The aged pet will commonly show signs of dramatically slowing down as physiological, mental and physical changes begin to occur. Different breeds may characteristically show changes with certain body systems. Toy dog breeds may have higher incidence of cardiac disease and cats quite commonly show signs associated with chronic kidney or thyroid disease. Large breed dogs that choose to lay on hard surfaces (cool tile or hardwood floors) instead of a soft bed may develop calluses on their elbows. Almost all geriatric pets will have some degree of arthritis and may be showing cognitive changes attributable to dementia or alzheimers. These pets may have already been diagnosed with a disease or condition that is already under treatment. So we may continue to monitor and work with your regular veterinarian to manage such conditions for as long as we can. In other cases we may recommend doing some lab work or other diagnostics to see if we can identify the problem (if you so choose) and then decide if treatment is the way to go. But overall our goal will be to work with you and determine the best medical approach for you, your family and your pet.

Approaches commonly taken during our visits will include:

• Evaluating the living space of your pet to determine where the most difficulties occur.
• Making suggestions in how to improve ambulation, or recommending physical mobility aids for animals with progressing disabilities.
• Providing suggestions or medications to deal with issues like incontinence, constipation or diarrhea
• Offering suggestions or medications for alleviating anxiety that may be a result of mental/cognitive changes.
• Discussion of dietary changes.
• Prescription of medications for arthritis relief or reduction in muscle tone and nerve related issue
• Implementation of alternative therapies that may help to manage the issues at hand.
• Use of Quality of Life guidelines and assessment of possible pain your pet may be experiencing.

Overall, our goal again is to work with you and clarify the goals on how you want to manage your senior or geriatric pet.