Should I Take My Sick Cat to the Vet? A Quick Guide

When we notice our cats are unwell, some of us might take a few days to observe before deciding on treatment, while others may constantly seek advice from friends. However, the safest and most reliable option is to consult a veterinarian.

Upon visiting the vet, some pet owners may worry about encountering unscrupulous doctors or those with insufficient experience, which can be quite troublesome. As responsible pet parents, it's crucial to be informed about the types of physical exams available. This way, we can at least ensure that the doctor isn't misleading us and understand the purpose and significance of each test. It also allows us to be prepared for any subsequent treatment and have the necessary mental readiness.

General Categories of Physical Exams

Basic Exams (Very Important!)

The basic exams typically include:

1. Visual Examination: Observing the pet's posture and external areas, such as the mouth, nose, eyes, anal area, and skin, for any abnormalities.

2. Palpation: Gently touching the pet's body, including the abdomen, limbs, spine, and bones, to detect any abnormalities or pain responses.

3. Auscultation: Using a stethoscope to check for any significant abnormalities in the lungs, heart, and intestinal motility.

4. Olfaction: Smelling the pet's breath, feces, and fur to detect any unusual odors.

5. History Taking: Gathering information about the pet's lifestyle, diet, deworming habits, and frequency.

Laboratory Tests

Blood Test / Blood Test

Blood tests involve drawing blood from the pet's neck, arm, or leg veins. Here are some of the most common blood tests:

Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test checks for white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, helping to determine if the pet has inflammation, infection, anemia, etc. It's recommended to perform this test if the pet is sick and to do it annually when the pet is healthy, for comparison purposes.

Biochemistry Panel (Internal Organ Function): This test evaluates the function of various organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, by checking for things like liver function, kidney function, blood sugar, and blood proteins. This test can help identify which organ might be causing issues if the pet is sick and should be done annually when the pet is healthy.

Thyroid Panel: It's advisable to have older pets tested every one to two years. Dogs may develop hypothyroidism, leading to weight gain, skin issues, and depression, while older cats may suffer from hyperthyroidism, causing excessive excitement, hair loss, and increased appetite and thirst. So, a spry older cat may not necessarily be experiencing a renaissance; they could be ill.

Tooth Exam: Oral health is crucial, and it's essential to cultivate daily brushing habits from an early age. As pets age, tartar can accumulate, leading to gingivitis, receding gums, and even infections in the roots. These infections can spread to other vital organs, so dental checks are vital.

Fecal Exam: Annual fecal exams and regular deworming are nonnegotiable steps. Always bring a fresh sample during the annual checkup. If your pet starts to have diarrhea for no apparent reason, a fecal exam is also necessary to rule out parasites. Even if your pet has regular deworming or no visible worms in their feces, a fecal exam is the only way to confirm the absence of parasites.

Urinalysis: This test checks for urinary tract infections and can also assess kidney function, blood sugar levels (diabetes), ketones, pH levels, and crystals (kidney stones). If your pet exhibits symptoms like frequent urination, urgency, hematuria, difficulty urinating, or excessive urination, a urinalysis is essential. For older pets, especially cats, a urinalysis during the annual checkup can also help monitor kidney health.

Xrays: Xrays are not highly detailed but serve as the foundation for other imaging tests. They can reveal bone and chest abnormalities, as well as give a general idea of abdominal conditions. Xrays are very useful for emergencies, such as fractures, intestinal foreign bodies, gastric torsion, and pleural effusion.

For older pets, an annual Xray is recommended to check heart function, look for stones or tumors, and if any abnormalities are found, further imaging tests like ultrasound, CT, or MRI can be considered.

The Significance of Basic Exams

1. For the Pet: Through thorough basic exams, doctors can gain insight into the pet's overall health and determine which targeted further exams are necessary to optimize the examination process.

2. For the Pet Parent: The level of detail in the doctor's basic examination can give us a preliminary idea of how much the doctor cares for and values our pets (which has little to do with technical proficiency). If a doctor quickly glances at the pet and then recommends a barrage of tests, they may be more of a salesman than a doctor.

Tips for Pet Exams

1. Frequency: It's generally recommended to have a physical exam once a year and keep records.

2. Process: Start with a comprehensive basic exam, then proceed with targeted laboratory tests. If any issues are found, consider further testing. Of course, if funds allow, more comprehensive testing is always better.

3. Immunization: If your pet is fully vaccinated and has strong antibodies, you may not need to perform related infectious disease tests.

4. Timing: Schedule the exam during a nonheat period and not during the immunization period.

5. Doctor Selection: Prioritize finding a reputable veterinarian, as choosing the right doctor is crucial.