What to expect for senior pet visit

    Because pets age roughly the equivalent of 7 years for every human year, pets become the equivalent of "seniors" around 7-9 years of age. As our pets age we begin to see an increase in health issues, just like we do as human patients age. Because our older pets are more likely to develop health problems, we increase our screening for common health ailments so that we can catch problems early, when they are most treatable. On a senior pet visit:
We will weigh and record your pet's weight and vital signs so we can compare to it in the future.
 
Ears:  examined for signs of infection such as pain, odor or discharge.
Eyes:  examined with attention paid to the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea and internal structures.
Mouth:  examined including the teeth, gums and oral cavity.  Periodontal disease assessment is performed.
Lymph nodes/Immune system: lymph nodes will be palpated for enlargement or pain.
Skin: examined for lumps, rashes, parasites (fleas and ticks), and signs of infection, bruising or change in hydration
Cardiovascular: the heart is examined for murmurs or arrythmias, pulses and mucous membranes evaluated
Respiratory: lungs will be asculted for abnormal sounds or congestion
Abdomen: will be palpated to feel for masses or organ (e.g. liver, spleen, intestines) enlargements or thickening
Musculoskeletal:  spine, muscles and joints examined for pain, swelling or decreased mobility
 
 
 
We will submit a stool sample for analysis for intestinal parasites.
 
Perform heartworm and tickborne disease (dogs) or Leukemia/FIV (cats) blood testing, as needed.
 
Administer vaccinations for Distemper, Rabies, Lyme (dogs), Leukemia (cats) and Bordatella (dogs) as needed.
 
Perform Bartonella testing for cats that have never been screened.
 
Discuss dental care (cleaning or preventative care, as appropriate).
 
Dispense heartworm medication for ongoing prevention.
 
Dispense flea and tick prevention for ongoing prevention.
 
Perform wellness bloodwork yearly to screen for common metabolic problems such as kidney, liver or thyroid problems.  Often disease can be detected before your pet is showing any signs, when it is most treatable.
 
Pets that are on chronic medication have their liver and kidney values checked every 6 months to monitor for any complications related to chronic medication administration.