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Seniors at Seven!

Like us, each year we like to ensure we do our best to enable our Senior Pets enjoy many warm and comfortable winters ahead.

How do we do this?
We do this by implementing the Seniors Care Program each June. It sounds simple however this promotion yields many benefits for both you and your pet.

Program Benefits:

1. Allows the opportunity for early detection and treatment of disease
2. Early detection of disease often gives us more effective and less costly treatment options
3. Opportunity to maintain health and prevent illness during your pet’s senior years
4. Helps establish normal baseline values for your pet, creating a point of comparison for the future
5. Peace of mind that you have provided the best care for the health and wellbeing of your pet in their senior years

Wellness for the older pet

Important facts about senior testing

An aging pet’s organs gradually deteriorate and may lose their ability to function properly. We use senior testing to promote early detection and treatment of disease, so we can maintain health and prevent illness during your pet’s senior years. Early detection of disease often gives us more effective and less costly treatment options. Senior testing helps establish normal baseline values for your pet, creating a point of comparison for the future.

What pets should take part in senior testing?

We recommend senior testing for all senior pets.

Is my pet a senior? (Seniors at Seven)

If your pet is 7 years old or older, we consider him or her senior. Your pet may seem healthy well into its senior years. However, many problems common to senior pets (like kidney or heart failure) may not present symptoms until your pet becomes seriously ill. A comprehensive senior care program helps your veterinarian identify problems early enough to institute preventive healthcare measures.

What is senior testing?

Your pet’s complete senior testing program includes these elements:

1. A physical exam is the most important part of the senior care program. Your veterinarian will assess all body systems to check for any abnormalities.
2. All lumps, bumps and arthritis and potential of these will be thoroughly explored to help with early detection and treatment.
3. Blood chemistry tests measure levels of various substances in the blood and diagnose diseases such as diabetes, and liver and kidney failure.
4. A complete blood count (CBC) provides a detailed look at the blood itself and helps the doctor diagnose anemia or infection.
5. A urinalysis gives information on kidney function and checks for urinary tract infections.
6. During the eye exam the veterinarian will look for evidence of cataracts, retinal bleeding, degeneration, inflammation, or detachment.
7. FeLV/FIV testing may be recommended for senior cats at an extra charge if deemed necessary. This tests for the feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses, which can suppress the cat’s immune system and lead to secondary infections, anemia, and even cancer.

I’d like my pet to participate in the Senior Care Program. What do I do?

Call us to arrange a day for your pet to receive his or her testing. Please withhold food from your pet for three hours prior to your consultation so we can get an accurate blood sample. Make water available for your pet as usual.