Senior and Geriatric Wellness
Are you noticing any of the following signs or symptoms in your pet?
- Changes in mobility – including difficult walking/standing, struggling to jump onto furniture or into vehicle, feet slipping out, crossing legs, dragging toes,
- Changes in behavior or cognitive function – for example, getting stuck in corners or tight spaces, wandering aimlessly or becoming unusually grumpy/aggressive
- Decline or loss of hearing and vision
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Anxiety
- Lumps and bumps
- Dental disease
It can be hard to admit when we see the signs of old age in our animal companions. Pets age much more rapidly than humans, which means diseases and illnesses progress more quickly as well.
To ensure that your pet has the longest, healthiest, most comfortable life possible, APC encourages you to bring your senior pets for exams at least once per year, and in some cases, every 6 months. During the examination and consultation with the veterinarian, your pet will receive a nose to toe examination. Diagnostics such as bloodwork and x-rays may be recommended, as this is often the best way to track how well your pet is aging and become aware of diseases prior to symptoms developing.
Blood tests are important for monitoring blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets) and major organ function (kidney and liver).
Radiographs can be used to check for heart and lung diseases, joint and bone abnormalities and changes to organ size in the abdomen (spleen, liver, kidneys, intestines) and to detect cancer.
Treatment options will be discussed with you in order for you to determine what is best to maintain a good quality of life for your furry friend as they age into their golden years.
