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CARING FOR ELDERLY PETS
Many of our clients have older or senior pets. Senior pets have special health needs and may require more attention and care than younger pets. As your pets age, changes occur in their physical condition that warrant more frequent visits to the veterinarian. If medical problems are recognized and treated when they are first detected, the treatment may be easier for your pets and less costly for you. In order to diagnose medical problems in their early stage, twice-a-year wellness examinations are recommended for senior dogs and cats.
A baseline senior wellness examination should be performed so it can be used as a benchmark for measuring changes in your pets as they age. A geriatric exam is more extensive than a simple check-up and includes a complete physical exam, oral and rectal examinations and recording of body weight and body condition. The pet's ears, eyes, and various internal organs are also examined. Some laboratory work may be done, including a complete blood count, urinalysis, fecal exam, and perhaps endocrine blood tests and other complementary examinations.
Glenn Dale Veterinary Clinic recommends that all dogs and cats over 7 years of age have a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry profile and T4 (thyroid hormone screening) performed annually at the time of their annual physical examination. This is the cornerstone of preventive medicine and is intended to uncover unseen problems before they become evident, more advanced, and more costly.
When Should I Consider My Pet To Be A Senior?
The aging process varies between species and specific breeds as well as individual animals. For example, a giant breed dog might be a senior at five years of age and a toy breed not until years later. Most cats become seniors slightly later than dogs, between their eight and tenth year. As an arbitrary guide, owners should start to consider age-related issues at 7 years in both dogs and cats.
To better appreciate the aging process of dogs and cats, scientists have devised charts that attempt to relate a pet's age to that of a human. The following site contains one of the best charts we have seen. We particularly like the chart developed by William Fortney, DVM, at the Kansas State University School of Medicine since it incorporates the weight of the animal in the age equivalency calculations for dogs. Click the following hyperlinks for your dog's or cat's age:
Dogs Cats
www.cdhs.net/dog_age.htm www.cdhs.net/cat_age.htm
Elderly Pets and Special Health Needs
As dogs and cats grow older, their organs may become less efficient and they may be less able to resist infections and other diseases. As a responsible pet owner, you want your pet to remain healthy and active for as long as possible, so you should be aware of any condition that may require your veterinarian's attention.
Our Clinic provides a full range of general medical and surgical services as well as specialized treatments. Our professional medical care "from the heart" includes the following:
Wellness
Spay/neuter
Advanced diagnostic services
Internal medicine
Oncology
Ophthalmology
Dermatology
Cardiology
Neurology
We have created a network with the greatest resources to provide the highest quality care available for your pets. We maintain the highest standards of pet health care available anywhere. We emphasize prevention as well as healing. Our staff is kept abreast with advancements in veterinary medicine through participation in continuing education programs and the open exchange of professional knowledge and expertise.
We also facilitate your busy schedule through our free and efficient "Pet Drop Off" feature!
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