Today, people live longer, healthier lives than they typically did
years ago. In large part that's due to a better understanding of the
importance of factors that can influence aging, such as preventative
health care and nutrition. Similarly, the dogs and cats that make
up such an important part of our lives are also living longer, healthier
lives.
A growing number of our patients are canine and feline "senior
citizens." Part of the reason that pets are able to live longer
is the tremendous advances that have occurred in veterinary medicine.
A greater knowledge of diseases, diagnostic procedures and treatments
are available to us today. Perhaps the greatest reason why animals
live longer, better lives is the increased knowledge that the pet
owners have about the importance of preventive health care measures–immunization,
parasite control, spaying and neutering and early disease detection,
to name a few.
As dogs and cats age, they, like people, have a greater risk for
developing certain diseases and conditions. For example, we know that
the incidence of problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, malignant
and benign tumors, arthritis, loss of vision, and oral and dental
disease increases with advancing age. However, when such conditions
are diagnosed in their early stages, treatment to cure such disorders
or delay their progress can be given in most cases.
For that reason, we recommend that all of our dog and cat patients
that are seven years of age or older have an annual geriatric evaluation.
This evaluation includes a thorough physical examination, complete
blood count, blood chemistry profile, urinalysis and radiography.
When the evaluation is complete and all the tests have been received,
we will discuss the findings with you and advise you of any needed
treatment or change in diet.
Just as when people have an annual physical, in most cases the results
are normal. Even then, it's good to know that everything is "all
right" and the evaluation provides valuable baseline data on
which to compare future results. If a condition is revealed, you know
it has been discovered as early as possible and treatment can be started.
We can work with you to insure that your pet lives a long, healthy,
and happy life. It's the least we can do in return for all the love
that our pets give us.
If you have any questions about our senior care evaluation for your
pet, please call us anytime during normal practice hours. We look
forward to talking with you.
Feline Geriatric Program
Older cats can develop a variety of medical problems, but there are
three common problems that we see in geriatric patients: diabetes,
kidney disease and hyperthyroidism. All three diseases affect the
rest of the body over time and can be fatal if left untreated. If
these chronic disease processes are detected early, they may be very
treatable and controllable.
Generally we recommend that cats seven years and older have blood
drawn and checked annually. Diagnostic tests include blood chemistries,
a complete blood count, urinalysis and thyroid test. These processes
can detect complications before they become major medical problems.
As in all health evaluations, early detection is the key as it allows
for better treatment options.
We have tried to make our senior care program as affordable as possible
so that your pets may benefit from the same tests and evaluations
that we use on our own aging pets. We know how difficult it is to
say goodbye to an old friend, therefore we hope to keep you and your
pet together as many years as possible.
