What is senior pet wellness screening?

              Senior pet wellness screening in conjunction with comprehensive physical examinations is a series of diagnostic evaluations customized to the needs and changes of your companion through blood testing to evaluate internal organ function, fecal sampling, complete urinalysis, radiographs, electrocardiograms (EKG), and much more.  These evaluations give our caring and well-trained veterinarians an “inside peek” to what is occurring internally that might not otherwise be apparent from a comprehensive physical examination.  Studies have shown that as many as 17% of middle age and geriatric cats and 23% of geriatric dogs that have appeared healthy upon physical examinations have an underlying disease. 

(Photo:  Chloe Jo, a 6 year old domestic shorthair tabby, was the first patient at BLSAC to paticipate in senior wellness screening during the month of September.  According to the results of her screening, Chloe Jo is in great health, and now has an established profile to monitor changes as she ages.)

Why is senior pet wellness screening important?

            Because animals age at a faster rate than humans (see age comparison charts below), dramatic changes can occur in as little as 3 to 6 months among our geriatric companions. Senior pet wellness screening is important because it allows us to detect those dramatic changes and underlying diseases that can affect the kidneys, liver, adrenal glands (Cushing’s or Addison’s disease), pancreas (pancreatitis or diabetes), thyroid (hypo- or hyperthyroidism), heart (cardiomyopathy), and many others including cancer. 

        Creating a "baseline" profile while your pet is young and healthy allows us to monitor changes throughout your pet's life, and is vital in preventing and diagnosing metabolic and age-related illnesses. With early detection, some of these illnesses can be treated or maintained from progressing at such a dramatic rate.

(Photo:  Katy and Seattle, a 4-1/2 year old Bernese Mountain Dog.  Unfortunately, Seattle's mother passed away earlier this year due to lymphoma found in her uterus. Because of this highly genetic illness, Seattle was spayed as a preventative treatment option.)

Human Equivalent (in Years)