Comprehensive Physical Exams

Pets need frequent wellness checkups because they age 5 to 7 times faster than humans. Wellness screening helps detect pet health problems in early stages. Many of the same tests used in human medicine are part of a comprehensive physical exam or health screening in different stages of your pet’s life. Clinical signs of disease do not develop until late in the disease process but can often be detected much earlier through wellness screening.

Young Adult Pet Wellness Screening

Recording normal blood, urine, ECG and X-ray baselines for your pet will help detect future problems in the early stages when treatment is usually more effective.

Mature Adult Pet Wellness Screening

Comparing current and previous baselines helps detect the onset of internal organ disease. In addition to early detection and treatment, nutrition appropriate for the mature pet’s condition gives your pet the highest quality of life for the longest time possible.

Senior Pet Wellness Screening

Early detection of the diseases of aging: diabetes, arthirits, kidney, liver, heart, thyroid and dental diseases, etc. often makes treatment less expensive. New pain management medications also help pets with chronic pain live a more comfortable life. Regular Exams may save a Life

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Differences in red and white blood cell and platelet counts compared to normal counts aids diagnosis of specific diseases, anemia, nutritional status, inflammation and clotting defects.

Blood Profile (Serum Chemistries)

Blood Profiles are a series of tests that aid in evaluating function of kidneys, liver, pancreas, thyroid and other organs to detect early stages of disease.

These Serum Chemistries Include:

BUN, CREAT, PHOS—Kidney enzymes

ALT, ALKP, Bili—Liver enzymes

Amyl, Lipase—Pancreas

TP, Globulin—Immune system

Gluc—Diabetes

T4—Hyperthyroidism (common in cats)

Hypothyroidism (common in dogs)

Chol, Ca+, Electrolytes are also checked.

Urinalysis

This helps diagnose urinary system disease, metabolic and other disorders. Kidney disease is first evident here. Dietary change is often all that is needed to stop or slow down the problem.

Fecal Exam

This is a microscopic exam that detects specific internal parasites. Pets can easily have parasites a non-prescription product does not act on. Certain parasites can infect you and your family.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

This graphs electrical activity (rhythm) of the heart. Abnormalities may indicate a serious problem.

X-rays

These help detect abnormalities of the skeletal system, heart and other internal organs. X-rays are an essential component of the work-up of patients with heart disease.

Ultrasound

This is a non-invasive method of looking at the structures of internal organs to detect abnormalities.

*Additional tests may include Blood Glucose, Cholesterol, Calcium, Bilirubin, Thyroid, Electrolytes, Glaucoma and others.

Note: This article is provided by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital® for informational purposes only.