Senior Preventive Care
Our Senior patients undergo aging changes in organs and tissues just like elderly humans. A comprehensive evaluation of your pet's health is the best way to detect underlying diseases that may not be apparent on a routine wellness exam.
Many chronic disorders and disease processes can be either cured or at least medically controlled if they are detected early enough. Since our pets age much faster than humans it is best to screen for these disease factors once your pet is considered a senior. Many different factors determine if your pet is a senior, for example: size and breed.
Many chronic disorders and disease processes can be either cured or at least medically controlled if they are detected early enough. Since our pets age much faster than humans it is best to screen for these disease factors once your pet is considered a senior. Many different factors determine if your pet is a senior, for example: size and breed.
Aging isn’t a disease, but it brings changes that require understanding and care to keep pets comfortable and happy. Our goal is to help geriatric pets age gracefully and maintain a high quality of life.
Nutrition: Older pets need 30-40% fewer calories and may require special diets for health issues. Proper nutrition is crucial for their quality of life.
Early Disease Detection: Aging can mask early signs of disease. Regular semi-annual exams, especially after age 10, help detect issues early. We recommend annual and semi-annual check-ups for senior pets, including eye pressure tests, senior bloodwork and a urinalysis.
Oral Health: Good dental care is essential, as over 70% of pets have periodontal disease by age 2. Regular brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings help prevent systemic issues linked to dental disease.
Comfort: Ensuring comfort is key for older pets. Use slings for walking, protect paw pads, provide extra bedding, and consider joint supplements like Dasuquin Advanced, or Rejensa. Regular movement helps with arthritis, and medications like NSAIDs, Tramadol, and Gabapentin can alleviate pain and improve mobility.
For any questions or treatment options for your aging pet, please consult our veterinary staff.
Senior Preventive Care Testing includes the following:
CBC- The complete blood count evaluates the number and condition of your pet?s red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Abnormalities that may be detected include anemia, infection, inflammation, clotting disorders and cancer.
Biochemical Profile w/ Electrolytes - This general health profile is an assessment of your pet's internal organs. The panel screens for liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer and other endocrine disorders. Electrolytes including sodium, potassium and chloride are also measured.
T4 - Thyroid screening allows us to detect both hypothyroidism (canine) and hyperthyroidism (feline). This is recommended for all our senior cat and dog patients.
Urinalysis- The urinalysis evaluates kidney function and screens for urinary tract infections, urinary crystals and diabetes. This is recommended if your pet is drinking/urinating more than usual or if their blood-work reveals elevated kidney values. This test is at an additional cost at the reduced price.
Churchville Veterinary Hospital feels Senior Wellness testing is an important part of the care we offer to our senior patients. They will improve the chance that our senior pets will live longer, happier lives. We offer Senior Wellness screenings at a reduced cost.
How old is my pet in human years? <-- Click Here
CBC- The complete blood count evaluates the number and condition of your pet?s red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Abnormalities that may be detected include anemia, infection, inflammation, clotting disorders and cancer.
Biochemical Profile w/ Electrolytes - This general health profile is an assessment of your pet's internal organs. The panel screens for liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer and other endocrine disorders. Electrolytes including sodium, potassium and chloride are also measured.
T4 - Thyroid screening allows us to detect both hypothyroidism (canine) and hyperthyroidism (feline). This is recommended for all our senior cat and dog patients.
Urinalysis- The urinalysis evaluates kidney function and screens for urinary tract infections, urinary crystals and diabetes. This is recommended if your pet is drinking/urinating more than usual or if their blood-work reveals elevated kidney values. This test is at an additional cost at the reduced price.
Churchville Veterinary Hospital feels Senior Wellness testing is an important part of the care we offer to our senior patients. They will improve the chance that our senior pets will live longer, happier lives. We offer Senior Wellness screenings at a reduced cost.
How old is my pet in human years? <-- Click Here