Senior pets have special  concerns and special needs.   Dr. Ashley has a senior pet  (15 year old Anya) and has a special interest in keeping our older dogs and cats healthy and happy as long as possible.  While a senior may not be able to do things that they once did as a pup or young adult,  they can still lead happy and comfortable lives.  We can do so much more for our pets today than in years prior.  You just must be willing to be proactive with illnesses,  practice good preventative medicine,  have regular screening tests performed, and give lots of love!

Screening tests of benefit to older pets:

          -labwork that includes a CBC, chemistry, thyroid level, urinalysis, and urine microalbumin

          -chest x-rays, ECG, blood pressure (especially for pets with breed history of heart problems and all senior cats, especially those with kidney problems)

          -x-rays of lumbar spine/hips/limbs with problems (if suspicious of arthritis)

*My Anya is 15 years old and receives a senior wellness blood screen every 6 months.  I perform a chest x-ray and ECG every year.  She has a dental cleaning every 8-9 months (longer if I remember to brush her teeth).  While she may not spend as much time outside in the summer as she used to, and likes to sleep in now on weekends (used to get us up at dawn)- her quality of life is excellent.   She still plays with toys, likes to go swimming and help us cast net mullet, loves to eat and cuddle.  We had to build her a ramp to assist her getting up and down the back stairs, and we carry her upstairs to bed each night.  I love her more now as an old girl than when she was a pup.  Remember,  old age is not a disease.    It is all about quality of life.         Shelly Ashley, DVM