Ask Dr. Fling

Q: This year at my dog's annual check up, my vet offered to do a blood test my to "check my dog's organs". The veterinarian has never done this before, and I'm wondering if he secretly suspects that my dog is sick or if it's just because he's getting older, being 7 years old now. Should I have the test, or is it better to let my dog live
out what ever time he has left?

A: While some people may argue that "ignorance is bliss" , I believe that
the knowledge that can be gained by blood testing allows us to make informed decisions for the best health and disease prevention in our pets. For example, with early detection of conditions like kidney disease, mere changes in a pet's diet can literally double its life expectancy! Since most pets are generally considered "senior citizens" by age seven, it is likely that this the reason your pet's doctor has recommended testing now. For any age animal, however, laboratory testing can be invaluable for uncovering unsuspected diseases or for establishing a baseline for health care.