In baseball a baseline gives players the boundaries of the baseball diamond and indicates whether a play is "in" or "out" of bounds. In medicine baselines give much of the same information. Bloodwork baselines include liver, kidney, and blood sugar values that are typically run when a patient is not sick. This shows the doctor how organs are functioning on a daily level without disease or injury. Abnormalities in baseline bloodwork can indicate a disease in an animal that is currently showing no clinical signs.

Clinical signs are activities that are noticed by an owner as an animal goes about its daily routine. Some important clinical signs that people notice on a daily basis are appetite and water consumption, stool consistency, and activity level. Any change in these daily functions can be a reason to have your pet's health checked by a veterinarian.

Some common diseases that are easy to detect early by routine blood tests are diabetes, kidney disease and liver disease. A urine sample can also be a good baseline or early indicator of these diseases. If any of these conditions are diagnosed, there are changes that can be made in the pet's diet or medications that can be given to keep the animal feeling well.

These blood tests are very important if your pet is on daily medication or if your pet is over 5 years of age.

So if you are out to hit a Home Run in pet care, consider having baseline blood testing done for your furry friend. Blood can be taken in a quick appointment or exam and is usually run right in our clinic for same day results. Knowing that your pet is healthy on the outside and the inside is the best piece of mind for you and your veterinarian.