Autumn Checklists for Vet Techs: Key Diagnostics to Prioritize This Fall

Autumn marks a critical period for veterinary preventive care. Seasonal changes, increased client availability, and common wellness campaigns result in a spike in veterinary appointments. For veterinary technicians, this is an ideal opportunity to ensure essential diagnostics are completed efficiently and accurately.

This guide outlines the diagnostic priorities, technician responsibilities, and workflow considerations relevant for the fall season.

1. Seasonal Patterns: Why Fall Wellness Visits Increase

Veterinary clinics often experience a notable uptick in wellness visits during September through November. Key drivers include:

• Client availability: With summer travel over and school in session, clients are more likely to schedule overdue wellness exams.
  
• Seasonal disease transitions: Cooler weather may trigger flare-ups of chronic conditions, particularly in geriatric patients.
  
• Annual campaigns: Many practices promote senior wellness or preventive health packages in fall, especially ahead of the holidays.
  

Implication for techs: Fall is an opportune time to review patients’ medical histories, flag overdue diagnostics, and proactively prepare lab materials before appointments.

2. Diagnostics to Highlight in Fall

A. Senior Wellness Panels

• Recommended for: Dogs and cats aged 7 years and older.
  
• Includes: CBC, chemistry panel (with electrolytes), and urinalysis.
  
• Purpose: Early detection of renal, hepatic, or endocrine abnormalities before winter exacerbates symptoms.
  

B. Thyroid Function Testing

• T4 screening is recommended for:
  
  • Cats ≥7 years (to detect hyperthyroidism)
    
  • Dogs ≥6 years with signs of lethargy, weight gain, or dermatological issues (hypothyroidism)
    
• Follow-up: Abnormal results should prompt a full thyroid panel.
  

C. Urinalysis

• Frequency: At least annually in adult patients; semi-annually in seniors or those with prior urinary issues.
  
• Use: Detects proteinuria, glucose, specific gravity changes, and early renal insufficiency.
  
• Best practice: Collect first-morning sample for most accurate results.
  

D. Fecal Testing

• Method: Centrifugation floatation or antigen testing.
  
• When to test:
  
  • Annual wellness exam
    
  • Follow-up post-deworming
    
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
    
• Reasoning: End-of-season parasite assessment and verification of dewormer efficacy.