Why should we take our companion to the vet twice yearly?
There are a few reasons why. Firstly your pets age at a much faster rate than we do, to accept a once yearly visit being adequate does not take into account they age at a 5-7 times faster rate than we do. It also accepts that early detection of many diseases can wait - this is unwise. Many diseases also progress much faster in our animal companions then they do in we human family members. The faster we detect the better we can help them.

What is the purpose of screening tests done such as urine or blood testing when there is no sign of disease?
With the new laboratory equipment, the new tests being constantly developed and the knowledge associated with those test results being gained we can now detect disease processes long before they are a problem or even cause a symptom on your companion. This means that we can through dietary or medical means fix or slow the process that is occurring and therefore enable your friend to live a longer and healthier life. Depending upon their age, their breed(s) and what we detect on our physical examination we can select a range of tests that best suit your pet and therefore increase our chances of early detection of disease and better management.