Geriatric Care

An animal's golden years can be some of their best. When you have had an animal around for 10, 12,14 or more years ( our oldest cat patient is is 29 years old, our oldest dog patient is 20), you know their habits and behavior almost as well as your own. You have been through all the rough times of puppy/kittenhood and are now settling down with what sometimes seems like the perfect pet. Our elderly pet friends are a little slower, grayer and heavier, but are still full of life. They, like us at this age, need a bit more special care. Routine diagnostic testing to identify problems early on is an invaluable aid in extending the golden years. The following pages will help you to identify some of the potential problems your senior pet faces, as well as outline some plans to identify and head off some of these problems.

Common Senior Health Problems

Senior Cats

  1. Chronic pain
  2. Inflammatory bowel disease
  3. Diabetes mellitus
  4. Secondary hepatic lipidosis
  5. Chronic renal disease
  6. Pancreatic disease
  7. Obesity
  8. Cancer
  9. Dental disease
  10. Cataracts and glaucoma
  11. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca(dry eyes)
  12. Degenerative joint disease(arthritis)
  13. Hyperthyroidism
  14. Urolithiasis(urinary stones)
  15. Anemia
  16. Liver disease
  17. Cardiovascular disease
  18. Hypertension(high blood pressure)
  19. Mental deterioration

Senior Dogs

  1. Chronic pain
  2. Diabetes Mellitus
  3. Cushings disease
  4. Prostatic disease
  5. Obesity
  6. Cardiovascular disease
  7. Chronic airway disease or pneumonia
  8. Degenerative joint disease(arthritis)
  9. Cataracts and glaucoma
  10. Cancer
  11. Dental disease
  12. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca(dry eyes)
  13. Hypothyroidism
  14. Urolithiasis(Urinary stones)
  15. Anemia
  16. Urinary incontinence
  17. Liver disease
  18. Chronic renal disease
  19. Hypertension
  20. Mental deterioration

Geriatric Health Packages

Basic Senior Health examination and testing includes:

  1. A routine office call, physical examination and consultation.

  2. CBC/Chemistry Profile:

    • The CBC is a blood test that allows us to evaluate red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

    • The chemistry profile is a blood test that allows us to find abnormalities within organs such as the liver and kidneys.

    • electrolyte panel: helps us in diagnosing internal diseases such as diabetes, Cushings,etc, and point us towards the proper diet for your pet.

Complete senior Health and Laboratory examination includes:

  1. Ophthalmic(eye) exam - examination of all chambers of the eye with our direct ophthalmascope, measurement of intraoccular pressure with an electronic tonometer, measurement of tear production, and corneal staining to check for ulcers or injuries.
  2. Ear exam - examination of the vertical and horizontal ear canals with our otoscope, examination of the tympanic membrane(ear drum), and an ear swab analysis to check for bacterial or yeast infections.
  3. Dental exam - examination of the teeth and gums for hydration status, tartar and calculus, gingivitis, loose teeth, cavities, etc.
  4. Cardiovascular/Respiratory exam - examination of the heart for murmurs, arrythmias or other abnormal heart sounds; examination of the lungs for abnormal lung sounds, cough, or difficulty breathing.
  5. Abdominal exam - examination for any abnormality in size or shape of abdominal organs, masses, or fluid in the abdomen.
  6. Dermatological exam - examination of the skin and haircoat for dryness, lesions, hairloss, or masses; examination for external parasites such as fleas/ ticks.
  7. Musculoskeletal exam - examination for lameness or difficulty with normal movement; examination of limbs, joints, and spinal cord for swelling, fluid, masses, arthritic changes, or pain.
  8. Neurologic exam - examination of mental status, coordination, and all reflexes.
  9. Urogenital/Rectal exam - examination of external genitalia for abnormal swelling, masses, or discharge; examination of the prostate(if needed) anal glands, and consistency of feces.
  10. CBC/Chemistry Profile
    • The CBC is a blood test that allows us to evaluate red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
    • The chemistry profile is a blood test that allows us to find abnormalities within organs such as the liver and Kidneys.
    • electrolyte panel: helps us in diagnosing internal diseases such as diabetes, Cushings,etc, and point us towards the proper diet for your pet.
  11. Urinalysis this is an evaluation of your pet's urine. It allows us to evaluate the concentrating ability of the kidneys, and to look for infection, crystals, and blood in the urine.
  12. Fecal Examination This is an examination of your pet's feces for internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, Tapeworms, fungus, abnormal bacteria, blood, white blood cells or any other abnormality.

Comprehensive Senior Diagnostic Package

Includes all of the above plus:

  1. Blood test for thyroid levels Many dogs become hypothyroid and many cats become hyperthyroid as they age. This allows for early detection of the disease and proper treatment.
  2. Abdominal and Thoracic x-rays allows us to see changes in the size or shape of organs and the heart and to detect growths or masses.
  3. Electrocardiography
    Measurement of the rhythm and rate of the heart. Allows us to detect heart disease and begin proper medication if needed..

Geriatric Care Forms

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