As pets live longer and pandemic-era companions reach maturity, veterinary teams face growing pressure to deliver age-appropriate care amid economic constraints, rising client expectations, and limited resources. In this context, practical diagnostic tools and educational support are increasingly important for helping teams manage age-related conditions effectively and communicate clearly with pet owners.

Responding to these challenges, NationWide Laboratories has launched a new Ageing Pet Diagnostics Resource, a comprehensive suite of tools and educational materials designed to support veterinary teams in delivering gold-standard care to ageing pets.

At the heart of this initiative is a new partnership with BSAVA PetSavers, which brings the Ageing Canine Toolkit (ACT) into the fold as a key educational and client engagement resource.

A Holistic Approach to Ageing Pet Care

The Ageing Pet Diagnostics Resource is a comprehensive framework for supporting ageing pets through every stage of their senior years. It includes:

• Tailored diagnostic panels for senior and geriatric dogs and cats

• Client communication tools, including the BSAVA PetSavers Ageing Canine Toolkit and Happy Healthy Dog and Cat e-leaflets

• Educational content for veterinary teams

This resource is designed to support and simplify the delivery of preventive care, helping veterinary teams detect age-related conditions earlier and tailor treatment plans more effectively.

“We’re proud to offer a resource that not only supports clinical decision-making but also strengthens the bond between veterinary teams and pet owners,” said Alina Zheleznyakova, Head of Marketing and Communications at NationWide Laboratories. “It is designed to support veterinary practices with a comprehensive and practical approach to senior pet care, helping teams deliver proactive and informed care for ageing patients.”

Diagnostic Panels Designed for Ageing Pets

At the core of the Ageing Pet Diagnostics Resource is a suite of tailored diagnostic panels developed specifically for senior and geriatric dogs and cats. These panels are designed to support early detection of age-related conditions and provide a solid foundation for clinical decision-making.

The panels include:

• Senior Pet Health Check Panels: Ideal for routine wellness screening, offering a broad overview of organ function, metabolic health, and more.

• Geriatric Screening Panels: Designed for older pets with more complex needs, including additional markers for renal, hepatic, and endocrine function.

• Customisable add-ons: Allow practices to tailor diagnostics based on breed predispositions or specific clinical concerns.

Image credit: Veterinary Edge, issue 46, December 2024, p 24

These panels help veterinary teams establish baselines, monitor trends over time, and identify subtle changes that may indicate the onset of disease, enabling earlier intervention and more personalised care. Complementing these diagnostic solutions, innovative tests like the Nu.Q® Vet Cancer Test enable early detection of specific conditions such as cancer, further supporting a proactive approach to senior pet care.

Nu.Q® Vet Cancer Test: Advancing Early Detection

The Nu.Q® Vet Cancer Test is a blood test that detects circulating nucleosomes – biomarkers associated with canine cancer. This non-invasive test is particularly valuable for senior dogs, where early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.

By incorporating cancer screening into routine wellness checks, veterinary teams can detect disease earlier and offer pet owners a more proactive approach to managing this condition.

The Ageing Canine Toolkit: A Key Client Engagement Tool

NationWide Laboratories has partnered with BSAVA PetSavers to distribute the Ageing Canine Toolkit (ACT), a research-backed, owner-facing resource developed by the University of Liverpool and funded by BSAVA PetSavers.

Effective communication with pet owners is crucial alongside clinical care. The ACT provides practical tools to help owners recognise early signs of ageing and seek veterinary advice promptly. As a key element of the overall resource, the toolkit includes:

• A traffic light checklist for owners to complete at home

• A leaflet explaining common signs of ageing and when to seek veterinary advice

• A waiting room poster with a QR code linking to the digital toolkit

This tool helps owners recognise subtle changes in their dog’s health and behaviour, making them more likely to seek veterinary advice early when intervention can be most effective.

“We are thrilled to be embarking on this partnership with NationWide Laboratories,” said Alison Selby, Fundraising Manager at BSAVA PetSavers. “Working together in partnership, we hope to equip owners with the knowledge and confidence to support their dogs through the ageing process, ultimately improving their quality of life.”

Printed copies of the Ageing Canine Toolkit are available directly from BSAVA PetSavers, and the digital version can be downloaded here: Download the ACT Toolkit

Educational Resources for Veterinary Teams

The Ageing Pet Diagnostics Resource includes a comprehensive suite of educational materials designed to support veterinary professionals in delivering informed, proactive care for senior pets. These materials explore the physiological changes that accompany ageing in dogs and cats, and how these changes impact diagnostic interpretation and clinical decision-making.

The articles provide expert insights into common age-related conditions such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and endocrine disorders. They also offer practical guidance on diagnostic techniques like urinalysis and cytology, helping teams maximise the value of routine testing.

The case studies show real-world examples of complex and uncommon presentations in senior pets, illustrating how advanced diagnostics can aid in early detection and tailored treatment.

To support veterinary teams further, NationWide Laboratories offers a free CPD-accredited webinar: Clinical Pathology in Cats and Dogs – Why Species, Breed and Age Matter.

Presented by clinical pathologists Alina Bodnariu and Helen Campbell, this session explores how species-specific physiology, breed-related nuances, and age-related shifts in reference intervals affect laboratory results. It equips veterinary professionals with the knowledge to interpret diagnostics more accurately in senior patients and supports continuing professional development.

Why This Matters to Veterinary Teams

The Ageing Pet Diagnostics Resource is designed to support busy veterinary teams with practical, ready-to-use tools. It helps practices:

• Stay informed about structured diagnostic panels for senior and geriatric pets

• Engage clients using the Ageing Canine Toolkit and NationWide Laboratories Happy Healthy Dog and Cat e-leaflets

• Monitor health trends through consistent testing

• Stay up to date with articles, case studies, and a CPD-accredited webinar

Whether used in senior health checks or more complex cases, the resource supports informed, proactive care for ageing pets.

Final Thoughts

Ageing pets deserve care that’s as thoughtful and individualised as they are. With the launch of the Ageing Pet Diagnostics Resource, NationWide Laboratories is helping veterinary teams deliver just that through science, partnership, and a deep commitment to animal welfare.

As a member of the NVS Group, NationWide Laboratories is committed to supporting veterinary practices with reliable diagnostics and high-quality service. Its flexible partnership models, extensive test portfolio, nationwide sample collection service, in-clinic diagnostic solutions, and integration with practice management systems are all designed to simplify workflows and support confident clinical decision-making. Through scientific expertise and collaboration, NationWide Laboratories helps veterinary teams deliver effective care that contributes to longer, healthier lives for pets.

Have questions or want to discuss how NationWide Laboratories can support your team? Get in touch.

Looking for the right test or profile? Explore NationWide Laboratories test directory.