For our senior patients we recommend a thorough senior wellness exam and diagnostic work-up. Even though you may believe your pet is normal, there are many disease processes that do not show any outward sign until the disease is quite advanced. More advanced diseases can be more difficult to treat and are not always as responsive to treatment as diseases diagnosed early.
Early detection of diseases such as kidney disease, thyroid disease, etc. will allow us to administer the appropriate treatments earlier in the disease process and may help extend your pet’s life.
Our Canine senior work up includes many tests that will help us detect problems early. Of course, as always, the first diagnostic test is a complete physical exam.
Other important diagnostic tests include:
- Complete blood Count (CBC) to look for signs of infection and other problems like anemia.
- Chemistry Panel to monitor kidney function, liver parameters, blood sugar levels as well as many others.
- Basic thyroid level screen.
(Bloodwork results will take overnight) - Urine analysis to look for urinary tract infections and help monitor kidney function.
- Heartworm test every other year to monitor for heartworm infection as well as Ehrlichia and Lymes Disease.
- Radiographs (x-rays) to look for internal problems. This will be radiographs of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, or a combination of those areas depending on the physical exam findings.
- Fecal Exam to detect intestinal parasites.
Vaccination needs for our older dogs also change. The risk for typical puppyhood diseases such as parvo and distemper are not as significant for our older animals. So based on your pet’s particular risk factors we might be able to reduce the boosting of some vaccinations to every three years.
Other than just detecting signs of disease earlier, these regular tests can also reduce the risk associated with procedures like anesthesia and routine use of some medications like NSAID pain medications.
Total cost varies based on additional tests recommended by your veterinarian and approved by you. Any tests included in your pet’s senior work-up will be eligible for a 15% discount.
