Prevalence of clinicopathological changes in healthy middle-aged dogs and cats presenting to veterinary practices for...

The objective of the present study was to investigate the frequency of abnormal clinicopathological parameters in a population of client-owned clinically healthy middle-aged dogs and cats.

Biochemical and haematological profiles, urinalysis and total T4 were measured in clinically healthy middle-aged dogs (age, 5-8 years) and cats (age, 6-9 years) presenting to veterinary practices for routine procedures.

Of the 406 dogs, only 55 had no abnormalities identified in the testing panel. Most changes were minor or considered artifactual; however, changes that were diagnostic of significant disease or warranting additional evaluation were identified in 25 dogs (6.2%). Of the 130 cats, only 26 had no abnormalities identified in the testing panel. Most changes were minor or considered artifactual; however, changes diagnostic of significant disease or warranting additional evaluation were identified in 25 cats (19.2%). Significant abnormalities included anaemia, inflammation and evidence of liver, kidney and pancreatic disease.

Biochemical and haematological testing as part of regular preventive health checks may facilitate early detection of diseases before they present clinically, allowing earlier intervention and better health outcomes.