GOLETA, Calif., June 20, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Airport Animal Hospital in Goleta, CA announced that the clinic provides senior pet care services specifically designed to meet the needs of older cats and dogs. These services focus on preventing and managing chronic veterinary health conditions such as thyroid disorders and arthritis. The senior care program includes nutritional counseling and semi-annual wellness exams with a full physical and diagnostic testing. Just like in humans, early detection allows the veterinarian to better manage health conditions before these problems compromise a pet's health.
Goleta veterinarian Dr. Stephen Lewis announced that Airport Animal Hospital offers a senior-specific veterinary care program. "Older pets have unique health needs, and our senior wellness program is specifically designed to meet these needs," said Dr. Lewis, who is a co-owner of the clinic. "Prevention and proactive wellness care are key to keeping pets healthy for life."
As part of the veterinary clinic's senior wellness services, pets receive semi-annual wellness exams. These exams include a complete physical and diagnostic testing. Tests such as urinalysis, blood chemistry panel and blood count, and parasite evaluation provide valuable information for the veterinarians.
"As a pet ages, owners may notice a physical slowing down," said Dr. William Wallace, a Goleta veterinarian and co-owner of the clinic. "The pet may not hear or see as well, senses will dull, and moving or jumping may become difficult. Diagnostic tests give veterinarians a glimpse inside an animal's body, allowing us to detect the warning signs of illness before chronic health problems seriously affect a pet's health."
Arthritis and thyroid disorders are two conditions that commonly affect senior pets. During wellness exams cats are tested for hyperthyroidism, a common senior feline health problem. Cat owners may also choose feline leukemia and immunodeficiency virus testing if their cat has not been previously vaccinated against these conditions.
In addition to senior pet care, the animal clinic provides nutritional counseling services to help pet owners safely manage their pet's weight. Dietary supplements may also help pets who struggle with arthritis. The veterinarian works closely with pet owners to determine the right diet for each pet's unique nutritional needs.
"Obesity can cause serious health problems in pets," said Dr. Lewis. "A few extra pounds on a pet can be the equivalent to an extra 10 to 20 pounds on a human. As pets age, proper nutrition is essential to keeping pets a healthy weight and reducing the risk for health problems, including heart disease and cancer."
According to the animal clinic, larger dogs may be considered "seniors" by age eight or nine, while smaller dogs are often not considered "seniors" until ten years or older. Senior pets are at risk for health conditions including heart disease, kidney disease, thyroid imbalance, cancer, osteoarthritis and Cushing's syndrome.
Pet owners with senior pets can contact the clinic and schedule an appointment via the website at: http://www.animaldoc.com.