Pets age faster than humans and, by approximately eight years of age, they are considered to have reached their golden years. Their medical needs can change more rapidly during this time, so it is important to maintain regular visits with our veterinary team.
As your pet ages, a change in diet may be required and you may notice signs of decreased muscle mass and arthritis pain. Aging can necessitate a need for additional nutrients, or softer food due to dental concerns, as well as a physical therapy and rehabilitation program assists in improving flexibility, reducing pain, and decreasing the need for medication in senior pets.
Silver Whiskers Program
Our Silver Whiskers Package is designed with your senior pet in mind. The program is more than just a physical examination; these exams cater to the special needs of your senior pet. The Silver Whiskers Package allows our veterinarians to check for senior-related medical concerns by:
• Monitoring blood work for early detection of diseases that may harm the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, endocrine system, lymphatic system, and gastrointestinal system;
• Performing a urinalysis to detect infections, uroliths (stones), hepatic (liver) disease, and renal (kidney) disease;
• Measuring blood pressure to detect hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure);
• Performing a Schirmer Tear Test to measure the rate of tear production and assess lacrimal gland function which can prevent loss of vision, detect dry eye (KCS), and aid in detecting ocular surface diseases, such as ulcers;
• Performing a Tonopen Measurement for detection of glaucoma (high ocular pressure), which can lead to blindness and can cause severe discomfort.
