Senior Pet schemes

We, at Ashwood, recommend annual health checks for all dogs and cats over 8 years.

WHY?

To provide individual baseline data for your pet.
To provide "peace of mind" if your pet is completely healthy.
To help detect diseases early, or before symptoms appear, so treatment can be given earlier and more effectively

HOW?

A full clinical examination, followed by a blood sample and urine sample, can help us determine the health of your pet.

Blood samples do not involve an anaesthetic but may occasionally require sedation for some pets. The sample has to be taken on an empty stomach and may involve a short time admitted into the Clinic for sample taking and preparation for testing. Please inform Reception that your appointment is for a Health Screen and it may be possible to allocate time to perform the tests during a consulting period and so avoid pets having to stay in the Clinic any longer than necessary.

The Tests:

• Blood Biochemistry Provides an "inside look" at your pet's vital organs, and so helps diagnose many diseases which may be associated with advancing age:
• Albumin (ALB) - a protein produced by the liver. Reduced levels may indicate chronic liver or kidney disease, or intestinal disease.
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) - an enzyme that increases with liver disease or injury.
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP) - an enzyme produced by the biliary trace (liver). Elevated levels can indicate liver disease or Cushing's Syndrome.
• Amylase (AMYL) - an enzyme produced by the pancreas, to aid in digestion. Levels rise with pancreatic and/or kidney disease.
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Abnormal levels can occur with dehydration, liver or kidney disease.
• Calcium (Ca) - increased levels may indicate certain tumours, parathyroid or kidney disease.
• Cholesterol (CHOL) - raised levels seen in liver and kidney disease, and hypothyroidism.
• Creatinine (CREA) - a by-product of muscle metabolism excreted by the kidneys. Levels rise with kidney disease or urinary tract obstruction.
• Blood Glucose (GLU) - high levels can indicate diabetes. Low levels can indicate liver disease or infection.
• Phosphorus (PHOS) - raised levels can be an indicator of kidney disease.
• Total Bilirubin (TBIL) - secreted by the liver into the intestinal tract. Useful in diagnosing anaemia and bile duct problems.
• Total Protein (TP) - useful indicator of dehydration, liver or kidney disease, or conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.