Pets age much faster than people and can exhibit a wide range of clinical signs Below are just a few of the possible clinical signs you may be seeing with your aging or geriatric pet.
Is your pet slowing down or having difficulty negotiating stairs? If your pet is getting older and not moving as well, he/she may need help. Degenerative joint disease or arthritis is a common condition in many animals. Degenerative joint disease occurs when your pet has pain and inflammation in his/her joints. This pain and inflammation can limit your pet’s activity, mobility and alter your pet’s appetite and quality of life. Pain and inflammation can also result in muscle atrophy and a change in how your pet looks and feels to the touch. Sometimes pain medication can extend a pet’s life and keep them very comfortable for many years. If you are seeing these signs, please contact one of our knowledgeable and friendly staff members for assistance.
Is your pet drinking or urinating more? Drinking and/or urinating more often can be a sign of numerous conditions such as (but not limited to): diabetes, kidney or bladder infection or stones, kidney compromise or failure, liver disease, a thyroid condition, other endocrinology problems, certain kinds of cancers. A simple urinalysis and routine bloodwork can identify where your pet’s problem is.
A change in appetite may be a sign of age, illness, pain and/or inflammation. Simple problems such as a tooth ache, problems prehending or grabbing food or swallowing can also alter a pet’s ability or willingness to eat. If you are seeing these clinical signs, please contact one of our knowledgeable and friendly staff members for assistance.
