As pets live longer, veterinary teams are increasingly managing age-related conditions that impact quality of life. Ageing in dogs and cats is accompanied by physiological changes that may not be immediately visible but can significantly affect organ function, mobility, cognition, and overall wellbeing. Early detection and proactive management are essential. 

At NationWide Laboratories, we support veterinary practices with a comprehensive portfolio of diagnostic tools tailored to senior pets. From canine wellness testing and feline wellness testing to advanced senior pet profiles and geriatric profiles, our services are designed to help you identify subtle changes before clinical signs emerge, enabling timely intervention and personalised care.

Senior Dogs 

Ageing dogs often present with complex, overlapping conditions that require a structured diagnostic approach. Our Canine Senior Health Check Plus T4 and Canine Geriatric Profile are designed to support early detection and ongoing monitoring of age-related changes.  

These profiles assess: 

• Liver and kidney status (ALT, ALP, GGT, SDMA, creatinine, urea) 
• Electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, chloride, Na:K ratio) 
• Metabolic health (glucose, cholesterol) 
• Endocrine status (total T4) 
• Haematology and urinalysis 

Routine canine wellness testing helps establish baselines and track trends over time, allowing you to intervene before clinical signs progress.

For breeds at higher risk of cancer, the Nu.Q® Vet Cancer Test offers a non-invasive screening tool that detects nucleosome changes in blood supporting earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes. 

As part of a proactive approach to preventive care, Nu.Q® can be used on its own or alongside routine screening to aid early detection and informed decision-making.

Discussing options like Nu.Q® with owners opens up conversations about regular health assessments and long-term planning, helping them feel more confident in supporting their dog’s wellbeing, both today and as their dog grows older.

BSAVA PetSavers and NationWide Laboratories launch exclusive partnership for the Ageing Canine Toolkit (ACT) 

Alison Selby, Fundraising Manager for BSAVA PetSavers said: “We are thrilled to be embarking on this partnership with NationWide Laboratories. Working together in partnership, we hope to equip owners with the knowledge and confidence to support their dogs through the ageing process, ultimately improving their quality of life.” 

At NationWide Laboratories we’re proud to partner with BSAVA PetSavers to support the Ageing Canine Toolkit (ACT), developed by the University of Liverpool. This evidence-based resource is designed to help veterinary professionals and pet owners identify early signs of age-related disease and guide meaningful conversations during consultations. 

The Ageing Canine Toolkit (ACT) fits in well with our diagnostic offering, such as canine wellness testing, senior pet profiles, and canine geriatric profiles by helping veterinary teams connect clinical findings with the day-to-day realities of a dog’s behaviour, mobility, and overall wellbeing. It provides a practical framework to support early intervention, strengthen client communication, and enhance the continuity of care for ageing canine patients. 

The Ageing Canine Toolkit (ACT) includes: 

• A traffic light colour-coded checklist for owners 
• Information on common conditions in senior dogs 
• A framework to support proactive, collaborative care 

Senior Cats 

Cats are masters at masking illness, making proactive screening essential in senior care. Our Feline Senior Health Check and Feline Geriatric Profile Plus are designed to uncover early signs of disease through a comprehensive panel that includes: 

• Kidney status (SDMA, urea, creatinine) 
• Liver enzymes (ALT, ALP, GGT) 
• Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, Na:K ratio) 
• Metabolic markers (glucose, cholesterol) 
• Endocrine screening (total T4) 
• Haematology and urinalysis 

Feline wellness testing is a cornerstone of preventative care, helping you detect subtle shifts in health status before they become clinically significant. With expert interpretation from our veterinary pathologists, you can confidently tailor treatment plans and improve outcomes for your ageing feline patients. 

Further Resources and Insights 

FREE CPD Webinar: Clinical Pathology in Cats and Dogs – Why Species, Breed and Age Matter 

Speakers: Alina Bodnariu, DVM MSc PhD FRCPath MRCVS, Helen Campbell BVM&S FRCPath MRCVS 

This session explores species-specific differences in laboratory results, breed-related nuances, and age-related shifts in reference intervals, essential knowledge for interpreting senior pet diagnostics. 

Blog Articles 

• Disease, diagnostics and care of senior pets 
• Canine and feline geriatric profiling: how can it help? 
• Maximising diagnostic potential: urinalysis and urine cytology 
• Decoding diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats 

Canine Case Studies 

• Cytologic-histologic correlation in uncommon neoplasms 
• Trichoblastoma in a 7-year-old Labrador 
• Salivary gland lipomatosis in a Jackapoo 
• Prostatic abnormality in a Cocker Spaniel 
• B-cell lymphoma in a Border Collie 
• Superficial pustular dermatophytosis of the nasal skin in a Jack Russell Terrier

Feline Case Studies 

• Cystitis Glandularis in a 13-year-old cat 
• Possible Cryptococcosis in a 10-year-old cat 
• Correlating digital cytopathology and neoplastic cavitary effusion 
• Feline Injection-Site Sarcoma 
• Lymphangiosarcoma in a cat 

Looking for More? 

Our blog features a growing library of articles and case studies designed for bite-size learning, check it out. 

Helping You Support Your Senior Patients  

NationWide Laboratories offers the tools and resources to help you deliver confident, proactive care for ageing pets. Explore our diagnostic profiles, download client-friendly materials, and stay informed with practical content designed for everyday practice. 

Have questions or want to discuss how we can support your team? Contact us. 

Looking for the right test or profile? Explore our test directory.