Stone Park Animal Hospital

Wellness testing is the term given to a group of tests that is performed specifically to detect signs of early disease in a pet that is apparently

healthy.

Pets cannot tell you how they are feeling, and as a result disease may be present before you are aware of it. If a disease or condition can be

detected before a pet shows signs of illness, we can often take steps to manage or correct the problem before irreparable damage is done.

Wellness testing is particularly important in the geriatric pet, since there is a greater chance that underlying disease may be present.

Wellness testing is usually done once yearly, and many pet owners combine wellness testing with their annual visit to the veterinarian for their

health concerns. Monitoring your pet’s health status on a regular basis makes it easier for the veterinarian to detect minor changes that signal the

onset of disease.

There are four main categories of wellness testing for the geriatric cat: complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and thyroid

hormone testing. Within each category, the veterinarian will determine how extensive the testing should be. In younger cats without noticeable

health complaints, relatively simple testing may be adequate. However, in the geriatric cat, more comprehensive testing is recommended.

This simple blood test analyses the cellular components in the bloodstream. These include red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues,

white blood cells, which fight infection and respond to inflammation, and platelets, which help the blood to clot. The CBC provides details about

This is a series of tests performed on serum which is a component of blood. These tests provide information about how well the various organs of

the body are working, and help to detect the presence of some metabolic diseases. There are tests to assess the liver, kidneys, and pancreas,

profile, the veterinarian may simply request that you repeat the tests at a later time; depending on the abnormality, this may be in a few days, a

few weeks, or a few months. In some cases, a more extensive diagnostic workup may be recommended, including an expanded biochemistry

profile, or special tests and/or imaging (x-rays, ultrasound).

Urinalysis involves an analysis of the chemical components in urine, as well as a microscopic examination of the cells and solid material present in

or infection, and may detect the presence of underlying metabolic disease such as diabetes. Urinalysis is necessary for a complete assessment of

the urinary system. It should be performed routinely as part of wellness testing, and is particularly important in the geriatric cat because of the

high rate of kidney disease in older cats.

common in the older geriatric cat, and cats that are more than eight years of age should be tested for thyroid function as part of routine wellness

testing.

thyroid hormone. High levels of thyroid hormone cause a marked increase in the metabolic rate, which puts a strain on the heart and other

organs. The typical signs of hyperthyroidism in the cat are unexplained weight loss, increased appetite, restlessness, increased thirst and

urination, or vomiting and/or diarrhea.