At Antelope Creek Veterinary Healthcare Center, our team of Lincoln veterinarians specialize care to best serve your pets at every stage of their lives. As pets age, they tend to require different preventative and wellness care than puppies, kittens, and young adults. Depending on your pet’s species, size, and health, the age when a pet is considered senior might vary slightly, but it averages to around seven years of age.
We consider senior pet wellness care a service category of its own because senior pets require a higher level of care and additional screening than younger pets due to their higher risk of developing certain diseases and conditions. During their golden years, pets typically experience a slower metabolism which can lead to weight gain and even diabetes. They also typically encounter musculoskeletal issues such as arthritis which can make it difficult for them to move about the world the way they once did. In addition to these common senior pet ailments, they also are at a higher risk of developing vision and hearing problems, cognitive difficulties, periodontal disease, hypertension, cancer, tumors, and issues related to the heart, liver, kidneys, and thyroid gland. Regular wellness exams will ensure early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of any developing health concerns.
What to Expect During Your Pet’s Geriatric Health Exam at our Animal Hospital
During a geriatric pet health exam at our animal hospital, we go the extra mile to safeguard your pet’s health. Our veterinarians will perform a physical examination, taking weight, temperature, and inspecting the visual appearance of your pet’s eyes, mouth, ears, and coat while looking for any signs of illness and unexpected significant weight gain or loss. In addition, we will perform a general blood test to screen your pet for diabetes, an unbalanced thyroid, and other signs of disease.
If any problems are diagnosed, our veterinarians will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your pet. Treatments might include medications or surgery, a prescribed diet, and/or specialized exercises which can be done with your pet at home. We want your senior pets to enjoy all of their years to their fullest, and we help them stay well with regular wellness and preventative care appointments.
Schedule Your Bi-Annual Senior Pet Appointments with a Veterinarian in Lincoln, NE
To ensure your pet’s continued good health, we recommend senior pets visit a veterinarian in Lincoln, NE at least two times per year. This allows our veterinary team to keep a close eye on your pet’s ongoing health and treatment of any existing conditions. Contact our office today at (402) 488-0993 to schedule your pet’s appointments with one of our skilled and experienced veterinarians.