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.
