Wellness Testing – A Key Part of Our Pet Health Plan
Why are routine wellness visits so important for your pet?
A wellness visit is much more than a simple check-up. It’s an opportunity to discuss your pet’s lifestyle with your vet, assess any potential health risks that may arise as they age, and establish a diagnostic baseline while they are still healthy. This preventative approach allows us to detect any underlying issues early and take action before they develop into more serious problems.
Research shows that diagnostic testing carried out during routine wellness visits can uncover early signs of illness in up to 40% of dogs and 60% of cats. By identifying health concerns early, we can help your pet live a longer, healthier life, while also potentially avoiding the higher costs associated with treating advanced illness.
What does a typical wellness visit include?
A comprehensive physical examination
Your vet will carry out a full head-to-tail physical exam, checking for any signs of change or concern in areas such as weight, joints, oral health, ears, and skin. These changes, even if subtle, may be early indicators of health issues.
Diagnostic screening tests
We perform a series of diagnostic tests, such as blood, urine, and stool analysis, to assess your pet’s internal health. These tests provide valuable insights that help us monitor their condition and detect any abnormalities early.
Review and comparison of results
We review your pet’s results and compare them with previous findings to identify any trends or changes over time. This allows us to spot developing problems at an early stage, even before symptoms are visible.
Why diagnostic screening matters
A full wellness visit, including diagnostic testing, gives us a clearer and more complete picture of your pet’s overall health. This enables us to provide personalised recommendations tailored to your pet’s individual needs and life stage. By taking a proactive approach to their care, we can help ensure your pet remains healthy, active, and comfortable for years to come.
What we look at during a visit and why.
A comprehensive wellness visit can give us a clearer picture of your pet’s health so we can make the best recommendations for their care. The exam includes diagnostic screening tests, plus a physical exam from nose to tail.
Eyes
Small changes in the eyes may cause problems with vision or may be a sign of underlying diseases that would require treatment.
Ears and skin
Assessing the skin and ears can help detect parasites, including fleas and mites, alongside examining for other changes which may point towards infections or underlying conditions.
Mouth and teeth
Examining oral heath is vitally important to detect gum disease and dental conditions. Being proactive in maintaining healthy teeth and gums will drastically reduce the risk of developing infections later in life.
Abdomen
Abnormal size or shape of organs or changes in the digestive tract can point us to disease, even without symptoms.
Heart
Issues with the heart and lungs affect the body’s ability to circulate blood and oxygen, which can have far-reaching effects in the body.
Joints
Looking for evidence of arthritis or changes in muscle and ability to move can help us determine if other treatments are needed for support.
Diagnostic screening tests let us evaluate your pet’s internal health. By screening your pet’s blood, urine, and stool samples, we can get a comprehensive assessment of your pet’s overall health. This can help us detect disease early, sometimes before symptoms arise.
Blood cell health
Evaluating blood cells provides insight into the immune system, risks of bleeding, and the ability to distribute oxygen to the body.
Organ function
Blood testing can help us evaluate liver function and kidney function, as well as determine levels of important proteins, electrolytes, and thyroid hormones. Urine testing provides additional information on hydration and bladder health as well as deeper insights on organ function.
Infectious disease
We also test the blood for dangerous parasites like heartworms and for diseases that can be transmitted by ticks. In cats that go outdoors, we can also test for diseases that can be contracted by contact with other cats. Pets may harbor intestinal parasites without any outward signs; some of these parasites are transmissible to humans. Faecal testing for pets detects intestinal parasites to help reduce infections in pets and protect humans.