"Why are routine tests important for your pet’s health?

Routine testing of younger pets provides a baseline of their normal values and may identify hidden illnesses. Older pets benefit from routine screening for common species- or breed-specific diseases, the same way people undergo normal screening tests based on hereditary diseases.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your veterinarian may recommend these additional tests geared toward your pet:

• Blood work — Many veterinarians recommend wellness panels for geriatric pets, but often begin with baseline blood work when the pets are younger. Blood work can reveal many precursors to illness, including anemia, infection, bone marrow issues, diabetes, and organ dysfunction.

• Heartworm test — The American Heartworm Society recommends annual heartworm testing to ensure your pet remains negative and free from these deadly parasites. Heartworm testing also may test for Lyme disease and other common tick-borne diseases, all of which can progress to dangerous conditions if left untreated.

• Urinalysis — Inspecting your pet’s urine sample can provide a wealth of information about the urinary tract. A small amount of “liquid gold” can help your veterinary team see signs of inflammation, infection, kidney dysfunction, crystal formation, and diabetes.

• Fecal examination — Intestinal parasites can hide out in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract, leaching away nutrition. A routine fecal check can identify common intestinal worms. Prompt deworming treatment can prevent the parasite population from increasing, causing diarrhea and other serious health issues."-aaha.org