What Vital Tests for 13 Yr Old Cat Are Necessary?

sadisticookie

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My 13 year old female cat Sammy is overdue for a check-up at the vet clinic but I don't know what exactly I should ask for aside from the usual visual scanning of eyes/mouth/etc. Sammy was recently given wormer (piperazine) that she threw up within an hour after eating (this was on May 8). Her sister Heeby, as some of you know, eventually died due to the medicine pushing her body over the edge (she was already suffering from kidney failure which I didn't know about). The vet asked about Sammy but did not recommend that Sammy be brought in since she showed no signs of problems after worming.

So now I'm very paranoid about my Sammy. She shows no signs whatsoever of change in behavior, eating, drinking. Still, I won't feel better until I get her a check-up. What am I to demand from the vet to insure Sammy is alright? Bloodwork? X-rays? Any info will be much appreciated.
 

sandie

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Besides the physical exam, I would ask them to run a CBC/Chemistry panel. This will show how her organs are functioning.
 

pat

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At this age - 13 - I'd ask for a Senior Panel - at my vets this includes a check of kidney, liver values and thyroid values.
 

catg

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My vet would run blood work to check blood sugar (for diabetes), thyroid, kidney and liver function. Those are the most important areas of concern for our feline senior citizens.
 
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sadisticookie

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Thanks guys
..it helps a lot to get a heads up on what my vet might not offer up front.
 

sashacat421

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You're doing great! My Sasha just turned 13 and like yours, he shows no signs of aging (yet). He is robust and eats everything, plays hard, sleeps well, and is a great older brother to little Saba. I'd make sure you get a dental exam this year if you haven't already. That's real critical along with the good advice from others such as a CBC/Senior panel which will check for thyroid and liver function, kidney function as well as red and white blood cell counts - all vitally important signs for senior kitties.
Good job!!!
 
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