Senior Pet Care
Pets begin entering their "senior years" around the age of seven. While your faithful companion may still be just as frisky and playful as he or she was when younger, your senior pet has health and wellness needs that are very different from puppies and kittens. Eola Point Animal Hospital has developed a comprehensive senior pet wellness program designed to meet the changing needs of your older dog or cat.
Preventive care is critical for senior pets. As pets age, they are at an increased risk of developing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, endocrine disease, cancer and other health problems. We recommend senior pets undergo a complete wellness exam at least once a year, though more frequent exams are encouraged. These exams can help us spot - and treat - potential health problems quickly, before they become more difficult and costly to treat. Exams are also an excellent opportunity to discuss any changes in your pet's health and behavior.
As part of the wellness exam, we listen to your pet's heart and lungs to detect signs of heart murmurs, abnormal heart beat patterns, infection, tumors and other diseases. We also evaluate your pet's vision and hearing, look for unusual lumps, swelling or skin conditions and check for signs of arthritis. A series of diagnostic laboratory tests, including a comprehensive blood panel and urinalysis, are performed. These tests can reveal signs of diabetes, kidney and liver disease and other health problems. We may also take x-rays, if necessary.
At Eola Point Animal Hospital, we understand the special bond you share with your pet. We look forward to working with you to help preserve that bond - from the time your pet is a puppy or kitten, through his or her adult years and beyond.