What to Expect at Your Senior Pet’s Wellness Exam

Just like humans, our animals need to have regular check-ups with a veterinarian to assess their health and wellbeing and ensure the early detection of disease. This is particularly important as our pets get older. This is because animals are more prone to developing health problems as they get older; and their body and bodily systems no longer function quite as well as they once did. In fact, age-related changes happen much more quickly in animals than we might expect – some animals are considered a ‘senior’ at around 6 or 7 years old.

Early detection of disease enables prompt treatment, which is something that can improve their chance of recovery and help them to enjoy better quality of life in their senior years. As a responsible and compassionate owner, there’s no doubt that you want to do everything in your power to keep your pet happy and healthy for as long as possible. Nevertheless, many owners don’t realize quite how important their senior pet’s wellness exams really are or what to expect from the appointment. Here’s what you need to know about what is likely to happen when you take your older pet for their wellness check-up.

Consultation with your vet

Possibly before your vet even gets started with a physical assessment of your pet, they may wish to have a chat with you to find out more about them and their lifestyle. This could include asking you questions about what they eat, how often they exercise and what their behavior is like. Your vet may offer you advice if they feel that there are changes that could be made that would benefit your pet’s overall health. For example, many older pets are recommended to change their diet to reflect their age and subsequent nutritional requirements. Their new foods may be easier to eat or digest, contain fewer calories or supplements to boost their health.

Basic observations

Basic observations provide a great general snapshot of your pet’s health and wellbeing. Some of those which may be taken could include your pet’s weight, breathing rate, heart rate, temperature and assessing their general alertness.

Physical examination

A physical examination is a standard part of any wellness check and is a top to tail assessment of the way that your pet’s body looks and feels. Your vet will at every aspect of their physical being, including their eyes, ears, nose, mouth, limbs, paws, paw pads, skin, coat and joints. They will examine their lymph nodes, which are found in the head, neck and hind legs to ensure that they aren’t enlarged. They will also palpate your pet’s abdomen to check the shape, size and position of the internal organs. Your vet may ask you to get your pet to sit, stand, lie down and walk around so that they can check how they move too. Physical exams can flag up potential abnormalities requiring more vigorous investigation

Diagnostic screening

Diagnostic screening tests are a routine part of your senior pet’s health screening. Some of the tests that may potentially be informed, including:

Blood test (complete blood count and blood chemistry profile)

•  X-rays

• CT or MRI scanning

• Heartworm testing

• Urinalysis

• Fecal testing

• Thyroid testing

• Heartworm testing

These tests will tell your veterinarian what is happening inside your pet’s body, beneath the surface. This will help them to detect any diseases and recommend the right treatment early on, improving the outcome and helping your pet to live a full, active and healthy lifestyle in their senior years.

For more information about what to expect at your senior pet’s wellness exam, please call Brekke Veterinary Clinic at  (303) 474-4260 to speak to our experienced veterinary team in Castle Rock, CO.