Veterinarians Urge Annual Health Checks for Pets to Detect Hidden Illnesses Early

Key summary

Dr. Nontasit Chutiyanawat from the Special Affairs Unit of Kasetsart University Veterinary Hospital in Bang Khen advises pet owners to take their dogs and cats for annual health examinations. The report explains that animals often hide symptoms due to instinctual survival mechanisms, meaning visible illness may indicate advanced stages of disease. Regular checks allow for early detection of common conditions such as chronic kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, hypertension, thyroid issues, anemia, urinary tract diseases, obesity, and cancer. Recommended schedules include at least one check-up per year for healthy pets, every six months for those over seven years old, and more frequent visits for animals with pre-existing conditions or specific risk factors. The procedure typically involves a history review, physical examination, blood tests, urine analysis, fecal exams, and advanced imaging like X-rays or ultrasounds for senior or high-risk animals.