What tests are included in a senior pet wellness exam?
A senior pet wellness exam includes a comprehensive physical check. It also involves blood work to evaluate organ function and a complete urinalysis. Additional tests like chest x-rays or ultrasounds may be recommended for detailed assessment.✓ Accepted answer
A senior pet wellness exam combines a comprehensive physical check-up with diagnostic testing to detect age-related issues early.
- Comprehensive Physical Exam: The vet checks every system, including heart, lungs, abdomen, teeth, eyes, and coat, looking for pain, weight changes, or mobility issues.
- Blood Work & Urinalysis: These tests evaluate organ function, specifically monitoring the kidneys and liver, and screen for conditions like diabetes or thyroid imbalances.
- Advanced Imaging: Chest X-rays or ultrasounds may be recommended to assess heart size or detect internal masses that aren't palpable during the physical exam.
- Specific Senior Testing: Depending on the species, vets may check for hormone levels (like thyroid) or add fecal testing for parasites, which are common in older animals.
As veterinary care advances, many dogs and cats are considered seniors at a younger age than previously thought. In 2025, experts recommend treating cats over nine and dogs over seven to eight as seniors. These exams are typically scheduled every six months rather than annually to catch chronic health issues early.
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