04
The Mighty Hunter- Black Tux DSH, M, 04/04
Baby Girl- Tabby DMH, F, 12/03(?)
Frances- Tortie, DSH, F, 2007(?)
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Old January 25th, 2008, 11:07 AM
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luckypenny luckypenny is offline
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I found everything else but that particular book . I don't follow the feeding guidelines in it but found a lot of the info useful. I'm pretty sure I lent it out .

I'll give my vet a call and see what she says.
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Old January 25th, 2008, 12:03 PM
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I just found this article online that references some of the same info in the book regarding how to read blood tests:

http://home.gci.net/~divs/disease/lab_tests.html

Take note of this article as it states that the normal reference values for dogs fed raw are somewhat different to those fed a commercial food. Scroll down to Raw Food Diet Study.

http://www.antechdiagnostics.com/cli...3/jun03_02.htm

I also found this from: http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/BLOO...-EXPLAINED.HTM

"There are four basic wellness tests your veterinarian will use to diagnose the health of your pet:

* Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This tests for anemia, infection, inflammation and the healthiness of blood cells.
o A Complete Blood Count is a series of tests that evaluate the number of cells in circulation. WBC, or white blood cells, help fight infection or inflammation. RBC, or red blood cells, carry oxygen to the tissues.
*

Chemistry Tests
These panels survey many of the organ systems of the body to make sure they are working properly.
o

Liver (AST, ALT, Alk Phos, Total Bilirubin, GGT, Cholesterol, Proteins)
This group of tests helps evaluate various functions and health of the liver. Decreased liver function, inflammation, infection, or neoplasia of the liver and gall bladder may be detected by one or all of these tests.
o

Kidney (BUN, Creatinine, Phosphorus, Amylase, Albumin)
These tests monitor the function and health of the kidneys. They are most helpful and sensitive for detecting kidney disease when combined with a urinalysis.
o

Pancreas (Glucose, Amylase, Lipase, Triglyceride)
These tests are abnormal when there is something wrong with the pancreas or carbohydrate metabolism (examples are diabetes mellitus and pancreatitis).
o

Muscle and Bone
+

Calcium and Phosphorus are helpful in determining the health of bone metabolism.
+

CPK and AST are abnormal with muscle damage, trauma or inflammation (mytosis).
+

Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Phosphorous)
These tests are important in monitoring the electrical, water balance and cellular health of the body. Deficiencies or excesses of these electrolytes are harmful to an animal's physical and mental well-being.

* Thyroid Function Tests
These tests are useful in diagnosing increased (hyper) or decreased (hypo) functions of the thyroid gland.

As the name implies, thyroid tests evaluate the function of the thyroid gland. Too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) is common in dogs whereas too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) is common in older cats. Because there is no single thyroid test that can diagnose all thyroid diseases in animals, several different thyroid tests are used to assure proper results (T4, T3, Free T4, etc.).

* Urinalysis
This test assesses the health and function of the urinary system. This is especially important in older animals to help with the early detection of kidney disease."


Ok, so all this to say that perhaps a full blood panel is what I would do. I think that being able to read the results is what would be a bit difficult if a vet is not familiar with the different reference values for raw fed animals. Perhaps a holistic-type vet that encourages raw feeding would be in a better position to help you read the results.
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Old January 25th, 2008, 09:11 PM
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want4rain want4rain is offline
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well. that was considerably more than i expected LP. thank you. i think that answers any questions i had or at least well enough for me to go hunting for the rest of them!!!

i will post my labs when we get them done (probably around the time we get our taxes back!!)

-ash
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z1buym2xUM

Swift Tribe-
Chris- Husband, 04/30/77
Cailyn- Daughter, 07/05/99
Jeffrey- Son, 03/24/06
Alex- Son, 03/25/09
Mister- Black LabX, M, 08/06(?)
The Shadow Stalker- Gray Tux DSH, M, 04/04
The Mighty Hunter- Black Tux DSH, M, 04/04
Baby Girl- Tabby DMH, F, 12/03(?)
Frances- Tortie, DSH, F, 2007(?)
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