 |
|
Is your cat a Senior Citizen? The middle years (ages 2-8) are generally the easy times for most cats and owners. Yearly vaccines and checkups are usually sufficient to spot dental problems, weight gain or loss, and other signs of illness. As a cat ages, however, subtle changes may occur that require an observant owner for detection. Increased water consumption, weight loss, ravenous appetite with weight loss, increased respiratory or breathing rate, and abnormal growths or lumps should be dealt with immediately.
|
|
|
|
The cats that make up such an important part of our lives are living longer, healthier, and happier lives. We are observing that a growing number of our patients are feline “senior citizens”. Part of the reason that pets are able to live longer now than a few years ago is the tremendous advances that have occurred in veterinary medicine. A greater knowledge of diseases, diagnostic procedures, and treatments is available to us today. But perhaps the greatest reason for why animals live longer, better lives is the increased knowledge that pet owners have about the importance of preventive health care measures -- immunization and detection to name a couple.
As cats age, they, like people, have a greater risk for developing certain diseases and conditions. For that reason, we recommend that all of our cat patients that are 8 years of age or older have an annual geriatric evaluation. The evaluation includes a thorough and complete physical examination, a complete blood count, blood chemistry profile, thyroid test, urinalysis, blood pressure, and possible radiography.
When the evaluation is complete and all test results have been received, we will discuss the findings with you and advise you of any needed treatment or change in diet. Just as when people have an annual physical, in most cases the results are normal. Even then, it’s good to know that everything is “all right” and the evaluation provides valuable “baseline data” on which to compare future results. If a condition is revealed, you know it has been discovered as early as possible and treatment can be initiated. Importantly, we can work with you to ensure that your cat lives as long, healthy and happy a life as possible. It’s the least we can do in return for all the love that our pets give us. This is why the doctors have developed a Golden Age or Senior Cat Care Program.
If you have any questions about this geriatric evaluation for your cat, please call us at 925.930.9226. We look forward to talking with you. Thank you. |
|
|
|
|
