Pets age around seven times faster than we do and as a result, disease can progress equally as fast. Dogs and cats over seven years of age (equivalent to a human age of 50) have a greater chance of suffering from disease related to the aging process.

Whenever an animal is presented for a consultation with a MVVS veterinarian, the vet will perform a full clinical examination. This involves gathering a comprehensive history and performing a thorough physical examination of your pet. If the animal is suffering from a disease at an advanced enough stage to cause symptoms, this is typically the point where the disease is identified and the appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies are discussed.

The wellness screening programme at MVVS is an additional way of monitoring your older pet’s health. The nature of the testing allows for the detection of problems that may not be apparent from the clinical examination of your pet. The aim of the screening programme is to detect any underlying disease your pet may have, before the disease is at a serious stage where symptoms arise.

Early detection of “subclinical” disease means the opportunity for early intervention in the disease process.  In the majority of cases, this may lead to successful treatment and prevention of medical problems before irreparable damage occurs.    

Pre-emptive animal health care helps ensure that your pet will be healthy and active for as long as possible.

Testing options

Pet wellness screening is best conducted on a yearly basis. However depending on your pet’s age, specific health concerns or any previous results, more frequent testing may be best. Routine monitoring of your pet’s health status makes it easier for your vet to detect minor changes that signal the onset of disease. Combining wellness screening with your pet’s annual physical examination and vaccination is a convenient solution for those short on time.

There are 3 levels of testing for you to choose from. Each level increases in depth of investigation and can be selected based on prior testing results, health status and the age of your pet. It is important to discuss your specific requirements with your vet to have the most appropriate test conducted.

LEVEL 1 is a good initial look at the blood and urine with a 7 panel blood screen and urine chemical and concentration analysis.

Samples can be collected at a routine consultation and run in the clinic’s laboratory for immediate results. These results can give us an insight into the basic body function of your pet.

·         Red blood cells, which are the oxygen carrying cells, are checked for anaemia and low numbers can indicate bleeding or clotting problems.

·         Blood biochemistry allows for liver and kidney function to be directly assessed.

·         Analysis of the urine allows screening for conditions such as diabetes, urinary tract infections and kidney disease. All of this information can come from a blood and urine test.

LEVEL 2 is a more comprehensive screening.

In addition to the tests conducted in level 1 this is a more thorough look at the cells within the blood with up to 41 different blood parameters being analysed.

·         It includes white blood cells that are involved with inflammation, cancer and other systemic illnesses.

·         Enzymes relating to vital organs such as the pancreas, liver and thyroid are also checked.

·         Checking calcium levels can be a marker for some cancers.

·         Measuring electrolyte levels helps assess hormone function.

These additional tests make this level slightly more time consuming though it can usually be completed whilst you wait or gives you time to grab a coffee and come back.

LEVEL 3 is a very comprehensive and flexible group of tests specifically tailored for your pet.

There are known risks typical of your pet’s breed, age or clinical history. This group of tests is recommended in pets over the age of 10 who have never had wellness screening before. This is the most thorough way to assess the complete health status of your pet.

·         Depending on the tests conducted, this level is likely to require a day stay in hospital and potentially some light anaesthetic or sedation.

·         Diagnostics like x-rays, ECG (electrocardiogram) and ultrasound are non-invasive ways to look inside your pet to see changes even before things show on blood tests.

Remember early detection and intervention is the key to successful treatment. Anything we can do to help prolong a healthy happy life of our best friend is time well spent.

The presence or absence of abnormalities will determine what happens next. In some cases if you and your vet are happy with the results, it may be appropriate to return for routine review the following year. A certificate outlining the results will be issued for you to keep with your records. If there are any abnormal results, we may want to investigate further. This may mean anything from repeating the test in the near future to a more extensive diagnostic workup as described in level 3.

For more information or to arrange an appointment, please call 65627391.