I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed right now and could really use some advice. I just got the blood test results back for my five-year-old Golden Retriever, Max. The vet mentioned that his liver enzymes are elevated, but didn't explain too much further, just that we should monitor it for now. I've been trying to read up on what this could mean online, and honestly, it's kind of freaking me out. Max has always been a happy, playful pup, though he has seemed a bit more tired than usual lately, and now I can't help but worry it's something serious. I’m second-guessing everything I feed him and wondering if the heartworm meds or flea treatments might be playing a role. Has anyone experienced something similar with their fur baby? What steps did you take? I just really want to do right by him and make sure I’m not missing anything big here. Thanks in advance for any insights or experiences you can share.
Hello there! It's absolutely normal to feel a bit anxious about test results. While I can't see the actual results you mentioned, I can point you in the right direction. Blood tests, for instance, often check for various things like organ function, infection, or anemia.
If your pet has results showing high or low levels in areas like kidney or liver enzymes, it might suggest these organs are under stress or not working properly. Elevated white blood cell counts could indicate an infection or inflammation. Low red blood cells might suggest anemia, which could be due to many causes, from nutritional deficiencies to more serious issues.
For at-home care, ensure your pet is eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and is comfortable. Keep an eye on their behavior—if they seem lethargic, are vomiting, not eating, or have changes in their bathroom habits, it could be a sign something's up.
Some serious signs to watch out for include persistent vomiting or diarrhea, difficulty breathing, seizures, or sudden collapse.
If you're still worried, or if there's anything in those results that seems off, it might be time to have a chat with a vet. Consider booking a video consult with one of us here on Dial A Vet to get some personalized advice. We'd love to help you get to the bottom of things!
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