Early Detection Screens

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 early detection 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. Early detection screens are 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.

Why Early Detection Screens?

• Many illnesses do not exhibit any outward clinical signs until they are quite progressed
• Pets that have a high tolerance for pain may not give any outward indication that they are suffering
• Animals cannot speak to explain that something is wrong, where it hurts, or what the symptoms are
• Prevention and early detection of disease is much less expensive than treatment once an illness has progressed
• Regular screening can keep your pet safer should he or she need to be anesthetized
• Screening provides a baseline upon which we can measure any future changes as they occur
• Having your pet screened regularly will give you the peace of mind of knowing that he or she is in optimum health

Don’t wait until your pet becomes sick to bring them to see us. Be proactive and invest in early detection screens to help keep your companion as healthy as possible throughout his or her lifetime.