The importance of routine examinations in veterinary medicine
Scientific studies underline the importance of routine screening examinations. For example, in a study in which 59 older and geriatric dogs from a pool of 100 dogs were examined, abnormalities requiring further examination were detected in several cases (1). This highlights the importance of regular screening to detect subtle but significant changes that may not be obvious. Similarly, in a study of middle-aged cats, variations in test results were found, prompting debate about the accuracy of reference intervals (2). These findings emphasize the need for veterinarians to take a nuanced approach to screening, especially when interpreting laboratory findings in apparently healthy pets. Establishing individual baseline values for each patient can help to detect changes later, even if the results of tests are still within the reference interval.
Integration of education about preventive measures into every visit
Start with empathy: Understand that pet owners want the best for their pets. Acknowledge their efforts, even if they are ultimately not always effective, and gently guide them towards scientifically sound prevention methods.
Clear communication: Simplify the complex medical jargon into easy-to-understand language. This will build trust and ensure that pet owners understand the importance of preventive care.
Regular health checks: Encourage annual check-ups. Use these opportunities to educate pet owners about age-appropriate care, vaccinations and the dangers of parasites.
Use of technology: Provide information yourself that puts common myths from forums and social media into perspective and instead offers accurate advice on pet care and medical care. Update your social media regularly with informative posts and target pet owners in an area they frequent.
Information materials: Develop easy-to-understand brochures or handouts, or use those provided by industry partners, to dispel common misconceptions and hand them out to pet owners during or after their appointments or make them available in the waiting room. This way, they can inform themselves scientifically at their leisure.
For example, use the information sheet on laboratory findings in dogs and cats at different stages of life in your practice. This will provide pet owners with information about the importance of regular check-ups at different stages of life and when pets typically show medically relevant findings.
The brochure on the importance of preventive medical check-ups illustrates what is examined at such appointments and the significance of the individual organ systems.
Faeces tests: An important aspect of preventive health care
In addition to regular deworming, fecal examinations play an important role in the management of intestinal parasites. On the one hand, animals can become re-infected after deworming, on the other hand, there are animals for which the deworming interval can be reduced. A recent study provides valuable data on the prevalence of nematodes in German-speaking countries (3).
Modern tests use coproantigen technology, which is independent of the excretion of eggs or cysts and detects common parasites. This method is available as a laboratory test and as a test kit for pet owners. The PetChek IP test kit for pet owners is only available through veterinary practices. Inform your pet owners with this brochure.
Literature
1 Willems, A. et al. 2017. "Results of screening of apparently healthy senior and geriatric dogs." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 31(1):81-92
2 Paepe, D. et al. 2013. "Routine health screening: Findings in apparently healthy middle-aged and old cats." Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 15(1):8-19.
3 Sommer, A. et al. 2023. occurrence of nematodes in the feces of dogs in urban parks and green spaces in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Small Animal Medicine 25 (2).
