Dogs and cats will often show signs of illness only when a
disease is advanced and when, often, little can be done. For
this reason, screening tests in apparently healthy older dogs
and cats are recommended. By doing these tests on a regular
basis, once to twice a year, the goal is to find disease in its
early stages. If caught early, many of these conditions are
manageable with medications and/or diet changes.
Annual evaluation of your pet "from the inside out" helps your
veterinarian find problems early on. Your veterinarian will
always do a physical examination to assess your pet. But
information obtained from this is limited. Blood and urine tests
tell how an animal's organs function while radiographs and
ultrasounds tell about an animal's organs structure.
Once a disease is diagnosed and appropriate treatment is
started, the goal is to give your pet have a better and longer
life!
We recommend: For dogs and cats more than 5 years old but less
than 8 years, at least, annual:
- Blood panel- to look for problems with the liver, kidneys,
electrolytes, white and red blood cell count and thyroid levels-
approx cost $100
- Urinalysis- to look for infection, presence of crystals and
early detection of kidney problems- approx cost $41
For dogs and cats older than 8 years old, at least, annual:
- Blood panel- approx cost $101-$123
- Urinalysis- approx cost $41
- Abdominal radiographs- to look for masses that might be
overlooked with palpation and to assess organ size and
structure- approx cost $153
- And/or abdominal ultrasound- to look "inside" organs to assess
gall bladder, liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, adrenals and
urinary bladder- approx cost $150
- Blood pressure- recommended for especially for cats- approx
cost $38
For dogs and cats of any age, with a history of fatiguing with
exercise or playing, coughing or heart murmur, at least, annual:
- Chest radiographs- to assess for heart enlargement and look
for lung changes- approx cost $153
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)- to detect arrhythmias that may not be
noted with a stethoscope- approx cost $44/$60
- And/or cardiac ultrasound- to assess heart function, valve
movement and chamber size- cost approx $25
If you have any questions regarding this matter, don't hesitate
to contact your veterinarian.
The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin
any course of treatment without consulting your regular
veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every
12 months.
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