Your doctor has recommended a yearly panel of tests to ensure the optimum health of your pet. While a regular comprehensive physical examination is vital to maintaining ideal health, the older pet has additional needs which should be addressed through laboratory testing. In general, pets arc considered to be senior by age 7. This is the equivalent of a 44-56 year old person, and with proper care and nutrition this can still be a period of excellent health. Yon arc doubtless aware that age 40 is considered by many to be the beginning of "middle-age" in humans and is certainly a time for increased devotion to diet, exercise, and healthcare testing. Please fake the time to discuss issues of nutrition, exercise, and regular health maintenance with your veterinarian.
For older patients who arc believed to be in good health, we recommend the following on a yearly basis:
Complete Blood Count:--The "CBC" tests for anemia, infection, inflammation, certain types of cancer, and the healthiness of the blood cells.
Blood Chemistry Analysis:--This panel looks at the health of the major organ systems. Early changes can be detected in the liver, kidneys, pancreas, adrenal glands, as well as abnormalities in the electrolytes.
Thyroid Testing:--Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common health problems in older cats and can significantly shorten their lifespan. Detecting and treating this condition as early as possible is vital to preserving the health of the kidneys and heart.
Urinalysis:--The urine is a very sensitive indicator of disease, and changes representative of kidney disease, diabetes, adrenal dysfunction and many other abnormalities can be detected through testing of urine.
Blood Pressure:--Although frequently and regularly monitored in humans, blood pressure has been all but neglected until recently in the veterinary world. Cats of any age can develop blood pressure problems, and hypertension is a very common problem in older feline population.
Screening EKG:--This screening test determines heart rate and rhythm and is a very sensitive indicator of early heart disease.
Because these are bundled services they are much less expensive than they would be if offered separately. Unfortunately we arc only able to offer these packaged services to older cats as a yearly screening tool, not as diagnostic tests once disease has manifest. Consider them as inexpensive insurance against the many changes that come with aging.
Call us at 375-0251 for special pricing
