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Writer's pictureDr. Liz Munro

The Importance of Early Detection in Palliative Care for Pets

Updated: Nov 5


Old dog being examined

Early detection is fundamental to effective palliative care for pets, enhancing our ability to provide compassionate, quality care throughout the end-of-life journey. 


In a veterinary practice that specialises in palliative and end-of-life care, recognising early signs of illness allows for timely interventions, improving the comfort and quality of life for senior pets or those with chronic conditions. 


This article explores the critical role of early detection, the impact of routine diagnostics, and strategies for engaging clients in early intervention.


Recognising Signs and Symptoms Early

Old cat asleep

Pets are adept at masking pain and discomfort. This becomes a particular challenge in palliative care, where subtle signs can mark the onset of significant health issues. Small changes in appetite, activity level, or even social behaviour may signal the progression of a disease. A vigilant approach to these early signs can enable the early implementation of pain management, mobility support, and dietary modifications, all of which contribute significantly to palliative care outcomes.


Training the veterinary team to recognise and document these subtle indicators—especially in geriatric patients or those with known chronic conditions—ensures that signs are caught at the earliest stage possible. Furthermore, educating clients about monitoring changes at home can greatly support early intervention efforts, giving us an opportunity to address symptoms before they escalate.


The Role of Regular Check-ups and Diagnostics

Old dog in for a veterinary checkup

Routine check-ups for senior pets or those in early palliative care provide a structured opportunity to assess health status, conduct essential diagnostics, and refine care plans. Regular diagnostics, particularly blood work and urinalysis, are critical for detecting underlying conditions such as kidney disease, liver dysfunction, or diabetes, which often progress with minimal outward symptoms. Early identification of these conditions allows the veterinary team to adjust the care approach, improve symptom management, and potentially extend a pet’s quality of life in meaningful ways.


Integrating regular diagnostics into palliative care protocols can make a profound difference, not only by guiding specific medical decisions but also by offering families a clear understanding of the pet’s health status. Frequent monitoring also allows the team to make adjustments to palliative care plans, ensuring they remain aligned with the pet’s current condition. For families facing an emotional journey, these proactive steps reinforce that their pet’s comfort remains our highest priority.


1. The Value of Routine Examinations

Routine health checks play a crucial role in the early detection of conditions requiring palliative care. Regular examinations allow us to assess a pet's overall health, evaluate any changes in their condition, and identify early warning signs. These assessments are especially important for older pets or those with known chronic conditions, as they are more likely to develop new complications.


During these visits, we can discuss with owners any changes they’ve observed at home, however small they may seem. It’s also an opportunity for us to conduct more detailed assessments, including checking for pain, assessing mobility, and evaluating any changes in weight, hydration, or coat condition.


2. The Importance of Diagnostic Tools

Alongside routine physical examinations, diagnostic tools are indispensable in detecting underlying issues early. Blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic imaging can reveal conditions that may not yet be showing obvious clinical signs but could benefit from early intervention.


For example:

Blood work can help detect early stages of organ failure, anaemia, or infections.

X-rays or ultrasounds are invaluable for identifying tumours, fluid buildup, or joint degeneration before they cause severe symptoms.


Urine and stool samples can provide insights into gastrointestinal or kidney health.

By using these diagnostics proactively, we can tailor treatments and start palliative care earlier, providing a better chance to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.


Educating Owners on Early Intervention

Client education is an indispensable element of effective palliative care, equipping pet owners with the knowledge to make timely, informed decisions. Veterinarians should emphasise that early detection and intervention are key to optimising the palliative care experience. Many clients may not realise that once a terminal or chronic condition is diagnosed, proactive care strategies like environmental adjustments, dietary changes, and pain management can vastly improve their pet’s quality of life.


Engaging clients in discussions about their pet’s end-of-life care options—beginning with early detection—helps establish realistic expectations and opens pathways to support them through a compassionate, informed approach. Education also empowers clients to observe and communicate relevant changes in their pet’s behaviour or condition, making them an active part of the care team.


1. Empowering Owners to Recognise Signs

We can guide pet owners to observe their pets more closely for any subtle changes in behaviour, activity, or appearance. Regularly asking owners to monitor their pet’s eating habits, mobility, and comfort levels can help catch problems early. Offering tools such as symptom checklists or pain scales can be useful in empowering owners to monitor their pets’ conditions at home.


For example, explaining the importance of tracking appetite, fluid intake, and energy levels on a daily or weekly basis can help owners become more attuned to their pet's health status. This kind of monitoring is invaluable for catching early signs of decline that might otherwise go unnoticed until a more advanced stage.


2. Educating Owners on the Role of Palliative Care

Many pet owners may associate palliative care exclusively with terminal conditions, often misunderstanding its broader application. By educating them early on about how palliative care focuses on comfort, pain management, and improving quality of life, we can help them understand that this care can begin well before the end stages of an illness.


This might involve introducing supportive treatments like pain management medications, physical therapy, or dietary changes earlier, helping to keep pets comfortable and pain-free as their condition progresses. By framing palliative care as a way to maintain a good quality of life for as long as possible, we encourage owners to seek help sooner rather than later.


3. Creating a Plan for Early Intervention

Working with pet owners to develop a proactive plan can help ensure early intervention. This plan might include more frequent check-ups for at-risk pets, scheduled diagnostics, or a pre-emptive discussion on what steps to take if certain symptoms arise. Having these discussions early can also help owners feel more in control, reducing the emotional strain when difficult decisions need to be made later.


Early Detection as a Cornerstone of Compassionate End-of-Life Care

In palliative and end-of-life care, early detection is not only a clinical tool but also a compassionate approach that allows us to enhance the quality of life for our patients. The benefits of early intervention extend to the entire care team, from the client and family to veterinary support staff, enabling a more proactive, empathetic end-of-life journey. By identifying conditions early, we maintain our commitment to minimising pain, optimising comfort, and maximising the quality of each remaining day for our patients.


At Roundwood Pet Hospice, we prioritise early detection as a core aspect of our palliative care model. With this focus, we can collaborate with pet owners to deliver the highest standard of end-of-life care, tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each patient and their family. As veterinary professionals, our collective commitment to early detection is key to setting a compassionate, effective standard for end-of-life care.


Are you looking to improve your knowledge of end-of-life care for your patients? In our short three-part course, our lead veterinarian and end-of-life care vet, Dr Emma Clark, teaches you all about caring for elderly and/or terminally ill pets. Learn more here.

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