Geriatric evaluation at the vet..

suprax

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So my Reggie is 11 years old. Relatively good health, just overweight (but hes lost a perfect amount since I've owned him). Last time I was at the vet I asked about blood panels and they gave me some prices and information. Just wondering if anyone has any opinions on the tests..

Chemistry Panel + Complete blood count: $79
Chemistry Panel + CBC + Thyroid level: $98
Urinalysis: ~$30

I've read about the different tests but I want to see what others on here do for their cats. Should I get everything? Is everything necessary? I certainly will spend the money for any health reasons for my cat but I've only owned Reggie about a year now and just want to check and see if the vet is trying to make a couple on bucks on me or if all the tests are necessary.

Thanks!

Picture of the boy:
 

cloud_shade

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I'd go for all the tests. Since Reggie seems healthy, they can be used as a baseline for the future and to detect any problems that might be in the early stages. Were you trying to get Reggie to lose weight, or was this something that just happened over time? If it wasn't a concerted effort to get him to shed some pounds, then I would definitely go for the full panel.
 

sharky

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Originally Posted by cloud_shade

I'd go for all the tests. Since Reggie seems healthy, they can be used as a baseline for the future and to detect any problems that might be in the early stages. Were you trying to get Reggie to lose weight, or was this something that just happened over time? If it wasn't a concerted effort to get him to shed some pounds, then I would definitely go for the full panel.
Ditto

the prices are quite reasonable too
 

pat

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I would definately go for the Chemistry Panel - CBC (Complete Blood Count) & Thyroid test, plus a urinalysis. It will give you an important baseline re kidney function as well as thyroid function...two areas that tend to become issues as cats get into their senior years.

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les0304

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I would also highly recommend the CBC/Chem/T4 and UA.
 

urbantigers

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I would also go for the whole lot. Once they get to Reggie's age it's a good idea to get as much as possible tested for then you can use those results as a baseline and notice whether anything is going up or down in subsequent tests. Its so much easier to treat a condition that's detected early before symptoms are obvious. And if everything's clear then it really sets your mind at rest.
 

shambelle

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Just for kicks, I'm another vote for everything.

Without doing baseline senior panels on both my cats, I wouldn't be able to tell when things go wrong - and my oldest (~12) has developed thryoid problems with age. Your prices are the same as mine I think I paid $120 total for all of that.
 
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suprax

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Wow, thanks for all the replies everyone! I'm bringing Reg to the vet tomorrow morning for the "works". I'm not too worried about anything but it's always good to know everything's fine.

About his weight, when I inheritied him from my Grandma a year ago he was 23.3 pounds. Since then he's lost several pounds being on the Purina OM diet food. He's still above average but I can tell he feels and acts a lot better, younger.

Thanks again guys.
 
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