Is it possible to get a blood test done just for muscle enzymes...

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wench

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Can anyone help me with this? Just wondering if it's possible to get a blood test done just for the muscle enzymes? (and idea of costs would be great)

It's something I would like done, but I don't want to be forking out £££ for the full on blood tests
 
I tend to opt for comprehensive blood tests because I like to see how everything is doing, and particularly so if I know a pony isn't right but don't have any clues as to what might be wrong.

For me, the costs break down roughly as:
- vet callout charge (£30-40ish)
- vet "take blood" charge (about £10)
- then the lab charge a handling fee per sample, I think that's around £10-£15
- then I pay for whatever analysis I've asked for

Excluding the callout charge but including the take blood charge, a comprehensive test comes to around £65, which I suppose means that comprehensive is about £40-45.

I think you can ask for a muscle profile (which might include CK, AST, LDH) or you could just ask for CK as the one which is specific to muscle damage. I don't know on the costs of those, but I think you pay a certain amount per enzyme.

The only time I've opted for muscle enzymes only was on a post-exercise blood which was taken several hours after a comprehensive blood.

I'm sure it'll vary with different vets/labs though, so just give your vet's office a ring and ask if they can check the costs for you so you can decide which to go for.

Sarah
 
Thanks for that. Only times I've had just a blood test done the full profile has been £100+

Although having said that the vet is coming out for other things. Will give them a ring tomorOe
 
Yeah im pretty sure you can altho I have no idea of the costs. I get regular liver enzymes blood tested. We sometimes do a full test and then we just do specific liver bloods. So sure you can do the same for the others in blood results.
 
Yes, most certainly.

Ask for this specifically and your vet should comply.

Depends upon why you want it done however. Some need to be carried out pre or post exercise so will be time dependent and then may effect cost. Also, your vet may state that two visits are needed. Again, depends upon why you want it done.

Cost is dependent upon the practice as some are more expensive than others!!!
 
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You can!

I have repeat bloods for AST & CK only and it usually costs me £35.00 plus call out (I try to share visit) - do be aware as you probably know that if there is a problem then these will vary dependent on exercise so I always ensure mine has not done anything that day & I have noted down the days before what exercise he has done so I have a comparison level.
 
Not sure on costs as our horse was tested along with other tests as part of an insurance claim but the muscle enzyme test involved 3 samples - one prior to exercise, one immediately after strenuous exercise and one 12 hours later.
 
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