When your pet appears to be perfectly healthy, it may seem like a waste of time and money to invest in wellness screening tests. But, unlike us, our furry companions are unable to tell us when something is wrong, and they do a better job of hiding illness, injury, and chronic disease. Without regular screening tests, we can miss a multitude of hidden health problems that could otherwise be treated in the early stages. And, while a clean bill of health may seem boring, normal results are also valuable. 

To highlight the importance of performing regular wellness screening tests, our Companion Care Animal Clinic team details the invaluable benefits provided by wellness screening results. 

#1: Normal screening test results are invaluable for monitoring your pet’s health

It’s no secret that pets age much too quickly, and rapid changes in your pet’s body can lead to declining or impaired function, illness, or disease development. Because your pet’s health can change quickly as they age, close monitoring through regular screening tests is critical. 

Screening tests performed at annual or biannual wellness visits will depict what is normal for your pet, and help us establish their baseline. Many pets’ test results fall within established “normal” ranges, but your pet may have slightly outlying values that are normal for them. Without performing regular wellness testing, we will not know your pet’s normal values, which can make it more difficult to accurately diagnose a condition later down the line. 

#2: Screening test results guide a tailored health care plan

Each pet is unique, and so are their health care needs. When your pet’s results are normal, we have a better understanding of what works for your pet in terms of diet, exercise, supplements, and preventive medicine. 

Abnormalities can guide us in making changes to your pet’s wellness care. For example, if your pet’s kidney values are slowly creeping up, we may recommend increasing their water intake and possibly changing their diet. If your pet’s kidney values decrease in response, that confirms that our treatment was appropriate and effective. These test results are invaluable in guiding your pet’s wellness care at home and in our hospital.

#3: Screening test results are important for detecting illness

It would be wonderful if your pet could tell you they were nauseous, in pain, or otherwise not feeling well. Since dogs and cats can’t speak to us, we have to rely on screening tests to detect health issues. By performing regular screening tests at your pet’s wellness visits, we can identify problems such as:

  • Organ dysfunction (e.g., kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease)
  • Anemia
  • Infection
  • Dehydration
  • Inflammation
  • Electrolyte imbalances

Through routine physical exams, blood work, fecal exams, urinalyses, blood pressure checks, X-rays, and additional screening tests, we can diagnose illness and disease in its earliest stages. Early detection allows for more manageable treatment plans, quicker recovery times, and reduced medical costs. Diagnosing and treating disease as early as possible can be life-saving for your pet, or allow them to maintain a good quality of life for much longer.

#4: Normal screening test results provide an educational opportunity

Conducting screening tests isn’t only about the results—it also provides an opportunity to learn more about your pet’s health. Normal test results are just as important as abnormal results, as each set imparts different information. When your pet’s test results are normal, we can explain why the tests were performed, especially if your pet appears healthy. We’ll explain what the tests evaluate, and why it is important to monitor your pet’s health in this way. Specific tests are indicated for pets at various life stages, of particular breeds, and who live certain lifestyles. For example, we will recommend adding thyroid testing for your senior pet, and additional kidney function tests for middle-aged and older cats.

#5: Normal screening test results provide peace of mind

When you receive normal results for your pet’s wellness screening tests, you know you’ve done an excellent job caring for them. The relief you feel knowing your pet is happy and healthy is invaluable, and normal results can put your mind at ease and alleviate any concerns you may have about hidden health problems. 

You can’t put a price tag on knowing that your four-legged friend is happy and healthy, which makes wellness screening tests truly invaluable. To see the value in normal test results for yourself, call our Companion Care Animal Clinic team to schedule your pet’s wellness visit.