As pets get older, it is not uncommon for them to experience an increased number of medical concerns. While these concerns can be debilitating over time, with early diagnosis and treatment, many of these conditions can be slowed, treated, or even reversed.
Older pets’ health can change quickly, so it is strongly recommended that senior pets (starting at 7-10 years old) visit their veterinarian for wellness exams every six months. This allows the veterinarian to not only perform a thorough examination of the pet, but to discuss the pet’s wellbeing and daily life with the owner. The doctor may suggest changes to lifestyle or husbandry that can be beneficial to the senior pet. During these visits, the veterinarian will likely recommend labwork. Routine wellness labwork usually screens the pet’s vital organ systems (such as kidney and liver function), blood cell counts, electrolytes, and urine. The goal of these tests is to catch subtle changes that were not obvious on physical exam. Overall, the goal of these biannual wellness visits is to look for signs of changes which could indicate illness or disease so that early intervention can take place.
Client understanding and education is key to senior pet care. Understanding how a pet’s body changes as they mature can help owners make the best decisions for their pet’s wellbeing. The following are some common conditions that veterinarians see in older pets:
Osteoarthritis and Joint Problems:
One of the most common complaints of older pets is related to arthritis or degenerative joint problems. Over time, the protective structures in joints can break down, and changes associated with arthritis set in. This causes pain and inflammation in in the joints. Symptoms that owners often mention include stiffness, difficulty getting up, reluctance to walk/exercise, limping, or just “slowing down.”
While this is a normal part of aging, it does not mean that owners are helpless. There is a multitude of supplements, pharmaceuticals, and even rehabilitation options available to help make arthritic pets’ lives dramatically better.
Advanced Veterinary Care of San Elijo
1691 Melrose Dr. Suite # 110
San Marcos, CA 92078
760-736-3636
www.sanelijovet.com
