•    Important facts about senior wellness programs

An aging pet's organs gradually deteriorate and may lose their ability to function properly. We use senior testing to promote early detection and treatment of disease, so we can maintain health and prevent illness during yours pet's senior years. Early detection of disease often gives us more effective and less costly treatment options. And senior testing helps establish normal baseline values for your pet, creating a point of comparison for the future.

•    Is my pet a senior?

Please refer to the chart below to get an accurate estimate of your pet's age in "human years". If your pet is 7 years or older, we consider him or her a senior. Your pet may seem healthy well into its senior years. However, many problems common to senior pets, (like kidney or heart failure), may not present symptoms until your pet becomes seriously ill. A comprehensive senior care program helps us identify problems early enough to institute preventative healthcare measures.

•    What is in a senior wellness program?

Your pet's complete senior wellness program includes these elements:

A physical exam is the most important part of the senior care program. We will assess all body systems to check for any abnormalities and consult with you on any behavioral changes you may have noticed recently. We also will discuss nutritional needs for the aging pet.

Blood chemistry tests measure levels of various substances in the blood and diagnose diseases such as diabetes, and liver and/or kidney failure. These give us a chance to make sure the internal organs are still functioning properly.

A complete blood count (CBC) provides a detailed look at the blood itself and helps the doctor diagnose anemia or infection.

A urinalysis gives information on kidney function and checks for urinary tract infections.

The thyroid screen (T4) helps diagnose thyroid disease, which is an especially common ailment in older cats and dogs.

Glaucoma testing measures the pressure in each eye quickly and painlessly using a tonometer. Undetected glaucoma leads to irreversible blindness

During a retinal exam, performed after the pupils are dilated, we will look for evidence of bleeding, degenerations, inflammation or detachment.

Blood pressure measurement lets our team check for hypertension. Just as in humans, high blood pressure in pets can lead to kidney problems, heart disease, blindness and other complications.

Radiographs  (x-rays) come as part of the senior care program. Generally, we perform chest radiographs to assess the heart and lungs, and abdominal radiographs to assess the liver or kidneys.

I'd like my pet to participate in the Senior Wellness Program. What do I do?  Call us to arrange a day for your pet to receive his or her testing Please withhold food from your pet starting at 10 p.m. the night before so we can get an accurate blood sample. Make water available for your pet as usual. We prefer that you admit your pet to the hospital by 9 a.m. and we'll schedule a checkout appointment with a doctor the same day to review the test results with you.

How much does it cost? We offer 3 levels of care in our Senior Wellness Program. Please refer below to see what they include and the cost involved.