Key Points:

• Routine monitoring of clinicopathologic data is a critical component in the management of

older patients.

• Serial data evaluations on an individual animal can prove to be a highly objective effective

means of characterizing developing disease.

• The complete blood count provides a broad overview of the general health status of the

patient.

• The minimum canine geriatric database includes the CBC, biochemical profile (with

electrolytes), complete urinalysis.

• The minimum senior feline database includes the CBC, biochemical profile (with electro-

lytes), complete urinalysis, total T4.

• Important geriatric conditions in dogs cats include chronic renal disease, hepatobilliary

disease endocrine metabolic disorders.