Medivet Healthcare Plan Extra

As your cat ages, they’re much more likely to experience issues with their blood pressure. As dogs get older, they're much more likely to experience diseases that impact their blood pressure. Having regular blood pressure checks can help to identify any underlying issues, as soon as possible, keeping your pet happy and healthy for years to come. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is diagnosed in a similar way to humans, using an inflatable cuff around the dog or cat’s foreleg or tail. The cuff is inflated to measure the blood flow and the measurement is presented on the screen for the vet to read. The vet can then use this information to see if your pet’s blood pressure is within a healthy range. Pets on the Medivet Healthcare Plan Extra are offered two blood pressure checks a year. If you are concerned about your pet’s blood pressure, please contact your local Medivet practice, as they can offer advice and help.

Our Medivet Healthcare Plan Extra includes an annual blood test, including biochemistry and haematology profiles, with thyroid (T4) testing included for cats. Biochemistry profiles use blood serum to look at many substances including enzymes, proteins, and hormones. Haematology profiles look more closely at the blood cells themselves. Both are useful tools for diagnosing underlying disease. Full blood testing is a good way to check the health of your pets’ internal organs, as many pets won’t show symptoms of a disease until they become poorly. Being able to monitor and manage any abnormalities that may show up on a blood test will allow your vet to provide the best care possible for your pet.

“T4” is a type of blood test that is used to measure a cat’s total thyroxine concentration. Hyperthyroidism in cats, also referred to as overreactive thyroid, is extremely common as they age, and if left untreated can make them seriously ill.