Canine & Feline Tests

A Comprehensive Physical Exam is the most important part of the senior care program. The veterinary team will assess all body systems to check for abnormalities.

Weight Assessment is critical as pets get older. Excess weight can make problems like arthritis worse and predispose your pet to new diseases like diabetes. Weight loss is sometimes the first sign that an aging pet has a health problem like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.

A Dietary History and Nutritional Evaluation ensures the right balance of nutrients and calories for your pet.

A Chiropractic examination includes, but is not limited to, viewing the gait and stance; checking range of motion; and palpating the spine, muscles, and legs for subluxations (abnormal joint motion), muscle spasm, and tenderness. X-rays are sometimes necessary to rule out arthritis, fractures, and disc herniations.

An Echocardiogram ("echo" for short) is an ultrasound of the heart. This is the most sensitive way to examine the inside of the heart including the heart chambers and valves. This is a non-invasive test and does not require sedation.

An Ophthalmic Exam is a visual inspection of the eye and its surrounding structures. Age-related changes are often noted in the lenses or retinas.

Intraocular Pressure is the pressure within the globe of the eye. Abnormally low intraocular pressure can be caused by infectious disease or inflammation. Increased intraocular pressure is called glaucoma. Glaucoma can develop on its own or as a result of other disease. It is painful and can lead to blindness. Glaucoma can be reversed with proper treatment.

Radiographs ("x-rays") may be a component of the senior care program. Generally, we perform chest radiographs to assess the heart and lungs. Abdominal radiographs assess the organs of the abdomen (liver, spleen, kidneys, intestine, and urinary bladder). Radiographs of the chest and abdomen are also used to screen for cancerous masses.

A Cardiac Exam is performed with a stethoscope. Your veterinarian will be assessing the heart rhythm, rate, and sound.

An Electrocardiogram (EKG) looks at the electrical activity of the heart. The electrical waves are recorded as a series of waves and analyzed for rate, rhythm, and size. An EKG is non-invasive and is performed without sedation.

A Urinalysis provides information about kidney function and checks for urinary tract infections.

A Fecal Parasite Exam screens for microscopic eggs of intestinal parasites. Fecal parasites are common in dogs and cats and some can be transmitted to people.

Blood Pressure Measurement allows our team to check for hypertension. Just as in humans, high blood pressure in pets can lead to kidney problems, heart disease, blindness, and other complications.

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) provides a detailed look at the cellular components of the blood, including red and white blood cells and platelets. This test helps to diagnose anemia or infection. 

A Blood Chemistry Panel measures the blood sugar, kidney and liver enzymes, and various electrolytes in the blood. This panel of tests can help diagnose diseases such as diabetes, kidney failure, and liver disease. 

A Thyroid Panel is used to diagnose thyroid disease. Low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism) can affect middle aged to older dogs and can cause weight gain, skin and ear problems, and changes in temperament. High thyroid levels (hyperthyroidism) can affect middle aged to older cats and can cause weight loss, ravenous appetite, and heart disease.

Feline Only Tests

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Testing looks for these infectious disease agents which can suppress a cat's immune system and lead to secondary infections, anemia, and even cancer.

Bartonella Testing looks for exposure to an infectious agent transmitted in fleas and other parasites. Bartonella is the infectious agent that causes human Cat Scratch Fever.

Toxoplasmosis Testing looks for exposure to an infectious parasite that is spread in contaminated muscle tissue. Cats are exposed through hunting. Toxoplasmosis can be passed to humans and is a concern for pregnant women and for anyone with a compromised immune system.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Testing looks for exposure to an infectious agent called coronavirus. In certain individuals, the coronavirus mutates to cause severe - and often fatal - disease.