Implementation of health screening can help to improve health care for senior and geriatric pets and guidelines have been suggested by various sources. Until recently, however, there was little scientific data published - based on prospective studies - regarding assessment for physical and laboratory abnormalities and their clinical significance. In this Internal Medicine Specialty Update we discuss findings of a recently published study of senior and geriatric dogs including: - Considerations when defining life stages in dogs and cats - Common owner perceptions' of their elderly pet(s) - Health screening findings in seemingly healthy senior and geriatric dogs including blood pressure, physical and ophthalmic exams - Clinical pathology and laboratory variables and their clinical significance Running time: 18 mins Free registration for Premium members and Evidence Based Update subscribers http://vetvine.com/article/181/evidence-based-update-subscriptions). Regular Member Fee: $ 14.95