Today, people live longer, healthier lives than they typically did years ago. In large part that's due to a better understanding of the importance of factors that can influence aging, such as preventive health care and nutrition. Similarly, the dogs and cats that make up such an important part of our lives are also living longer, healthier, and happier lives. We are observing that a growing number of our patients are canine and feline "senior citizens". Part of the reason that pets are able to live longer now than a few years ago is the tremendous advances that have occurred in veterinary medicine. A greater knowledge of diseases, diagnostic procedures, and treatments is available to us today. But perhaps the greatest reason for why animals live longer, better lives is the increased knowledge that pet owners have about the importance of preventive health care measures; immunization, parasite control, spaying and neutering, and early disease detection, to name a few.

As dogs and cats age, they, like people, have a greater risk for developing certain diseases and conditions. For example, we know the incidences of problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, malignant and benign tumors, arthritis, loss of hearing, loss of vision, and oral/dental disease increases with advancing age. However, when such conditions are diagnosed in their early stages, treatment to cure such disorders or delay their progress can be given in most cases. For that reason, we recommend that all of our dog and cat patients that are 7 years of age or older have an annual geriatric evaluation. The evaluation includes a thorough and complete physical examination, a complete blood count, blood chemistry profile, urinalysis, and radiography. When the evaluation is complete and all test results have been received, we will discuss the findings with you, and advise you of any needed treatment or change in diet. Just as when people have an annual physical, in most cases the results are normal. Even then, it's good to know that everything is "all right" and the evaluation provides valuable "baseline data" on which to compare future results. If a condition is revealed, you know it has been discovered as early as possible and treatment can be started. Importantly, we can work with you to ensure that your pet lives as long, healthy, and happy a life as possible. It's the least we can do in return for all the love that our pets give us.

Presented compliments of Charlotte Animal Clinic, 1825 Tamiami Tr., Port Charlotte, 941-624-4004.