Senior Pet Care

It's true, dogs and cats both age seven times faster than humans. One human year really does equal seven dog (or cat) years, which means dogs and cats that are 7 years old or older are considered seniors.

Age itself is not a disease; however after about 7 years, we do see more chronic disease processes and cancers starting to take place.

Screening for organ dysfunction and cancer during senior years will find disease before clinical signs appear. Early detection offers the best chance for treatment, limiting a disease process, as well as increasing lifespan and quality of life for your pet.

Early detection improves your pet's quality of life and saves you money!

If detected early, 75% of common diseases in dogs and 63% in cats can be managed by dietary modifications alone. 

Did you know that kidney disease is one of the major causes of illness and death in dogs and cats, however symptoms do not usually appear until 60%-70% of kidney function has been lost? If caught early and managed properly, your pet can comfortably live with this condition for many years.  

By simply following our program, many cancers and diseases can be caught and treated early depending on the age of your pet. 

If you pet is 7 years or older, we highly recommend an early detection senior screen.

During the month of November receive 25% off our Early Detection Senior Screening. Valued at $250, you pay only $199!

Early Detection Senior Screening

COMPREHENSIVE PHYSICAL EXAM

1. Eye exam & eye pressure to check for Glaucoma

2. Oral exam of your pet’s teeth, gums and oral cavity

3. Internal and external Ear Exam

4. Thorough palpation of the neck, abdomen, and lymph node system

5. Measurement and mapping of any skin or subcutaneous masses

6. Rectal and Prostate exam

7. Body Condition Scoring

8. Blood Pressure

9. ECG which is an electrical tracing of the heart to help find any underlying cardiac disease not evident upon normal physical examination.

BLOOD SCREENING

Even apparently healthy animals can have serious organ system problems due to pre-existing conditions not evident during a routine physical exam. During a Senior Screening we will perform a Comprehensive Blood Panel for the following:

1.Complete Blood Count (CBC) Useful in determining if your pet has an infection, inflammation, or chronic disease.

2.Chemistry Panel checks Kidney and Liver functions as well as Electrolyte, Glucose, Protein and Calcium levels

3.Total T4 to check Thyroid function

4.Electrolyte, Glucose, Protein and Calcium levels will provide information about the Hormonal and Regulatory Systems, the Gastrointestinal Tract, and Bone Strength

URINALYSIS

We will perform a urinalysis to check for bladder or urinary infections and to further assesses kidney function.

CANCER SCREENING

Results from all of the physical exams and blood tests can reveal indicators of cancer through lumps and bumps, abnormal cell formations or irregular levels. Further diagnostics such as an abdominal or chest x-ray may be required for a definitive cancer diagnosis.

Key Symptoms

Detecting disease before clinical symptoms appear is key, but monitoring your pet for these particular symptoms is also important:

  • Lethargic
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Weight change
  • Decreased appetite
  • Constipation
  • Loss of housetraining
  • Skin/coat change
  • Lumps or bumps
  • Vision problems
  • Difficulty climbing stairs
  • Limping or stiffness
  • Bad breath
  • Incontinence
  • Coughing
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea
  • Hearing problems
  • Tremors or shaking 
  • Excessive panting
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Seizures
  • Changes in sleeping pattern
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