Why does the vet want a urine sample instead of the senior panel blood test?

I am taking two elderly rescue cats to the vet tomorrow for what I thought was a senior blood panel. However, I got an email late last night (I guess now it's morning) telling me what time I could come drop them off; in that email she said she was collecting urine. No mention of the blood test. It was too late to email her back a question or to call (I actually fell asleep early in the evening and then woke up at midnight and saw the email then).They have both experienced rapid weight loss, pee and drink excessively, have diarrhea, vomit and the female has a very grungy look about her. So I suspect a thyroid issue, diabetes and/or kidney issues. This is why I want a senior panel done. I guess the urine can tell if there are kidney issues but what about the other potential problems?By the time I get an answer back, I will probably have already spoken to the vet but just in case, I figured it doesn't hurt to ask here.I definitely understand where you are coming from. I volunteer and foster for a few rescues and some of the things I see and hear astound me! These guys were abandoned at the pet-sitter and were on the way to a gas shelter before I got them. I have had one old cat personally, she passed away a year ago from cancer but we never gave up (we fought it over a year and I spent about 2 grand; she was only supposed to live 2-3 mo post diagnosis but obviously lived longer than that and had good quality of life until the last month); I only let her go when it was apparent she was on her last legs. These are my first fosters that are so elderly but because of their health and behavioral issues, I will end up keeping them. They both still look like they very much enjoy life and so I hope that whatever the issue is, that they can be treated. Thanks for the info! I hope then that the urine test will be enough as the male at the very least hates to be bothered too much ( I just know I am going to bepicking up some very grumpy cats at the end of the day).

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The bloodwork can tell them a lot about organ function but the murine sample can help determine if there is a UTI as well as detect high blood sugar. It ia a good idea to have both checked. Seniors are more prone to UTIs.I have a soft spot for the old guys so I hope all is well but it sounds like they are in good hands no matter what. I want to beat my head against the wall everytime I see folks that want to write a cat off without having the problem checked out because it's old.Grr!