Even if your pet isn't behaving differently, age brings changes in the functioning of the internal organs. The liver and kidneys lose efficiency. Your pet may show a tendency to gain weight, have impaired sight or sense of smell, and may become more susceptible to nagging problems like arthritis or gum disease.

Some problems of aging must simply be accepted. But others can be delayed and even reversed with good care.

Dr. Sam will work with you to address (based on their findings) with addressing any underlying health problems and making recommendations for the best overall plan, which are very effective ways to improve the quality of life for your aging pet.

• By age seven, many pets are feeling the aches and pains of aging, and they can’t tell us what’s wrong.
• Older pets’ joints and organs don’t function as efficiently, and health and comfort can be compromised.

You play a key role in maintaining your pet’s health because you know your pet better than anyone else.

You play a key role in maintaining your pet’s health because you know your pet better than anyone else. With your watchful eye and our medical care, we can establish baseline information, identify illnesses early and provide effective treatment to help your pet avoid serious or life threatening conditions.

The best approach to caring for your senior pet includes preventive care testing during your pet’s visit to All Pets Vet Hospital. The tests we recommend are similar to and equally as important as those human physicians run on their patients. After we run the recommended tests, Dr.. Sam can help you understand your pet’s current health status and the common medical conditions your pet could face. He will also discuss a regular monitoring plan.

The combination of blood test we recommend for the senior pet is listed below. Biochemical Profile looks at:

• Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. Reduced levels indicate chronic liver or kidney disease, intestinal disease or intestinal parasites such as hookworm infection.
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme that becomes elevated with liver disease or injury.
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP) is an enzyme produced by the cells lining the gall bladder and its associated ducts. Elevated levels indicate liver disease or Cushing’s syndrome.
• Amylase (AMYL) is an enzyme secreted by the pancreas. Elevated blood levels can indicate pancreatic and or kidney disease.
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Abnormal levels can indicate dehydration, and liver and kidney abnormalities.
• Calcium (Ca2+) increases can be seen with diseases of the parathyroid gland and kidneys or as an indicator of certain types of tumors.
• Cholesterol (CHOL) increases are seen in a variety of disorders including genetic disease, liver and kidney disease and hypothyroidism.
• Creatinine (CREA) is a by-product of muscle metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease or urinary tract obstruction.
• Blood Glucose (GLU) increases can indicate diabetes. In cats, high levels can indicate stress, which can merely be a result of the trip to the veterinary hospital. Low levels can indicate liver disease, infection, or certain tumors.
• Phosphorus (PHOS) levels that are high can indicate kidney disease.
• Total Bilirubin (TBIL) levels are useful in diagnosing anemia and problems in the bile ducts. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin and is a component of bile. Bilirubin is secreted by the liver into the intestinal tract.
• Total Protein (TP) levels can help detect a variety of conditions including dehydration and diseases of the liver, kidney or gastrointestinal tract.

ECG (Electrocardiogram) Detects heart rate and electrical rhythm. Certain abnormal rhythms and heart rates can be deleterious to animals X-rays are preformed to check for abnormalities of the heart, lung,
kidney, liver, arthritis, hip dysplasia, etc. Ultrasound scanning offers a non-invasive, painless method for the diagnosis of many diseases. It is the best tool to evaluate fluid filled and soft tissue organs. Many organs that cannot be seen clearly with radiographs are seen distinctly with ultrasound. Ultrasound is easy to administer and normally requires no anesthesia, tranquilization, fasting or water holding. The area to be scanned will require clipping of the hair as the ultrasound will not pass through hair. A gel is placed on the skin just prior to the scan. The entire process typically takes about 35 minutes. Before you come in for your consultation, please take some time to go over the Senior Care Check List.

We have also included a optimum weight checklist. If your pet is overweight it can severely impact his health. Please come in and talk to us about a weight control plan.

All Pets Vet Hospital employs the very latest equipment to care for and monitor your pet during all procedures.

SENIOR WORKSHOP INCLUDES:

• Physical Examination: A through examination of the patient including a complete inspection of the Heart, Lungs, Ears, Eyes, And Teeth.
• CBC/Biochemical Profile: An extensive series of blood tests that will evaluate your pet’s internal organs, including Heart, Liver, Kidneys and Pancreas.
• Thyroid Test (T4): A blood test to measure the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. If left untreated, thyroid disease can cause serious health problems.
• Radiographs of the Chest and Abdomen (3): These will show if there are any major or minor abnormalities in the chest or the abdomen. (In some cases additional radiographs may be needed - at an additional charge)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Monitors heart rate and electrical rhythms for abnormalities.
• Urinalysis: This checks for abnormal levels, which can indicate diseases including liver disease, kidney disease and diabetes.
• Urine Culture: Detects bacterial infections or any other abnormalities.
• Fecal Analysis: A stool check for internal parasites.
• Ultrasound Screening: Available upon Request. (Additional Charges May Apply)