How should additional tests be selected for a senior dog during an exam?

• A. Each senior dog should receive full imaging panels regardless of findings.
• B. No additional tests are ever necessary beyond baseline.
• C. Additional imaging should be performed on every visit.
• D. Additional tests should be based on findings in the physical exam and initial screening results.

Answer: (D)

Tailor additional diagnostics to what you actually find during the exam and in the initial screening. This approach recognizes that aging dogs don’t all have the same problems, and the value of extra testing depends on whether there are clinical signs or abnormal baseline results. If the physical exam or screening reveals concerns (such as a new heart murmur, weight change, abdominal pain, or abnormal blood work), targeted tests like imaging or specific labs are warranted to investigate those findings. If everything looks and tests come back normal, extensive imaging or extra panels may not be necessary, helping avoid unnecessary risk, cost, and stress while still catching clinically important disease when it matters.