Metabolic and Endocrine Issues

As pet owners, we do everything we can to keep our pets happy and healthy. We make sure they get enough exercise, eat well, and have regular veterinary check-ups. We make sure they are caught up on their vaccinations and have regular dental cleanings. The veterinary team at St. Francis Hospital for Animals will conduct a thorough pet exam and make sure your pet is as healthy as possible. To accomplish this, we also test pets for metabolic and endocrine issues.

Metabolic & Endocrine

Unseen Concerns for Dogs and Cats

Most of the time, we can tell when our pets do not feel well. They are lethargic and do not want to eat. If they are injured, we can tell by the swelling or bleeding. Pets that suffer from metabolic and endocrine issues often don’t show any immediate signs of illness.

At St. Francis Hospital for Animals, part of an extensive pet exam includes conducting a blood test for your pet. This is to screen for any metabolic or endocrine disorders that may be present in your pet. These blood chemistry tests tell vets a lot about your pet's health and can alert your vet to a wide range of health issues your pet may be experiencing.

Blood work allows our veterinarian to test your pet’s:

  • Red and white blood cell count levels
  • Platelet count
  • Organ function
  • Hormone levels
  • Electrolyte levels
  • Kidney, liver, and digestive enzyme levels
  • Endocrine levels
  • Glucose and protein levels

The results of these blood tests can tell your veterinarian information about the overall health of your pet, and should not be overlooked during the pet exam. 

Metabolic & Endocrine Disorder Symptoms

Our pets cannot tell us when they aren’t well, so pet owners need to be cognizant of changes in their pets' behavior. Signs of metabolic and endocrine disorders include:

  • Excessive thirst or urination
  • Constant hunger
  • Decreased energy levels
  • Hair loss
  • Weight fluctuations

These changes can be signals of diabetes, thyroid disorders, Cushing’s disease, and Addison’s disease. These are all common metabolic and endocrine system disorders.

Treatment of Metabolic and Endocrine Problems

Veterinary pharmaceutical companies have developed several drugs for pets with metabolic and endocrine disorders. In most cases, the pet will need to be on these medications for the rest of their lives. The food we feed our pets may cause endocrine and metabolic problems. Since animals use food as fuel, if we are providing sub-par food to our pets, it may lead to health issues. Our veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s condition to determine the measures that must be taken.

Schedule a Pet Exam with Our Veterinarian in Oakdale

Call St. Francis Hospital for Animals today at (631) 567-1359 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.

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Monday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed