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Senior Wellness Program
Like people, dogs and cats are living longer. It is important that we help ensure these extended years are the happiest and healthiest as possible. We hope that with our new Senior Wellness Program together we can make a significant difference in the life of your senior dog and cat.
Age is not a number, but rather a measure of the effect of aging to the body. Variables such as nutrition, genetics, and environment all contribute to how your pet will be influenced by the aging process. For practical purposes we consider “senior” to be at 7 years old. Small dogs and cats tend to live longer than medium or large breed dogs. Since pets age more rapidly than people, dramatic changes in health can occur in as little as 3-6 months.
The purpose of screening apparently healthy pets is to establish a baseline for future comparison and to detect hidden or sub-clinical abnormalities at a time when preventative intervention will have the greatest benefit.
Signs of Aging
Some signs of aging like a gray muzzle or slowed activity are easy to identify. Other signs are more subtle and hard to spot. Remember that being old is not a disease, but that there are common changes and certain age-related diseases that can compromise your dog’s health. These can include:
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Decreased activity
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Less interaction with family
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Increased sleeping
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Disorientation or confusion
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Less responsive when spoken to
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Weight gain or loss
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Changes in skin muscles
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Changes in appetite or thirst
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Loss of housetraining
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Increased urination
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Stiffness or lameness
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Vision or hearing loss
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Dental problems
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Digestive problems
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Recurrent infections
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Changes in skin or hair coat
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Our Senior Wellness Plan includes:
- Thorough History
- Nutrition and Environmental Analysis
- Laboratory Analysis
- Complete Blood Count
- Chemistry Tests
- Thyroid Tests
- Urinalysis
- Parasite Exams
- FeLV test (cats only)
- Vaccination Titers (should we vaccinate in the future?)
- Lump Evaluation
- Examine and document size/location in medical record
- FNA’s (fine needle aspirates) performed as indicated
- Up to two cytology’s (from FNA) will be examined in house
- Update necessary vaccinations
- Complete Physical Exam including:
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Confirm Spayed or Neutered
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Canine rectal exam
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Weight gain or loss
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Changes in body condition
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Examine Skin and Hair coat
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Evaluate Lumps and bumps
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Nails (trim)
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Check anal glands
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Temperature, Pulse, and Respirations
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Radiographs of the heart and lungs
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Heart and Lung auscultation
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Feline & Canine blood pressure
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Lymph node palpation
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Feline thyroid gland palpation
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Abdominal palpation
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Pain assessment
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Orthopedic exam
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Canine glaucoma test
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Eye and ear exam
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Common Health Problems of Older Dogs and Cats
Periodontal disease is the most common problem of senior dogs and cats. It often can lead to kidney, liver and heart problems.
Obesity increases your pet’s risk of diabetes and liver disease and can lead to serious arthritis and back problems.
Endocrine diseases including diabetes and high and low thyroid can have very profound effects on all major body systems.
Kidney and liver disease can lead to serious chemical imbalances, anemia, poor immunity, bleeding and altered mental function. Kidney disease is a major problem in older cats.
Loss of vision and hearing are quite common.
Cancers and tumors are very common but over 80% may be curable if caught and treated early.
Heart disease can lead to weakness, difficulty breathing, fatigue and an inability to exercise.
Arthritis and spinal diseases are very common and cause pain, lameness and altered bowel and bladder function.
Behavioral changes from Cognitive Dysfunction may cause disorientation, “accidents”, and sleep disturbances.
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Age
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0-20
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21-50
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51-90
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>90
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Weight
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6 yrs
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40
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42
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45
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49
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Senior
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7 yrs
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44
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47
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50
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56
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8 yrs
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48
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51
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55
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64
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9 yrs
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52
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56
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61
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71
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10 yrs
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56
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60
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66
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78
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Geriatric
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11 yrs
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60
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65
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72
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86
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12 yrs
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64
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69
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77
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93
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13 yrs
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68
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74
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82
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101
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14 yrs
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72
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78
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88
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108
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15 yrs
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76
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83
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93
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115
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16 yrs
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80
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87
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99
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123
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17 yrs
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84
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92
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104
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18 yrs
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88
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96
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109
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How does this work?
- First we need you to fill out and submit the questionnaire for your pet. The doctor needs all the data to review prior to your pet’s physical exam and testing. We will only schedule one or two senior exams per day.
- We will enter the information into our computer system so the doctor has all the data to review prior to your pet’s physical exam and testing. Prior to the exam we will call when necessary to get more history on specific information in the questionnaire.
- Schedule your senior exam. You will drop off your pet for a minimum of 4 hours (sometimes this can be the full day) in order obtain samples, radiographs (x-rays), do routine testing, and complete the physical exam. If we notice an obvious problem that needs discussion or further testing right away, we will call with specific recommendations. Please bring a fresh fecal sample if possible.
- We wait for the results of our laboratory tests and radiographic evaluation by a specialist.
- When all the results are received, (this will probably take 5-7 days) we will schedule a consultation to discuss the results and make specific recommendations how we can best serve the needs of your pet.
- The total cost of the Canine Senior Wellness Plan - $335
- The total cost of the Feline Senior Wellness Plan - $280
- If your pet needs additional tests or procedures that are not part of the wellness plan, you will receive a "10% senior discount" on those services performed at the same time as the wellness program. Additional services might include orthopedic x-rays, additional lab tests, additional in house cytology’s (2 are covered) and all cytology’s submitted to an outside lab.
- You will receive:
A “report card” and explanation of our findings.
A copy of your digital x-rays emailed to you or on disk.
A copy of the laboratory results.
Photographs of specific findings where applicable.
Recommendations to keep your senior pet happy and healthy.
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