Esme Edisbury, RVN, emphasizes the growing significance of veterinary nurses in managing the health of senior pets, which now represent 30% to 40% of patients in general practice. Pets are living longer than ever, with life expectancy having doubled over the past 40 years (Wells, 2025). As senior pets face complex health challenges, including multiple comorbidities (Cavill, 2022), there is an urgent need for targeted health screenings, particularly since many owners tend to dismiss clinical issues as simply a part of aging (Imrie, 2024).
Read More
Veterinary nurses often express frustration with underappreciated skills in the workforce (Andrew-Jones, 2023), but there are opportunities for RVNs to take initiative and lead specialized clinics. Currently, only 1 in 10 clinics offer senior pet screenings (Imrie, 2024), highlighting a critical gap where RVNs could enhance their roles and job satisfaction while improving the quality of life for older animals.
Edisbury’s perspective shifted after completing the Veterinary Nurse Consulting Diploma with Colourful CPD, which illuminated the potential contributions of RVNs within consulting environments. The course equipped her with the skills to implement clinics that serve pets aged seven and older (Wells, 2025), thereby enhancing animal health and the bond between clients and their veterinary practices (Lacey, 2021).
To establish Senior WellPet Screening clinics, Edisbury first engaged her veterinary team and management to formulate a clear vision for the clinic's offerings and pricing. A detailed protocol was developed to define the RVN's responsibilities, the tests conducted, and the follow-up process for both normal and abnormal results, ensuring adherence to Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
The standard protocol for these clinics includes a full health check, a range of movement evaluation, a blood pressure assessment, comprehensive blood screening, and urine analysis. This thorough approach has already identified several clinical conditions in otherwise asymptomatic animals, enabling earlier veterinary intervention and fostering better quality of life.
Launched in November 2024, the Senior WellPet Screening clinics have been well-received, partly due to strategic advertising efforts. Early acceptance indicates that 63% of pet owners are interested in participating in such screenings (Wells, 2025). Initially piloted at one location to refine processes, plans are underway to expand these clinics across all Pet Doctors and Medina Vets sites on the Isle of Wight.
In summary, as pet longevity continues to increase and RVNs face underutilization, it is crucial for these professionals to advance their skills and collaborate with veterinary teams to establish tailored clinics. This initiative promises to enhance both job satisfaction for RVNs and the health outcomes for senior pets.
Published in Vet Times (2025), Volume 55, Issue 27, Pages 20-21.