Screening
Health Screening
Just as in humans who are screened routinely in adult life for cervical, breast and prostate cancer, for diabetes and renal insufficiency, for liver disease and anemia, our animal family members should be checked for serious diseases as well.
Routine testing is recommended for the following :
In Cats
Fecal (stool) Evaluation for internal parasites - at 8 weeks and annually after that
Feline Leukemia and Immunodeficiency Viruses - when a new cat is adopted
Thyroid Levels for Hyperthyroidism - annually after the age of 7 years
Renal (Kidney) Evaluation - annually after the age of 7 years
Liver Enzyme Testing - annually after the age of 7 years
In Dogs
Fecal (stool) Evaluation for internal parasites - at 8 weeks and annually after that
Developmental Orthopedic Disease (especially hip dysplasia) - in susceptable breeds, evaluate under sedation if necessary at 4 months of age (while there is still time to correct the problem)
Thyroid Levels for Hypothyroidism - annually after the age of 7 years
Renal (Kidney) Evaluation - annually after the age of 7 years
Liver Enzyme Testing - annually after the age of 7 years
Abdominal Ultrasound - annually after the age of 7 years in breeds with increased risk of abdominal cancer.
In Horses
Fecal (manure) Evaluation for internal parasites - at 8 weeks and annually after that
Immunoglobulin Level and Complete Blood Count - New Born foals at 12 to 18 hrs of age
Metabolic Disease and Insulin Resistance - annually after the age of 15
Equine Cushings Syndrome - annually after the age of 15
Equine Infectious Anemia (Coggins Disease) - Before border crossing and requied for most sanctioned horse shows.