Your doctor has recommended a yearly panel of tests to ensure the optimum health of your pet. While a regular comprehensive physical examination is vital to maintaining ideal health, the older pet has additional needs which should be addressed through laboratory testing. In general, pets arc considered to be senior by age 7. This is the equivalent of a 44-56 year old person, and with proper care and nutrition this can still be a period of excellent health. You are doubtless aware that age 40 is considered by many to be the beginning of "middle-age" in humans and is certainly a time for increased devotion to diet, exercise, and healthcare testing. Please take the time to discuss issues of nutrition, exercise, and regular health maintenance with your veterinarian.
    For older patients who arc believed to be in good health, we recommend the following on a yearly basis:

Complete Blood Count:--The "CBC" tests for anemia, infection, inflammation, certain types of cancer, and the healthiness of the blood cells.

Blood Chemistry Analysis:--This panel looks at the health of the major organ systems. Early changes can be detected in the liver, kidneys, pancreas, adrenal glands, as well as abnormalities in the electrolytes.

Thyroid Testing:--Both decreased and increased thyroid function will be detected through this test. The thyroid is a frequently affected gland in the body and contributes significantly to overall health. If caught early, most thyroid abnormalities are readily treatable.

Urinalysis:--The urine is a very sensitive indicator of disease, and changes representative of kidney disease, diabetes, adrenal dysfunction and many other abnormalities can be detected through testing of urine.

Schirmer Tear Test:--This simple test is used to detect decreased tear production, which is a common part of aging. If you have noted irritation of the eyes, redness in the white of the eye (conjunctiva), or regular discharge from both eyes, your pet may have "keratitis sicca" or dry eye.

Screening EKG:--This screening test determines heart rate and rhythm and is a very sensitive indicator of early heart disease.

Your doctor has recommended a yearly panel of tests to ensure the optimum health of your pet. While a regular comprehensive physical examination is vital to maintaining ideal health, the older pet has additional needs which should be addressed through laboratory testing. In general, pets arc considered to be senior by age 7. This is the equivalent of a 44-56 year old person, and with proper care and nutrition this can still be a period of excellent health. Yon arc doubtless aware that age 40 is considered by many to be the beginning of "middle-age" in humans and is certainly a time for increased devotion to diet, exercise, and healthcare testing. Please fake the time to discuss issues of nutrition, exercise, and regular health maintenance with your veterinarian.
    For older patients who arc believed to be in good health, we recommend the following on a yearly basis:

Complete Blood Count:--The "CBC" tests for anemia, infection, inflammation, certain types of cancer, and the healthiness of the blood cells.

Blood Chemistry Analysis:--This panel looks at the health of the major organ systems. Early changes can be detected in the liver, kidneys, pancreas, adrenal glands, as well as abnormalities in the electrolytes.

Thyroid Testing:--Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common health problems in older cats and can significantly shorten their lifespan. Detecting and treating this condition as early as possible is vital to preserving the health of the kidneys and heart.

Urinalysis:--The urine is a very sensitive indicator of disease, and changes representative of kidney disease, diabetes, adrenal dysfunction and many other abnormalities can be detected through testing of urine.

Blood Pressure:--Although frequently and regularly monitored in humans, blood pressure has been all but neglected until recently in the veterinary world. Cats of any age can develop blood pressure problems, and hypertension is a very common problem in older feline population.

Screening EKG:--This screening test determines heart rate and rhythm and is a very sensitive indicator of early heart disease

Ocular Tonometry

Glaucoma is the term that refers to increased pressure in the eyeball. It is an emergency situation, and if not treated immediately, can lead to blindness.

In a healthy eye, an equilibrium exists between the amount of intraocular (within the eyeball) fluid produced and the amount of fluid removed. If fluid cannot be removed, pressure builds up within the eye. This elevated intraocular pressure (glaucoma) can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve, resulting in blindness.

Ocular Tonometry is the measurement of pressure within the eyeball. The tonometer is the device used to measure this pressure.