What is wellness testing?
Wellness testing is the term given to a group of tests that are performed specifically to detect signs of early disease in a pet that is apparently healthy.
Why do wellness testing?
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.
When is wellness testing done?
Wellness testing is usually done once yearly, and many pet owners combine wellness testing with their annual visit to the veterinarian for their dog’s physical examination, vaccination, or heartworm testing. Your veterinarian may recommend more frequent testing depending on your dog’s age or specific 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.
What is involved in wellness testing?
There are four main categories of wellness testing for the dog: 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 dogs without noticeable health complaints, relatively simple testing may be adequate. However, in the geriatric dog, more comprehensive testing is recommended.
Stay tuned to our next post to learn more about the different types of wellness testing.
