As animal lovers, we wish only the best for our pets’ well-being. However, age-related illnesses and disorders affect pets just as much as they do people. This is why geriatric veterinarian care, pet wellness checkups, and veterinary oncology are so crucial to the management of chronic conditions in older pets.
Geriatric Veterinary Care for Pets
Geriatric veterinary care refers to the specialized medical care that older pets need. Health concerns, such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, increase in prevalence as pets age. Geriatric veterinary care can help identify and manage these conditions, ultimately improving the quality of life for senior pets.
Some important considerations for geriatric veterinary care include the following:
- Regular veterinary check-ups: As pets age, you should click here and visit the veterinarian more frequently. This allows for early detection and management of health issues.
- Nutritional counseling: Older pets have different nutritional needs than younger pets. A veterinarian can help recommend a diet appropriate for a pet’s age and health conditions.
- Mobility support: Arthritis is a common condition in senior pets. A range of mobility support options are available such as joint supplements, physical therapy, and medication.
Pet Wellness Exams
Pet wellness exams are routine check-ups that assess a pet’s overall health. These exams are especially important for senior pets as they can help identify health issues early on before they become more serious.
During a pet wellness exam, a veterinarian will:
- Conduct a physical exam: This includes assessing a pet’s weight, temperature, and overall physical condition.
- Conduct diagnostic tests: A geriatric veterinarian in Austin may recommend tests such as blood work or urinalysis, depending on the pet’s age and health conditions.
- Discuss health concerns: A veterinarian will discuss any concerns a pet owner has about their pet’s health, such as changes in behavior or appetite.
Pet wellness exams should be conducted annually for younger pets, but as pets age, they should be conducted more frequently. Senior pets should have a wellness exam every six months.
Veterinary Oncology
Cancer can occur in animals just like it can in humans. In older animals, cancer is a common cause of death. Pets with cancer require specialist medical care by a veterinary oncologist.
- Lymphoma is known as a cancer of the lymphatic system and the most common cancer in dogs and cats.
- Osteosarcoma: This is a cancer of the bones that is most commonly found in large-breed dogs.
- Mast cell tumors: These are tumors that are often found on a pet’s skin and can be cancerous or benign.
Veterinary oncology can include a range of treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Treatment aims to improve a pet’s quality of life and extend their lifespan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, prevention of illness and treatment are crucial for aging pets. Improve your elderly pet’s quality of life with the help of veterinary oncology, preventative wellness checkups, and geriatric veterinarian care.
As pet owners, we can take proactive steps to ensure our pets are healthy as they age. This includes scheduling regular veterinary check-ups, discussing health concerns with a veterinarian, and considering specialized medical care such as veterinary oncology if needed.
Ultimately, by taking good care of our senior pets, we can help ensure they continue to bring us joy and companionship for years to come.
