We all want our pets to be healthy and happy as long as possible.

Just like people, as pets age they become more likely to develop diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid problems.

For this reason, we have developed a Senior Pet Health Plan that uses many different diagnostic tools to help us find any underlying health issues affecting your pet.

Cats are classified as seniors once they are 10 years or older. Small breed dogs are classified as seniors once they are 8 years or older, and large breed dogs are considered seniors once they are 6 years or older.

The Senior Pet Health Plan includes all of the following :

Complete Physical Exam

  • Evaluates general health of your pet, including teeth for dental disease, joints for arthritis and skin/haircoat health
  • Identifies heart and lung disease
  • Identifies lumps and tumors
  • Includes a rectal exam in male dogs to check for prostate problems

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  • Analyzes the white blood cells for signs of infection, stress, or leukemia (bone marrow cancer)
  • Analyzes the red blood cells for signs of anemia

Blood Chemistry Panel with Electrolytes

  • Evaluates kidney function
  • Evaluates liver and gallbladder function
  • Evaluates gastrointestinal function
  • Identifies pancreatic disorders, such as diabetes
  • Indicates endocrine disorders such as Hyperadrenocorticism or Hypoadrenocorticism
  • Indicates possible heart disease and potential cancers

Blood Thyroid Levels (T4)

  • Identifies hypothyroidism, a common disease of dogs that causes weight gain
  • Identifies hyperthyroidism, a common disease of older cats that causes weight loss

Urinalysis with Microscopic Sediment Exam

  • Evaluates kidney function
  • Identifies bladder and kidney infections
  • Identifies other organ disorders, such as diabetes (glucose in the urine)
  • Detects crystals and potential stones in the urine

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

  • Evaluates cardiac conduction to identify life-threatening arrhythmias
  • Indicates heart disease such as heart enlargement

Blood Pressure Evaluation

  • Identifies high blood pressure

Eye Evaluation (with Tonopen to check intraocular pressure)

  • Identifies cataracts, a common cause of poor vision
  • Identifies glaucoma, a painful eye condition

Chest X-ray

  • Evaluates heart size and function, identifying valve disease and congestive heart failure
  • Evaluates lung function; identifies lung tumors
  • Identifies masses or tumors in the chest cavity

Abdominal X-ray

  • Evaluates the size and shape of all of the abdominal organs (kidneys, liver, stomach, spleen, intestines, and bladder) to help identify possible tumors or cancer.
  • Identifies bladder and kidney stones
  • Identifies intervertebral disc disease
  • Evaluates hips to identify hip dysplasia or arthritis

Diet Plan

To promote the health of your pet, an appropriate diet will be recommended after the results from the testing are analyzed. Supplements such as vitamins, joint supplements, or omega-3 fatty acids will be recommended if needed.

Behavioral Consultation

Many older pets suffer from anxiety, memory loss or decreased cognitive function. Some foods, supplements and medications can help lessen the severity of these problems. We will discuss your pet’s individual needs during your appointment.

Summary

The total cost for the Senior Pet Health Plan , which includes all of the following:

  • Complete Physical Exam
  • Complete Blood Count
  • Blood Chemistry Panel with Electrolytes
  • Blood Thyroid Levels
  • Urinalysis with Microscopic Sediment Exam
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Blood Pressure Evaluation
  • Eye Evaluation
  • Chest X-rays
  • Abdominal X-rays
  • Diet Plan
  • Behavioral Consultation

is only $375.

This represents over a 30% savings as compared to having all of the above tests done individually, which would cost $549.

Recommendations such as dental work or further diagnostics will be offered at a 10% savings if performed within 30 days of the recommendation.

Senior Pet Health Plans will be scheduled on a drop-off basis so that we can take the necessary time to carefully evaluate your pet. An appointment will be made with the doctor in the afternoon to discuss the results of the tests and any needed treatment. Lab work will take 24-48 hours to return from the lab. A doctor or technician will call you with the results of the lab work once we receive them.