Senior Health Screening

Did you know that pets age seven times faster than we do?

This means that the health of your family pet can change rapidly in a short period of time, and these subtle changes often go unnoticed. The average life span of a cat is 15 to 16 years, however some cats live well into their 20's! The average life span of a dog is about 12 years, however small dogs tend to live longer, and certain factors can influence how a pet ages:

* The size and breed of the pet.

* The environmental conditions in which a pet lives. Free roaming outdoor dogs and cats are more prone to traumatic injuries, such as being hit by a car, and also have a higher risk of exposure to infectious diseases.

* Pet nutrition plays a role as well. Obese animals tend to age much faster than pets with a normal weight. And poor nutrition can speed up the aging process as well.

As a general rule, cats are considered to be "senior citizens" around age nine; larger dogs at age six or seven, and smaller dogs at about age eight or nine. While the rate at which pets age is certainly different from humans, the changes seen with advancing age are very similar, including heart disease, weight gain (or loss), dental problems and arthritic joints.

But the good news is --- early intervention and prevention can help your pet lead a longer and healthier life!

SCREENINGS INCLUDE:

Physical Exam:
One of the most important parts! We can obtain a wealth of information with a thorough and complete hands-on examination. This is the time for you to offer information about behaviorial changes and ask questions!

Complete Blood Count:
Checks for anemia, infection, inflammation and overall health of blood cells. It also evaluates the number and type of cells in your pet's circulation. White Blood Cells fight infection and inflammation while Red Blood Cells carry oxygen.

Chemistry Panel:
Surveys many of the organ systems of the body (liver, kidney, pancreas, muscle and bone) to see if they are working normally.

Thyroid Function:
Useful in diagnosing malfunction of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism (not enough thyroid hormone) is common in dogs; hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) is common in older cats.

Urinalysis:
Determines the health and function of the urinary system. It is especially helpful in older animals for early detection of kidney disease.

Blood Pressure:
Abnormal blood pressure can indicate heart, kidney or other metabolic diseases. Many long-term medications can cause changes in blood pressure.