Beloved Pet

Our pets are living longer and healthier lives. We want them to remain age-healthy and as comfortable as possible in their twilight years. 

Veterinary geriatrics is a developing field of veterinary medicine concerned with the preventative, clinical and therapeutic aspects of illness in elderly pets. It recognizes the challenges in maintaining pet health in the face of frailty and multiple diseases. Treatment of geriatric pets is further challenged by difficulties in medicating some pets, and in transporting nervous or arthritic pets to a clinic. A home visit can improve the quality of life of many geriatric pets that otherwise may not receive any veterinary care. 

Aging is a natural process and not a disease. However, the senior and geriatric pet is prone to develop age-related diseases and conditions.

 

Many diseases have outward symptoms that are quite easy to recognize:

• Joint stiffness and reduced mobility

• Hearing loss

• Reduced vision

• Appetite changes, weight loss or gain

• Increased thirst

• Behavioral changes ​

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These symptoms are often difficult to notice in their early stages. Also, many conditions occur internally and may be unrecognizable to even the most observant pet owner. For example, diseases of the heart and other internal organs can develop without owner awareness. 

Many of these problems can be treated or managed, and if detected early can make a very significant difference to your pet’s quality of life. Often simple home adaptations, such as using pet step aids, carpet runners and repositioning resources (food, water, litter trays and bed/resting area). 

Senior and geriatric health screening programs involve a detailed consultation, a thorough physical examination and further tests as indicated, such as blood tests, urinalysis and blood pressure measurements.

 

Contact us for more information about geriatric consultations.