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Senior pets are special, and have special needs.
At 7 years old, we consider most pets to be senior patients. As our
pets age, their needs generally increase for medical care and
maintenance. Senior pets need to visit the veterinarian at least twice
a year for regular check-ups, to detect any changes or problems as
early as possible.
During
every visit, the technician will begin by taking a detailed history and
vital signs. Since pets can't talk, it is important for us to ask all
the right questions to get a picture of overall health at home. For
senior pets, the history contains additional questions to investigate
changes in hearing or vision, brain aging and senility, the development
of arthritis or "slowing down," and check for new lumps or bumps. The
next step is for the veterinarian to do a comprehensive physical exam.
The doctor will go over the patient from the tip of the nose to the tip
of the tail. He will check the overall appearance and body condition,
listen to the heart and lungs, examine the eyes, ears, mouth, lymph
nodes, skin and haircoat, genitals, feel the abdominal organs and check
the neurologic and musculoskeletal systems including things like
reflexes, range of motion and muscle mass.
Dental disease, arthritis, obesity,hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease and heart
problems are more common among senior pets than their younger
counterparts. Additionally, these problems can be more serious in older
pets. Regular visits with the veterinarian let the doctor learn what is
normal for each individual patient, and monitor changes closely - any
changes can be investigated and problems addressed as necessary.
Once a year, senior pets will need a blood and
urine test to check internal health. Blood chemistries tell about the
health of organs and body systems. Complete blood counts let us learn
about the bone marrow and blood and immune system, detecting diseases
early. Urine tests round out the picture of overall health. Pets who
experience an increase in water consumption or urination, increase in
hunger, change in activity level or attitude should visit the
veterinarian right away. Particularly in senior pets, these changes can
indicate potentially serious medical conditions.
For more information about what blood and urine tests detect, visit this link at Veterinary Partner.
Our pets give us so many gifts of love and
companionship. Senior pet check-ups and laboratory testing are a way
for us to give them the very best in medical care. Keeping them healthy
keeps all of us happy. |
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