Geriatric Care For Your Pet

Dogs and cats will often show signs of illness only when a disease is advanced and when, often, little can be done. For this reason, screening tests in apparently healthy older dogs and cats are recommended. By doing these tests on a regular basis, once to twice a year, the goal is to find disease in its early stages. If caught early, many of these conditions are manageable with medications and/or diet changes. Annual evaluation of your pet "from the inside out" helps your veterinarian find problems early on. Your veterinarian will always do a physical examination to assess your pet. But information obtained from this is limited. Blood and urine tests tell how an animal's organs function while radiographs and ultrasounds tell about an animal's organs structure. Once a disease is diagnosed and appropriate treatment is started, the goal is to give your pet have a better and longer life! We recommend: For dogs and cats more than 5 years old but less than 8 years, at least, annual: - Blood panel- to look for problems with the liver, kidneys, electrolytes, white and red blood cell count and thyroid levels- approx cost $100 - Urinalysis- to look for infection, presence of crystals and early detection of kidney problems- approx cost $41 For dogs and cats older than 8 years old, at least, annual: - Blood panel- approx cost $101-$123 - Urinalysis- approx cost $41 - Abdominal radiographs- to look for masses that might be overlooked with palpation and to assess organ size and structure- approx cost $153 - And/or abdominal ultrasound- to look "inside" organs to assess gall bladder, liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, adrenals and urinary bladder- approx cost $150 - Blood pressure- recommended for especially for cats- approx cost $38 For dogs and cats of any age, with a history of fatiguing with exercise or playing, coughing or heart murmur, at least, annual: - Chest radiographs- to assess for heart enlargement and look for lung changes- approx cost $153 - Electrocardiogram (EKG)- to detect arrhythmias that may not be noted with a stethoscope- approx cost $44/$60 - And/or cardiac ultrasound- to assess heart function, valve movement and chamber size- cost approx $25 If you have any questions regarding this matter, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian. The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.