As pets age, their health needs evolve. Senior dogs and cats are more prone to chronic conditions, making regular wellness exams and diagnostic screenings crucial for early detection and management of potential health issues.
What Is a Wellness Exam for Senior Dogs & Cats?
A senior wellness exam is a thorough health check designed to identify early signs of age-related diseases. Most veterinarians recommend biannual check-ups for senior pets (generally considered 7 years and older) to stay ahead of common conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid disorders.
Senior pet wellness exams include the following:
- Full Physical Check-Up – A nose-to-tail exam to assess overall health.
- Routine Lab Work (Including the Senior Blood Panel) – Laboratory tests help detect biomarkers for various age-related conditions like kidney, liver, and thyroid issues.
- Personalized Health Recommendations – Tailored advice for nutrition, mobility, cognitive wellness, and ongoing care.
What Blood Tests Are Done for Senior Dogs & Cats?
According to the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association), the standard laboratory tests for senior dogs and senior cats include the following:
Important Note: While the following lists common conditions linked to abnormal biomarker levels, only a licensed veterinarian can provide an accurate diagnosis.
1. Comprehensive CBC for Older Dogs & Cats | Every 6–12 Months
A comprehensive CBC for older dogs and cats provides a closer look into the count and appearance of different blood cells, which provides clues regarding the pet’s overall health.
Here are the main components of a complete blood count for senior pets:
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs) – These are vital for oxygen transport. Abnormally low levels can indicate anemia while abnormally high levels can signal dehydration.
- White Blood Cells (WBCs) – These are crucial for proper immune system function. Abnormally high and low levels can signal infections, inflammation, or immune system disorders.
- Platelets (PLT) – These cells are essential for proper blood clotting. Abnormally low levels may suggest bleeding disorders while abnormally high levels may point to a bone marrow disease or long-term blood loss.
- Hemoglobin (Hgb) – This is the protein in RBCs that carries oxygen. Abnormally low levels of hemoglobin can help detect anemia.
- Hematocrit (Hct) – This is the ratio between the blood cells (the microscopic solid component of blood) and plasma (the liquid component). An abnormally low hematocrit can signal anemia while an abnormally high hematocrit may suggest dehydration.
2. Blood Chemistry Panel for Older Cats & Dogs | Every 6–12 Months
While CBCs measure the cells in blood, blood chemistry tests analyze the levels of various enzymes, proteins, and electrolytes to assess organ function and overall systemic health.
Blood chemistry measures the following:
a. Proteins in the Blood:
The blood contains certain proteins which are essential for various bodily functions. Blood tests look for the following protein biomarkers:
- TP (Total Protein) – This is the total level of blood albumin and globulin. High levels may indicate dehydration, chronic inflammation, etc. Meanwhile, low levels can suggest liver disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, or blood loss.
- Albumin – High levels are usually due to dehydration, while low levels may indicate liver disease, kidney disease, chronic inflammation, and more.
- Globulin - High levels may indicate chronic infections, inflammatory diseases, certain cancers, or dehydration, while low levels can suggest immune deficiencies, liver disease, or protein loss.
b. Biological Waste Products in the Blood
Though waste products are normal in protein and/or muscle metabolism, abnormally high and low levels can point to different health issues:
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) – High levels may indicate kidney disease, dehydration, heart disease, or a high-protein diet. Meanwhile, low levels can suggest liver disease, malnutrition, or overhydration.
- Creatinine – High levels may signal kidney disease, dehydration, or muscle breakdown, while low levels can be linked to muscle loss, liver disease, or low protein intake.
- Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA) – High levels suggest early kidney disease or decreased kidney filtration, while low levels are not typically significant.
c. Blood Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals that conduct electrical impulses in the body. The following electrolytes are measured as biomarkers for certain illnesses in older dogs and cats:
- Sodium – High levels may be due to dehydration, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances like Cushing’s disease, while low levels can result from Addison’s disease, kidney disease, or excessive fluid loss.
- Potassium – High levels can indicate kidney disease, Addison’s disease, or severe tissue damage, while low levels are often caused by vomiting, diarrhea, or Cushing’s disease.
d. Other Blood Biomarkers
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) – A vital enzyme that indicates liver cell health. High levels suggest liver damage from disease, toxins, infections, or medications, while low levels are not typically concerning.
- Glucose – Also known as ‘blood sugar,’ this serves as the body’s main energy source. High levels may be caused by diabetes, stress, pancreatitis, or Cushing’s disease. Meanwhile, low levels can result from insulin overdose, liver disease, Addison’s disease, or severe illness.
- Calcium – A mineral that is crucial for the bones, muscle function, nerve function, and clotting. High levels may be associated with cancer, kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism, and other conditions. Meanwhile, low levels can be due to kidney disease, pancreatitis, hypoparathyroidism, and other conditions.
3. Thyroxine Testing for Older Cats & Dogs | Yearly
The Thyroxine (T4) test measures the level of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone, in the blood. This test is commonly used to assess thyroid function in senior pets, helping to diagnose common conditions like hypothyroidism in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats.
Note: If changes are seen in this value, vets may recommend more advanced bloodwork we to investigate further.
Senior Pet Wellness Testing at Sploot Vets
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Schedule an appointment easily online or through the Sploot Vets App.
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