Maple Veterinary Hospital

 

SENIOR WELLNESS VISITS

Our veterinarians want to provide your pet with the best medical recommendations for a long, healthy, and happy life.  For pets 6 years and older, we recommend:

 

WELLNESS EXAMS EVERY SIX MONTHS

WHY?

  • Pets age faster than humans.  You may need to visit the doctor once a year or less, but if we only see your dog or cat once a year, it is like waiting seven years between checkups. 

  • Major health changes can occur in a short amount of time.  We would like to see your pet often enough to be able to diagnose, treat, or prevent problems before they become life-threatening. 

  • Plus, every visit to our office is a great opportunity to ask questions about nutrition, behavior, and other concerns.

 

WELLNESS BLOOD PROFILE EVERY 6 TO 12 MONTHS

AND WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF ANY ANESTHETIC PROCEDURE

WHY?

  • Dogs and cats often do not show symptoms of disease until it has progressed beyond the early stages.  For example: a pet can lose up to 75% of kidney function before they start showing signs of illness.  Since they cannot tell us when they are not feeling 100%, our best tool is checking blood values to make sure that your pet's organs are functioning normally at that point in time. 

  • Even something as innocuous-sounding as tartar buildup can have side effects on the heart, liver, and kidneys.  85% of pets over age six have some sort of chronic dental disease.

  • Many older pets are on some type of medication and six-month blood profiles are required to make sure that the organs that process the medication are working as they should.  This allows us to determine the effectiveness of the medication as well as letting us keep track of any potential side effects of long-term medication usage.

 

URINALYSIS AND E.R.D. TEST

WHY?

  • Kidney disease can progress a long way before your pet shows signs of illness. 

  • Checking a yearly urinalysis will help us keep track of any changes in your pet's kidney function. 

  • Other diseases such as diabetes, another common problem for older pets, can also be detected through urinalysis. 

  • The E.R.D. test checks urine for a protein called albumin that leaks into the urine as the kidneys become less effective.  This test is much more sensitive to protein than the test we run with the traditional urinalysis and gives an early warning as to when your pet needs therapeutic intervention, and can help us monitor kidney health long-term.

 

DAILY VITAMINS AND/OR SWITCHING TO A DIET FORMULATED SPECIFICALLY FOR SENIORS

WHY?
  • Nutritional needs of pets change as they get older.  Senior pets should consume fewer calories due to decreased activity and reduced daily energy needs.  This is very important because obesity increases the risk of serious diseases, arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and musculoskeletal disorders.
  • A recent study shows that lean dogs live an average of 15% longer than overweight dogs.
  • Pet foods formulated specifically for seniors are now available with fewer calories, limited phosphorous, more protein, balanced fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to meet the specific nutritional needs of senior pets.
  • Senior diets have optimum amounts of nutrition and can help impede the progression of common diseases like kidney disease.
  • Sometimes a disease process may require a prescription diet.  It may seem strange to think of a food as a medication but, in veterinary medicine, this is the easiest way for us to provide continuous, daily care for your pet.
  • Older animals tend to absorb fewer vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes through the intestinal tract and they lose more of them through the kidneys and urinary tract.  Also, some older animals eat less (due to conditions such as oral disease) and may not receive their daily needs of vitamins and minerals.
  • Some evidence in other species suggests that antioxidants such as vitamins A (beta-carotene), E, and C may play a role in protecting against some normal aging processes. 
  • Some nutritional supplements can help prevent and treat arthritis so that your pet can continue to be comfortable.

Ask our veterinarians if vitamin supplements are recommended for your senior pet.

 
OTHER SENIOR WELLNESS RECOMMENDATIONS

Depending on the results of the basic senior wellness exam, we may recommend further routine diagnostic procedures such as radiographs of the chest or abdomen, an electrocardiogram or blood pressure test, or a thyroid blood profile. 

 

 

 

 

 
  • Radiographs can illustrate changes in body organ size and density, allowing us to evaluate the health of lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, and bones among other things.

 

  • An electrocardiogram or blood pressure analysis can help us evaluate the health of your pet's heart.

  • A thyroid profile checks the functions of the thyroid gland which commonly experiences disorders in older pets. 

    • The thyroid gland affects many aspects of your pet's health: appetite and metabolism, heart rate, coat condition, immune function and nervous system health.

    • Thyroid disease, both over-production and under-production of thyroid hormones, can cause health issues, and both disorders can be easily and effectively managed, once diagnosed.

TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP KEEP YOUR PET FEELING WELL

Speak up when you notice changes in your pet's behavior, appetite, or general condition.  Ask us about nutrition and exercise.  Ask about your pet's condition and the latest advances in treatment options.

 

Our veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians

are here for you and your pet.

Putting your pet's healthcare first!!!! is our primary goal.