Senior Wellness

Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, pets are living longer that ever!  That’s the good news but the other side of the coin is, with a longer lifespan comes an increase in the types of problems that can affect our furry friends. 

          Did you know that pets can suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, thyroid imbalance, cancer, kidney and liver disease?  This is why it is critical to work closely with our doctors to create a plan that is tailored to your pet.   

 When does “Senior” Start?

Generally speaking, a pet over 7 years can be considered a senior. Smaller breeds tends to live longer that giant breeds.

Exams on senior pets

Regular examinations by our doctors are extremely important to your pet’s health.  Early detections is the key to treatment.  Since pets age faster than humans, twice a year exams are a minimum and a must. 

Laboratory Testing

Laboratory results are necessary for our doctors to assess your pet’s health. Even subtle changes in test results may signal an underlying disease.  AAHA recommends pert at middle age undergo lab testing at least once a year.  Once they reach senior years, these tests are recommended every six months.  Sometimes, even more often, depending on the test results.  Some of the tests that maybe recommended are:

Other tests and assessments may be recommended, depending on your pet’s specific condition.  These may include: heartworm, virus testing, radiographs, blood pressure, EKG, and thyroid levels.