Study shows value of health risk assessments for cats

A recent Zoetis study of 1,197 cats that appeared healthy showed that 26 percent of the cats actually had laboratory profiles that were consistent with a range of medical conditions, while 68 percent had at least one lifestyle risk based on their owner's completion of a health risk assessment (HRA), according to a company release. The data was collected over a five and a half years using Zoetis' Pet Wellness Report (PWR) to identify the potential risks.

“This study demonstrated that a health risk assessment like PWR can help veterinarians identify issues that might otherwise go undiagnosed and untreated until serious symptoms become apparent,” says J. Michael McFarland, DVM, DABVP and group director of Companion Animal Veterinary Operations for Zoetis, in the release.

The owners of the cats studied completed 48 questions and the results were collected into five areas of risk: Cancer, heart, dental, nutrition and safety. 68 percent of owners gave responses that highlighted an area of lifestyle risk, giving veterinarians opportunity for discussion and education, for example, 11 percent of owners thought their cats had stiffness, lameness or pain associated with movement.

One in four cats tested was identified as having laboratory abnormalities that could be indicative of underlying renal disease, hepatic disease, inflammation/infection, hyperthyroidism, and thrombocytopenia or other morbidities, according to the release. Full results of the study are available from Zoetis.