As a result, your older pet may experience health and behavior problems faster than you might expect.  Veterinary care usually intensifies as your pet gets older and it may become necessary for your dog or cat to receive more frequent veterinary attention.  Together we can help your old friend have the highest quality of life for as long as possible. 

Some recommendations that we make for all senior pets:

• Physical exams (TWICE per year)
• Blood work (screen ONCE per year)
• Urinalysis (screen ONCE per year)

Depending on the circumstances, additional recommendations to evaluate and/or treat abnormalities include:

• Dentistry
• Radiography
• Histopathology

Each year  for a dog or cat is the equivalent of 5-7 human years. Animals' accelerated aging means that a pet's health can change dramatically in a very short period of time.

The aging process applies to animals and people in the same ways: Associated changes naturally occur in behavior, anatomy (the structures of the body) and physiology (the functioning of these body parts). Dr. Diffey will discuss with you the normal developmental process of your aging pet and any diagnosed deviations from what is considered normal.

Geriatric medicine is as important to your pet as it is to you. By the time your pet reaches 6 years old, the aging process is already beginning but may not be noticeable to you. To help ensure a long and healthy life, we recommend the following steps in caring for your geriatric pet.

• Have your pet spayed or neutered at an early age. Fifty to 60 percent of unspayed dogs develop breast tumors by age 10 In addition, as they go through the change of life, uterine infections can occur which are extremely life threatening. Therefore, older unspayed females must be checked regularly for breast tumors and unusual vaginal discharges. Uncastrated males can develop prostatic problems and anal and testicular tumors. Owners of breeding animals should strongly consider spaying or neutering those animals that have finished their reproductive careers.
• Have routine medical checkups by your veterinarian.
• Feed a geriatric diet especially formulated for the needs of an aging pet.
• Keep those teeth free from tartar! Regular dental prophylaxis is a must!  We now have available special toothpaste and brushes made just for our pets, that when used regularly, can help prevent tartar formation. One of the leading causes of kidney disease in the dog is infection spreading throughout the body from chronic periodontal disease!
• Give proper care of the skin and coat with routine shampooing.
• Complete geriatric health evaluation as your pet approaches 7 - 10 years of age. 

This evaluation should consist of the following:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Thyroid hormone test
• Blood test for liver and kidney function
• Urinalysis with urine protein levels
• Glaucoma Screening
• Chest X-ray

These tests are used, not only to evaluate the health status now, but also to compare the changes that are occurring year to year. See your veterinarian today. He or she can help you set up a healthcare program for your geriatric pet. Early, detection and prevention are the keys to longevity.