Senior Testing

Important Information on Senior Testing

WELLNESS FOR THE OLDER PET

"Dogs and cats are living longer than ever due to advances in veterinary medicine. One of these advances is a trend toward preventative medicine, or keeping pets well rather than focusing on curing illness."

- John V. Hoskins, DVM Ph.D.
School of Veterinary Medicine
Louisiana State University

Just like people, as your pet ages, his or her organs will gradually begin to deteriorate and lose their ability to function. The purpose of Senior Testing is to maintain health and prevent illness during your pet's senior years, by promoting early detection and treatment of illness. We can determine what your pet's normal baseline health values are by running a Health Profile: a Complete Chemistry and Electrolyte Panel, Complete Blood Count, Thyroid Level, Urinalysis, and EKG. These baseline results will help your veterinarian to interpret abnormal results later on by providing a point of comparison. After establishing a baseline, we will continue to monitor your pet yearly (perhaps more often depending on your pet's overall health). When health problems do arise, this program will help to identify them early. Early detection often provides you with more effective and less costly treatment options.

WHO SHOULD TAKE PART IN SENIOR TESTING

Senior Testing is recommended 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 haircoat, coughing, seizures, unusual behavior (i.e., a pet that's "just not himself."

IS YOUR PET A SENIOR?

The age at which a pet enters their senior years varies by species and size. Below are ages at which pets are considered to begin their senior years:

Your pet may seem healthy throughout its adult life. Nonetheless, there are many problems developing in adult pets (like kidney or heart failure) which may not present symptoms until your pet becomes tragically ill. A comprehensive adult program helps your veterinarian to identify problems early enough to institute preventative health care measures.

Your pet's Complete Senior Screening should include a physical examination, complete blood chemistry tests (including electrolytes), complete blood count, urinalysis, thyroid level, and electrocardiogram

Blood Chemistry Tests are used to measure levels of various substances in the blood. These tests are used to diagnose diabetes, liver failure, and kidney failure.

Hematology Tests (the CBC) provide an inside look at the blood itself. This test helps in the diagnosis of anemia or infection.

A Urinalysis provides information on kidney and bladder function.

The Thyroid Level (T4) helps to diagnose thyroid disease, which is an especially common ailment in older dogs and cats.

The Electrocardiogram (EKG) measures the electrical activity of the heart. Heart disease is a common ailment of senior dogs and cats

HOW DO I ARRANGE FOR MY PET TO TAKE PART IN THE SENIOR TESTING PROGRAM

Family Animal Hospital will be offering Senior Testing for your pet at a special low rate. You and your pet can take part in this valuable disease prevention program simply by calling our office. One of our staff will set up an appointment for a time that is convenient for you.

Food Should be withheld from your pet the morning of his or her appointment. A urine sample may be submitted in a clean glass jar. We prefer the "first catch of the day." We will need just a few minutes to draw the small amount of blood needed for the lab work.

All laboratory work will be performed during your appointment time, and our Doctor will review the results with you. Expect your pet's appointment to take about 60 minutes. For your convenience you are welcome to drop off your pet.

Pets who are having an ultrasonic dental cleaning should be dropped off in the morning. Owners may then schedule an afternoon or evening appointment to pick up their pet and discuss results with the Doctor.

SELECTING YOUR SENIOR PACKAGE

PACKAGE #1
COMPLETE SENIOR HEALTH PROGRAM:

Includes Comprehensive Physical Exam, Complete Blood Chemistry, Complete Blood Count, Urinalysis, Electrolytes, Thyroid levels (T4), EKG (Electrocardiogram).

PACKAGE #2
COMPLETE SENIOR HEALTH PROFILE:

Package #1 PLUS Ultrasonic Dental Scaling. Price includes Anesthesia, and IV fluids. Antibiotic charges and tooth extraction's are additional.

 

GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH FOR ANY OCCASION!

A Gift Certificate for a Senior Screening makes an excellent gift for your favorite Pet Lover on their birthday or anniversary. You can purchase a certificate over the phone (via credit card) or by stopping in at the Family Animal Hospital.