LFT & RFT: Monitoring Vital Organ Health
The liver and kidneys are the silent engines of your pet’s body, responsible for filtering toxins, processing nutrients, and maintaining the chemical balance necessary for life. Because these organs can often lose significant function before any outward symptoms appear, Liver Function Tests (LFT) and Renal Function Tests (RFT) are the most critical diagnostic tools we use at Animal Medical Centre to monitor your pet’s internal health. These blood panels provide an immediate, data-driven snapshot of how well these vital systems are performing, allowing us to catch issues like hepatitis or chronic kidney disease long before they become life-threatening.
An LFT panel measures specific enzymes such as ALT and ALP, along with bilirubin and protein levels. Elevated enzymes often indicate liver cell damage or bile duct obstruction, while low protein can signal advanced liver dysfunction. Similarly, the RFT panel focuses on Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine—waste products that a healthy kidney should easily clear from the bloodstream. If these levels are high, it typically indicates that the kidneys are struggling to filter the blood, which could be due to age-related decline, infection, or toxin ingestion. At our facility in Karachi, we prioritize these tests not only for sick animals but as a mandatory part of our pre-surgical safety protocol. Since the liver and kidneys are responsible for metabolizing and excreting anesthetic drugs, knowing they are functioning perfectly is essential for a safe surgery and a smooth recovery. By integrating LFT and RFT into routine wellness checks, we provide a proactive shield for your pet, ensuring their internal "filtration systems" remain healthy and efficient for years to come.
The true value of LFT and RFT lies in early detection. Pets are experts at hiding discomfort, and by the time you notice lethargy or a loss of appetite, an organ may already be significantly compromised. Regular screening allows us to identify subtle trends in blood values over time. If we see a gradual rise in kidney markers, we can intervene early with specialized therapeutic diets and hydration strategies that can double a pet's remaining life expectancy compared to late-stage diagnosis. Whether your pet is a senior showing signs of slowing down or a young animal preparing for a routine procedure, our in-house laboratory delivers fast, accurate results. We take the time to explain every value on the report, helping you understand exactly what is happening inside your pet’s body. This collaborative approach ensures that you are never guessing about your companion's health, but rather making informed decisions backed by clinical evidence.
