Preventive Health care is much more than vaccinations.
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 s 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.

Recording normal blood, urine, ECG and X-ray baselines for your pet will help detect future problems in early stages when treatment is usually more effective. 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. Early detection of the diseases of aging like kidney, liver, hear, thyroid, diabetes, arthritis, dental. Makes treatment more effective and less expensive. New pain management medications also help pets with chronic pain live a more comfortable life.

The following are some exams that your veterinarian can do to detect early stages of disease.

Complete blood count measures differences in red and white blood cell and platelet counts compare to normal count. This aids in diagnosis of specific diseases, anemia, nutritional status, inflammation and clotting defects.

Blood Profile series aids in evaluating function of kidneys, liver, pancreas, thyroid and other organs to detect early stages of disease.

Blood urea nitrogen is produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Testing for it helps detect liver and kidney abnormalities.

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

Fecal microscopic exam detects specific internal parasites. Pets can easily have parasites an over the counter product does not act on. Certain parasites can effect you and your family.

Electrocardiograms graph the electrical activity of the heart. Abnormalities may indicate a serious problem.

Radiographs help detect abnormalities of the skeletal system, heart and other internal organs.

Ultrasound shows internal organs functioning so abnormalities can be detected.

Additional test such as blood glucose for diabetes, thyroid hormone for hyper or hypothyroidism, can all be done at your veterinarian clinic. Ask your veterinarian for a complete physical and preventive health check during your next annual visit.