Senior Pet Care at Alton Animal Clinic
Our beloved senior pets should be evaluated on a more frequent basis and monitored closely for developing age-related conditions such as arthritis, kidney and liver function, and thyroid function to name a few. There are so many ways to help our senior pets have an amazing quality of life for many more years than was possible just a few decades ago!
At least every 6 months, a senior pet should receive:
- A comprehensive physical examination including:
- Weight check/Body Condition Score
- Lungs and heart check
- Ears, eyes, nose, skin, and teeth check
- Abdominal palpation
- Musculoskeletal system check with gait analysis
- Discuss flea, tick control, vaccines, and heartworm preventative
- Senior lab work which may include a Complete Blood Count, Chemistry Panel, Urinalysis, and Thyroid Panel
- Heartworm test and Fecal Centrifugation (every 12 months)
When to Consider Additional Senior Pet Exams
Reasons you might want additional senior pet exams:
- Weight and mobility changes
- Osteoarthritis
- Kidney, Heart, and Liver Disease
- Tumors
- Hormone disorders, such as Diabetes, Thyroid, and/or Cushing’s Disease
- Organ failures
- Cancer
- Trauma
Though the situation may seem scary, stay calm. If your pet has any of the above conditions, call to schedule an appointment today.