Geriatric Care
Aged animals can have sub-clinical health care issues that can be identified and treated before they become a problem. If you have a pet over the age of 7 years, we recommend a complete physical examination and blood testing to establish baseline values.
Did you know that your 7 year old pet is classed as a geriatric? Our staff can advise you on all those tell tale signs of age related illness. We believe that veterinary examinations every six months enable us to detect, treat or manage problems early and therefore enable your pet to live happily through those golden years! They’re also a great opportunity to ask us about any other issues you maybe concerned about.
Some chronic diseases that may affect your pet in their later years include:
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Kidney failure
- Dental disease
- Liver and intestinal disorders
- Behavioural issues relating to senility
- Vision problems
It is important to remember, pets age much faster than people do, and their rate of aging depends not only on the species type but also on the size of the breed.
Early detection is the key, and fortunately there are many ways we can treat these conditions and improve the quality of your pet’s life. Observe your pet for the EARLY WARNING SIGNS of aging and age-related diseases:
- Change in appetite
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Loss of housetraining
- Difficulty rising, walking or climbing stairs
- Confusion or disorientation
- Persistent cough
- New lumps or bumps
- Bad breath, plaque on teeth, or bleeding gums
- Diarrhoea or vomiting
- Change in sleep patterns
- Ear odours, redness, scratching, or head shaking
- Excessive drinking and/or urination
It is common to assume these signs are a normal part of the aging process; however, these symptoms may indicate underlying age-related diseases.