As pets begin to age, they require more frequent visits to the
veterinarian to ensure their good health. As they age,
pets can develop arthritis, thyroid conditions, diabetes, and
organ disease. We have the ability to diagnose these
problems early with regular visits to our clinic. With
early detection, many of these conditions can be regulated with
medications.
Our clinic is prepared to diagnose and treat your elderly pet's medical conditions. Laboratory services, radiographs, ECG, and nutritional guidance give your pet the best opportunity to live a long healthy life. Dogs are considered geriatric between six and eight years of age depending on breed and size of dog. Cats are considered geriatric at ten years of age.
Recommended care for geriatric patients:
Bi-yearly exams by a veterinarian.
General health bloodwork.
Thyroid profile.
The following conditions are commonly age related:
Arthritis:
Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint. Arthritis can occur in any joint. It causes stiff, painful movement and joint swelling. Arthritis can be diagnosed by exam and radiography. Treatment can include joint supplements and anti-inflammatory medications.
Diabetes:
Diabetes is a condition in which the body no longer recognizes the insulin produced by the pancreas. Diabetes results in high blood sugar and the eventual passing of sugar into the urine. Signs of diabetes include increased thirst and urination. Without treatment, ketones will begin to buildup in the bloodstream and vomiting and diarrhea occur. Eventual death can occur in untreated animals.
While diabetes has no cure, most pets can be controlled with proper insulin administration. A diet change is usually recommended to help control diabetes.
Hyperthyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism is a disease common to older cats. It is caused by excess production of thyroid hormone. Signs of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, grooming neglect, and rapid heart beat. The effects on the heart can be result in congestive heart failure. Treatment includes medication to lower the levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Regular blood testing is required to monitor the thyroid level.
Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism is a condition primarily seen in dogs. It is caused by low levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Some signs of hypothyroidism are low energy levels, changes in skin condition, and weight gain. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by a simple blood test. Hypothyroidism is treated with a thyroid supplement. Thyroid levels are recommended yearly to ensure that the pet's thyroid level is consistent.
Renal Failure:
Renal failure is commonly known as kidney disease. When the kidneys begin to fail, the lose the ability to properly filter waste products from the bloodstream. The build-up of waste in the bloodstream causes illness. Signs of kidney disease include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy, and bad breath. Chronic kidney failure can result in seizures, coma, and eventual death.
Renal failure is diagnosed by bloodwork. If kidney disease is found early enough, treatment can include diet changes. Most pets have to be put on IV fluids to flush the waste products from the bloodstream. Continued regular checks of the pet's bloodwork is necessary to keep watch on the kidney enzyme levels.
Our clinic is prepared to diagnose and treat your elderly pet's medical conditions. Laboratory services, radiographs, ECG, and nutritional guidance give your pet the best opportunity to live a long healthy life. Dogs are considered geriatric between six and eight years of age depending on breed and size of dog. Cats are considered geriatric at ten years of age.
Recommended care for geriatric patients:
Bi-yearly exams by a veterinarian.
General health bloodwork.
Thyroid profile.
The following conditions are commonly age related:
Arthritis:
Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint. Arthritis can occur in any joint. It causes stiff, painful movement and joint swelling. Arthritis can be diagnosed by exam and radiography. Treatment can include joint supplements and anti-inflammatory medications.
Diabetes:
Diabetes is a condition in which the body no longer recognizes the insulin produced by the pancreas. Diabetes results in high blood sugar and the eventual passing of sugar into the urine. Signs of diabetes include increased thirst and urination. Without treatment, ketones will begin to buildup in the bloodstream and vomiting and diarrhea occur. Eventual death can occur in untreated animals.
While diabetes has no cure, most pets can be controlled with proper insulin administration. A diet change is usually recommended to help control diabetes.
Hyperthyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism is a disease common to older cats. It is caused by excess production of thyroid hormone. Signs of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, grooming neglect, and rapid heart beat. The effects on the heart can be result in congestive heart failure. Treatment includes medication to lower the levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Regular blood testing is required to monitor the thyroid level.
Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism is a condition primarily seen in dogs. It is caused by low levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Some signs of hypothyroidism are low energy levels, changes in skin condition, and weight gain. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by a simple blood test. Hypothyroidism is treated with a thyroid supplement. Thyroid levels are recommended yearly to ensure that the pet's thyroid level is consistent.
Renal Failure:
Renal failure is commonly known as kidney disease. When the kidneys begin to fail, the lose the ability to properly filter waste products from the bloodstream. The build-up of waste in the bloodstream causes illness. Signs of kidney disease include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy, and bad breath. Chronic kidney failure can result in seizures, coma, and eventual death.
Renal failure is diagnosed by bloodwork. If kidney disease is found early enough, treatment can include diet changes. Most pets have to be put on IV fluids to flush the waste products from the bloodstream. Continued regular checks of the pet's bloodwork is necessary to keep watch on the kidney enzyme levels.