The Senior Profile

A Senior Profile is the same test as a Comprehensive
Profile, but is called a Senior Profile because your
pet is over 7 years of age.  The profile is a very important
test for several reasons.  Our doctors at Apple Lake
require a full profile for any pet over 7 years of age 
before any procedure requiring anesthesia.  A "mini"
profile is completed for younger patients prior to
anesthetic induction, which focuses on kidney and liver
function as well as glucose levels. 

Doctors also recommend a Comprehensive or Senior Profile for
sick pets as a way of gathering information that will help them
arrive at diagnosis and allow them to appropriately treat your sick friend. 

Ideally, a Comprehensive Profile would be drawn as a matter of gathering
baseline information during a Wellness Exam prior to the age of 5.  This gives
doctors something to measure against as your pet ages and follow up on any
changes if necessary. When your pet reaches 7 years of age, it is ideal to have
a Senior Profile done annually.  This will help you and your veterinarian stay
on top of your pet's health as he or she ages.

For a Senior or Comprehensive Profile a small sample of blood is necessary. 
The nurses will take your pet into the back of the hospital where other
staff members can help hold and calm your pet during the blood draw. 
Your pet is returned to you momentarily.  Of course, if you'd like to be
present during any treatment you are welcome.  The profile results will be
available to the doctor within 15 minutes. 

Below is a list of the information that is made available to your veterinarian when
the results are ready:
 
Electrolytes (Na+, K+, Ca++): Electrolyte balance is critical to your pet's
health. Potassium levels are important in the diagnosis and treatment of
several life threatening diseases. Normal sodium balance is important for
total body function and calcium levels can help indicate certain cancers,
among other things.

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): Abnormal results are good indicator
of liver disease. It is also important to monitor this enzyme during long
term drug therapies or inflammation. 

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): A crucial enzyme for monitoring many
long term drug therapies. Source is from the liver, intestine, blood and
bone. Elevations often are a marker for endocrine disease.
 
Albumin (ALB): The most important protein in the body. Low levels can
indicate things as liver, kidney and intestinal disease an malnutrition.
Deficiencies must be corrected.
 
Amylase (AMY): Amylase is an enzyme produced to help digest food.
Elevated levels can indicate disease of the pancreas or kidney.
 
Creatinine (CRE): An important value to monitor kidney function.
 
Globulin (GLOB): A body protein that indicates problems such as
inflammation or infection.
 
Glucose (GLU): Elevated levels can indicate problems such as diabetes.
Low levels can be associated with liver disease or other issues.

Phosphorus (PHOS): Important to monitor for kidney disease.

Total Bilirubin (TBIL): An important value to evaluate liver and gall bladder
function and assess if there is a low red blood cell count.

Total Protein (TP): We utilize this value to determine many diseases of the
liver, kidney and gastrointestinal tract. It is affected by nutritional status,
dehydration and inflammation.
 
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): BUN is made in the liver and removed from
the body by the kidneys. It helps us evaluate both of these organs.

The Senior or Comprehensive Profile gives the normal values of each of
these tests and denotes any abnormalities.  In some cases a pet's results
may be very slightly higher or lower than what is considered normal, but no
further work ups are needed at that time.  

Remember to ask questions of your doctor or nurse if you have any concerns. 
If you think of a question after arriving home, give us a call!