What is Senior Testing? (Remember 7 years or older we consider him or her a senior pet) Your pet’s complete senior testing program includes these elements: 1. A physical exam: is the most important part of the senior care program. Your veterinarian will assess all body systems to check for any abnormalities. 2. Blood Chemistry tests: measure levels of various substances in the blood and diagnose diseases such as diabetes, and liver and kidney failure. 3. Complete Blood Count (CBC): provides a detailed look at the blood itself and helps the doctor diagnose anemia or infection. 4. Urinalysis: gives information on kidney function and checks for urinary tract infections. 5. Thyroid screen (T4): helps diagnose thyroid disease, which is an especially common ailment in older cats and dogs. 6. Radiographs (X-rays): comes as part of the senior wellness exam. Usually we do chest x-rays to assess the heart and lungs. However, your veterinarian may decide a different set of radiographs would be more important for your pet. Possible abdominal radiographs to assess the liver and/or kidneys. Additional screenings can be done at additional charges: • Blood Pressure Measurements: Lets us check for hypertension. Just as in humans, high blood pressure in pets can lead to kidney problems, heart disease, blindness, and other complications. • Glaucoma Testing: measures the pressure in each eye quickly and painlessly using a tonometer. Undetected glaucoma leads to irreversible blindness. What pets should take part in senior testing? We recommend senior testing for all senior pets as well as any pet who is exhibiting one or more of the following symptoms: weight loss or gain, increased thirst or urination, lethargy, vomiting/diarrhea, poor hair coat, coughing, seizures, unusual behavior, or overall decline in condition. Important facts about senior testing: An aging pet’s organs gradually deteriorate and may lose their ability to function properly. We use senior testing to promote early detection and treatment of disease, so we can maintain health and prevent illness during your pet’s senior years. Early detection of disease often gives us more effective and less costly treatment options. And senior testing helps establish normal baseline values for your pet, creating a point of comparison for the future. If you have any questions or want to set up for the Senior Wellness Work-Up please call us @ 864-578-1220. One of our Healthcare Members will be glad to assit you.
Posted on: Wed, 07 Aug 2013 17:33:43 +0000
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