Diagnostic Tests and Recommended Frequencies for Senior Dogs and Cats
Download PDF of Table 1: Diagnostic Tests and Recommended Frequencies for Senior Dogs and Cats
| Diagnostic Test | Recommended Frequency | |
|---|---|---|
| Canine | Feline | |
| Fecal testing for parasites | 1–4 times/yr, depending on use of preventive products and lifestyle. | 1–2 times/yr, depending on health and lifestyle factors. |
| Tick-borne disease | Annually | N/A |
| Heartworm | Annually | Detailed information on heartworm testing is available in the American Heartworm Society guidelines.1 |
| Comprehensive CBC (including cell morphology, differentials and pathologist review if necessary) | Every 6–12 mo. | |
| Chemistry (TP, albumin, ALT, glucose, BUN, creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium, SDMA if available) | Every 6–12 mo. | |
| Urinalysis (USG, sediment, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, protein, occult blood) | Every 6–12 mo. | |
| Imaging | Imaging of a region of interest should be performed if clinically indicated. Breedspecific screening may be appropriate. | Imaging of a region of interest should be performed if clinically indicated. |
| Electrocardiogram | Perform an electrocardiogram annually in breeds with high risk of cardiac disease (e.g., boxers, Dobermans), or in other patients when clinically indicated or if an arrhythmic condition is suspected. | |
| Urine protein:creatinine ratio | If proteinuria is identified or persistent microalbuminuria is present. | |
| Thyroxine (T4) | Recommended annually. | Strongly recommended annually. |
| Blood pressure | Recommended annually. | Strongly recommended annually. Recommended every 6–12 mo in healthy geriatric cats. |
| Retroviral testing | N/A | Consider based on individual patient’s risk. |
| NT-proBNP | Annually and to be strongly considered before an anesthetic event. | |
1American Heartworm Society. Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) Infection in Cats. American Heartworm Society, 2020. Available at https://d3ft8sckhnqim2.cloudfront.net/images/pdf/2020_AHS_Feline_Guidelines_Summary_11_12.pdf?1605556516
ALT: alanine aminotransferase
BUN: blood urea nitrogen
CBC: complete blood count
N/A: not applicable
NT-proBNP: N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide
SDMA: symmetric dimethylarginine assay
TP: total protein
USG: urine specific gravity
The 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats are generously supported by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, CareCredit, IDEXX, and Zoetis.
