Keep Your Pets Healthy & Happy for Years to Come
Because pets get older too, Dr. Bob Biederman assists you in diagnosing and addressing age-related concerns in your dog or cat.Senior pets experience an increased risk of diseases and other age-related problems such as:
- Loss of mobility
- Weight changes
- Kidney, heart, and liver disease
- Diabetes, thyroid problems, and other hormone disorders
- Cancers and tumors
- Digestive concerns
Some of these issues can be addressed with special dietary and exercise regimens, while others will require more complex therapeutic measures.
Most dogs and cats can be considered a senior pet around the age of 7, but larger dog’s age even more quickly and may require senior protocols by age 5.
The Senior Pet Exam
At Plum Street Pet Clinic, we are acutely aware of the rapid aging of our animal companions and, to address this, we implement our Senior Pet care plan:
- Senior pets require thorough veterinary exams twice a year, with lab work performed at least annually.
This increase in exams is for the purpose of early detection, our best defense against painful and costly treatments for our pets. Diagnostic laboratory tests include a complete blood count, urinalysis, blood-chemistry panel, and a parasite evaluation through a simple stool exam. When diagnosed early, the progress of many conditions can be arrested or even resolved, and a comfortable existence is maintained. Once an age-related disease has progressed to the point of obvious symptoms, your pet may be in constant pain and reversal of the disease may be impossible.
The senior exam includes a discussion of any changes you may have identified since the last visit, including physical appearance, mobility, eating habits, elimination issues, confusion, lack of responsiveness, and behavioral changes such as aggression or withdrawal. Changes of this type are strong indicators of an underlying issue and a key to the early detection and treatment of these problems.
- Pain management for arthritis or other issues is often a concern in a mature pet, and we are skilled in the use of humane pain management techniques.
- Changes in your home may be needed to accommodate your senior pet in comfort. These changes may consist of a new dietary plan, short frequent walks throughout the day, or simply a step stool or ramp to address mobility issues. Whatever the changes, your friends at Plum Street Pet Clinic are here to support and guide you.
Remember: Senior pets require regular exams for early diagnosis and treatment of age-related conditions and diseases. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact Plum Street Pet Clinic today.
