| |
Why is the SNAP® Reader
menu expansion for liver-function testing so important?
Testing bile acids in-house enables you to immediately:
- Assess liver function
- Identify occult liver disease
- Detect possible portosystemic shunts
- Monitor response to treatment
Why should I run the in-house SNAP Bile Acids Test?
- The bile acids test is the most sensitive, easiest to perform and
most liver-specific of the liver-function tests.
- Serum bile acids is a much more sensitive indicator of hepatic
function than serum bilirubin or albumin, which often return to
normal long before liver function does.
- The ability to evaluate liver disease in-house during client
visits enables you to provide immediate solutions for their pets and
helps you build stronger client relations.
- Manage your time by eliminating the need for pet-owner callbacks
and multiple appointments.
A
thorough, methodical approach is needed for a correct diagnosis of any
liver problem. Several tests are used—a CBC and biochemistry
panel, including: ALT, ALKP, GGT, AST, ALB, TBIL and BUN. Additional
tests are often called for:
A bile acids liver-function test—the animal must be fasted. A
baseline sample is drawn and the animal is fed a small amount of
high-fat food. A postprandial sample is drawn two hours later. An
elevation in the postprandial sample or the baseline and
postprandial sample indicate liver-function impairment.
The NH3 tolerance test—while less sensitive than bile
acids, it may be the best choice for a liver-function test in some
cases.
Urinalysis—may detect bilirubin and other
products that are being eliminated from the body in the urine
Radiography—to determine the size and shape of
the liver
Ultrasonography—looks for changes in the
density of the liver and supporting circulatory structures
Liver biopsy—commonly performed in conjunction
with an ultrasound to determine which part of the liver should be
biopsied; levels of coagulation factors should be checked before
performing a liver biopsy
Abdominocentesis—analysis of the fluid obtained
from a pet with abnormal fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity can
give valuable clues as to its cause.
|
You'll be providing cost-effective testing—a value
your clients will appreciate.
