When a health problem is detected early, one can act more quickly and improve the chances of success of the treatment. This way, we can prolong a pleasant life for our four legged companions. The annual exam (biannual for some animals) is vital to assess your animal's health and to collect data for a follow-up. In addition, there are various diagnostic tests (blood tests, urine analysis, blood pressure, X-rays, etc.) that help establish a bill of health.
At the Centre Vétérinaire Laval, the veterinary and technical staff, in cooperation with the reception staff, has decided to develop a health program for its senior/geriatric patients. When your pet reaches the age of 7 years, during the annual check-up, we will hand out a questionnaire to you; this will allow us to better answer your pet's needs. Please take the time to fill it out before seeing your veterinarian.
Then, during the meeting with your veterinarian, you will discuss your pet's needs and have the opportunity to talk about any questions and concerns you might have. A short-term hospitalization (usually one day) will allow us to carefully assess your pet's health and do the necessary diagnostic tests. Afterward, the veterinarian will inform you of the results and give his recommendations.
Benefits of The Senior Health Program:
- Early detection of health problems permitting a rapid intervention and a better treatment plan.
- Annual blood analysis to improve security during anesthesia (drug choice, monitoring, etc.)
- Increased safety during administration of drugs, and detection of concomitant diseases
- Appropriate senior diet recommendations based on the health check-up.
- Allowing for the best medical follow-up possible.
Senior Patient Questionnaire
To help you know your senior pet better, here are a few questions that you should ask yourself.
During the last year:
| Questions |
YES |
NO
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I think that my animal has lost weight
I think that my animal has gained weight
My pet's energy level/its liveliness has diminished
My pet coughs, or has difficulty breathing
I have noticed lumps on my pet
My pet's stools are harder
My pet has diarrhea
My pet seems to drink more than usual
My pet seems to urinate in larger quantities
My pet seems to have more difficulty seeing
or hearing.
My pet has bad breath The appearance of my pet's coat has changed
I have noticed that my pet has difficulty walking
My pet has had convulsions
My pet shows signs of change in behaviour
My pet seems to be incontinent
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Total
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If you answered yes to one or many of these questions, you should consider the possibility of having your pet participate in te senior health program.
Most Common Health Problems of Senior/Geriatric Patients:
They are often the same for human geriatric patients.
fOR CATS:
- Obesity
- Dental problems
- Hyperthyroidism
- Chronic renal insufficiency
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Anemia
- Liver disease
A senior health program (exam and diagnostic tests) is very important to detect these diseases early, and successfully develop suitable treatment and follow-up plans.
Senior Cat Health Program:
Basic
- Yearly exam (weight follow-up, dental evaluation, ophtalmoscopy, otoscopy, cardiopulmonary auscultation, abdominal palpation, dermatological evaluation, detection of lumps, rectal examination, myoarthroskeletal and neurological evaluation if necessary)
- Hematology / Biochemistry / Electrolytes / T4 (thyroids)
- Urology
- Blood pressure
Depending on the case : thorax/abdomen X-rays, ECG (electrocardiogram) cardiac/abdominal ultrasonography.
In order to evaluate carefully your pet's health, a short-term hospitalization (one day usually) will allow us to do the necessary diagnostic tests.
Basic cost: Yearly exam, hematology, biochemistry, electrolytes, T4, urology, blood pressure, short-term hospitalization
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Info cat 
