One Test, Two Tests, Old Tests, New Tests
Essential Diagnostics for Senior Dogs and Understanding Why Your Vet Recommends Testing
- Why does my vet recommend bloodwork every year on my healthy dog?
- Why does my vet want an ultrasound after we just took x-rays?
- Do we have to send x-rays to a radiologist for an extra cost?
- Can bloodwork detect cancer?
- What can DNA tests tell me about my dog’s health?
- Why can’t my vet can’t tell me exactly how old my dog is?
If you have ever had these questions about tests and your senior dog, please join Dr. Ashley Ackley as she tries to simplify what diagnostics veterinarians may recommend and the "why" behind each of them. With advances in veterinary medicine and many options for testing these days, understanding the basics of what tests can and can’t tell us allows for better care for our senior dogs.
Dr. Ashley Ackley is a small animal veterinarian and a lover of all creatures, especially the stinky, lumpy, crunchy, and grey faces of senior canine companions. She is thankful that her job allows her to witness the strength of the human-animal bond on a daily basis. The heartbreak of seeing so many homeless older animals in shelters and rescues, especially those requiring medical care, has led Ashley on a mission to change the narratives that surround adopting a senior pet. In her spare time, Ashley loves combining travel with volunteering or biking activities—passions that take her all over the world. She currently lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and two senior dogs.
