PEOTONE, Ill., Feb. 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Peotone Animal Hospital in Peotone, IL is educating pet owners about the importance of senior pet wellness care for older pets. According to the veterinary hospital, starting at age seven, many dogs and cats begin to show signs of aging. Older pets are also prone to a number of senior health problems, including arthritis, thyroid imbalances, cancer, obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Diagnostic tests are important for detecting illness in pets. The earlier a potential health problem is detected, the more the veterinary care team can do to manage this condition before a pet's overall health is significantly compromised.
Pet owners with pets aged seven and older should schedule semi-annual wellness exams for their senior pets, says the veterinary care team at Peotone Animal Hospital.
"While pets age at different rates, it is typically when pets reach seven years of age that we first begin seeing the development of age-related health problems," says Peotone veterinarian Dr. Jay Nadler. "At this early stage, most conditions do not have obvious external healthy symptoms. Consequently, diagnostic exams are the best way to identify health problems before a pet's well-being is compromised."
During a senior wellness exam at the animal hospital, a vet will conduct diagnostic blood work and a urinalysis, take a fecal sample to test for parasites, and a complete a full physical. Our Certified Veterinary Technicians will also spend extra time taking a pet's eye pressure and blood pressure during the exam taking. These readings, along with other diagnostic test results, give the veterinary team an "inside glimpse" into a pet's body.
"Regular wellness exams are an important opportunity to evaluate a pet's well-being," says Dr. Nadler. "The earlier we can identify a potential health problem in older pets, then the more options we have for successful treatment."
Common health problems in senior pets include thyroid imbalance, kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and liver disease. Older pets that are less active are susceptible to weight gain.
However, some very senior pets may actually lose weight as their sense of taste and smell diminishes. Weight loss may happen slowly over time and not easily be detected, especially in longhaired cats. This is why the veterinary team also weighs pets at every appointment.
"Once a health concern is identified, in many cases we are able to manage this problem through small changes to diet and lifestyle," says the team.
For example, fish oil supplements can help protect the joints and alleviate mild arthritis pain. Other dietary changes support urinary tract health and digestive health.
In some cases, a cancerous tumor may be identified. Dog surgery for a tumor, when done early, improves recovery outcomes.
Pet owners may learn more about senior pet care and other services, including vaccinations, by visiting http://www.peotonevet.com.
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