Congratulations! Your pet’s wellness screening test results are perfectly normal, with not a single value outside the normal range.

You sigh with relief, but then you likely wonder if all those tests (e.g., heartworm disease, intestinal parasite screenings, blood work) were necessary. After all, your pet looks and acts normal and healthy, not sick or tired.

But, do not postpone next year’s wellness testing. Our Williamsburg Animal Clinic team encourages you to first learn why “normal” is “exceptional” and “negative” is “positive” for your pet’s health.

Normal results confirm your pet’s total health

Pets are notorious for concealing pain and illness until they can no longer hide their suffering. Sadly, this means that many beloved dogs, cats, and other pets do not receive care for treatable or manageable conditions. 

Your pet may look and act healthy, but appearances can be deceiving. Normal wellness screenings—along with regular veterinary examinations—are the only way you can be confident that your pet is healthy inside and out.

Normal test results establish your pet’s health baseline

Although every blood work value has a standardized range, an individual pet’s values can still vary slightly from the range. If some of your pet’s results trend slightly outside the typical range but the pet is otherwise healthy, these results are considered your pet’s baseline or normal. Knowing your healthy pet’s blood work can inform the veterinarian’s interpretation and assessment when your pet is unwell, because they understand that some “abnormalities” are your pet’s normal physiology and not a signal they are ill. 

Normal test results show that your pet’s parasite preventive plan is effective

Ideally, every pet receives year-round heartworm, flea, and tick preventives, but disease transmission and parasitic infection can still occur because of missed, lost, or incorrectly administered doses. Undiagnosed disease or infection can lead to serious illness or, in the case of some intestinal parasites, zoonotic (i.e., pet to human) transmission.

Normal test results (e.g., a negative heartworm and intestinal parasite screening test, negative tick-borne illness test) ensure that your pet’s preventives are functioning as intended and no occult (i.e., hidden) infection is present.  

Normal test results can enhance future disease detection

Every year that your pet receives wellness screening tests, their results become part of a cumulative and personalized reference. Comparing results past and present helps the veterinarian identify subtle patterns and trends that may seem insignificant when viewed individually.

Recognizing small changes allows your veterinarian to intervene before conditions progress. This can include repeat testing, imaging (e.g., X-rays or ultrasound), or more extensive screening tests to confirm the diagnosis. Early identification and diagnosis vastly improve your pet’s prognosis and outcome and also increase opportunities for less invasive and more affordable treatments.

Normal test results keep your pet’s care on track

Go ahead, pat yourself on the back! Normal test results recognize that your pet is receiving the best possible care. This includes your decision to bring your pet to Williamsburg Animal Clinic for annual or semi-annual exams, staying up-to-date on vaccinations and parasite preventives, and adhering to your veterinarian’s recommendations for your pet’s diet, exercise, and general daily care. 

Without the peace of mind of normal wellness screening results, pet owners may be tempted to switch care strategies (e.g., alter their pet’s diet, introduce over-the-counter supplements). Unfortunately, unnecessary supplementation, unbalanced nutrition, and nontraditional therapies can have the opposite result and negatively affect pet health. But, when normal test results validate your pet’s care plan, you can feel confident that you are meeting your pet’s needs and supporting their wellbeing. 

On the other hand, if your pet’s veterinarian identifies a potentially concerning trend or pattern, they may make small adjustments to your pet’s care routine. Minor changes (e.g., switching your pet’s diet, changing medications, introducing a supplement, or increasing water intake by using a water fountain or moist food) can minimize early disease or halt progression in a big way. 

Normal wellness screening results give your pet a clean bill of health

Normal blood work and negative parasite screening tests clear your pet for various pet-friendly services, including:

  • Elective anesthetic procedures —  When you know your pet’s kidneys and liver can safely metabolize anesthesia medications, you can confidently schedule your pet’s dental cleaning or another non-urgent procedure. 
  • Boarding, grooming, training, or daycare — Many drop-off services allow only parasite-free pets to stay at their facilities. Negative test results ensure your pet is ready to learn, play, or look their best. Keep your pet’s current test results handy in case you need to unexpectedly board your pet.

Your pet’s “normal” and “negative” wellness test results have extraordinary value for their present and future health. For more information about wellness testing at Williamsburg Animal Clinic, or to schedule your pet’s next visit, contact our caring team or request an appointment online.