New information presented by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners indicates that a senior patient benefits from twice-yearly examinations. Similar to humans, senior animals start to develop diseases such as diabetes, cataracts, arthritis, hypothyroidism and cancer. These diseases can go unnoticed in their early stages and many will develop rapidly, making regular monitoring and blood testing very important.

Senior visits should be every six months and will be coordinated with your pet’s vaccination schedule. During these senior visits, we will perform a comprehensive physical, glaucoma screen, weigh and assess body condition, and specifically discuss senior associated problems and diseases. Blood and urine samples may be obtained at this time. The goals of this program are as follows: 

These are signs that should be reported to us immediately, before they become serious. 

• Interacting less often with family   
• Less enthusiastic
• Changing behavior or activity level
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Difficulty jumping
• Stiffness or limping
• New lumps or bumps
• Tremors or shaking
• Increased/Decreased appetite
• Noticeably gaining or losing weight
• Increased/Decreased water consumption
• Increased/Decreased urination
• Changes in bowel movements
• Changing hair coat or skin
• House training accidents
• Scratching more often 
• Bad breath, red/swollen gums
• Coughing
• Excessive panting
• Confusion/Disorientation
• Altered sleeping patterns