Information
YES!
Your companion is aging at a much faster rate than you are. Depending on the size of the dog the rate changes. The average rate is 7 years of aging to 1 human year. If you are interested to know how fast your companion is aging we have a chart based on size at the clinic.
Due the fact that our companions age faster than we do, and also due to the fact that our companions can't tell us where is hurts, it is very important to get a complete physical exam on your companion at least yearly. Problems discovered early can often be treated with a higher success rate.
At Empire Veterinary Clinic we recommend a complete physical yearly. Depending on the findings of the Doctor, and the age of the companion additional tests may be recommended.
As some dogs and cats age they suffer from problems such as arthritis. There are several new drugs available for dogs which can make them much more comfortable and allow them to get around much easier. If you think that your companion is having a hard time getting up, walking around or jumping contact the clinic for an appointment.
Very subtle changes may indicate that organs in the body are not functioning up to par. For example, increased water intake can signal a variety of different problems from infection, diabetes, Cushings disease, renal failure and others.
In addition to problems with the muscles and joints and the internal organs of you companion, dogs may suffer from a syndrome called Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome(CDS). The symptoms at the beginning of this disease are very subtle. They may include loss of house training, confusion and disorientation. These are often symptoms that we dismiss with the rationalization he/she is just getting older. During a Senior exam the symptoms of CDS are gone over and discussed with you. You can monitor your companion for the symptoms as they age. There is currently a medication (Anipryl) that helps relive the symptoms of cognitive dysfunction. Since CDS has a slow onset the treatment to this disease takes time as well.
At Empire Veterinary Clinic we have developed a Senior Wellness Plan. In this plan is a complete physical exam including a detailed history highlighting symptoms which might point to common senior diseases. After that baseline lab work is done. This includes a blood panel, a urinalysis and a fecal. Once the results of the exam and the tests are compiled then a consult is made in person or over the phone to discuss the results and any further testing that may be necessary.