Because companion animals age at a much faster rate than we do, it’s important that they be regularly screened to detect the early onset of illness and catch any other problems that may be present as quickly as possible. Early detection of disease can vastly improve the length and quality of your pet’s life and improve the chances that you’ll both be able to enjoy one another’s company for many years to come. Animal Hospital of Ludington offers complete pet health screening services for various life stages, including pediatric, adult and geriatric.
The type and frequency of screening will vary, depending on how old your pet is, what specific risk factors he or she is regularly exposed to and their medical history. Typically in younger patients we will screen for anemia and the presence of parasites. As your pet ages, we’ll begin to conduct more in-depth analyses to look for the early onset of certain conditions that tend to be more common in older animals, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, cancers, kidney disease, liver disease and many others.
Should the need for additional laboratory testing or more advanced diagnostic testing be deemed necessary, such as digital radiographs or ultrasound imaging, we will recommend the appropriate next steps in effectively diagnosing and treating whatever may be ailing your pet. Pet health screening is an important component of your companion’s overall health care plan because when we are able to identify and address illness and disease right away, we can improve the chances of keeping your pet happy and healthy for years to come.
Don’t wait until your pet becomes sick to bring them to see us. Be proactive and invest in pet health screenings to help keep your companion as healthy as possible throughout his or her lifetime.