Routine Wellness Screening
Routine wellness screening is not-so-secret code for "don't bring your pet in only when there is a problem."
Our pets can't speak so they can't tell us when something isn't right. Research has proven that all animals hide signs of illness. This is a genetic survival instinct stemming from when they were pack animals.
For these reasons it is important to have your pet seen by a veterinarian regularly. A yearly physical exam (which include a thorough history from you) and screening blood tests give us the best chance of catching an illness early so that we can provide early intervention. The earlier a serious disease is discovered and treated, the better the long-term prognosis.
What do lab tests tell us
Chemistry - a routine blood chemistry tells us about blood sugar, blood proteins, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte balances
CBC - a complete blood count tells us the number and breakdown of white and red blood cells as well as platelets
Urinalysis - Checks the concentration, pH and for the presence of: sugar, blood, white blood cells, protein, crystals