Senior Pet Health: What to look for and when it's time to bring your pet to see our veterinarian.

• Confused or disoriented demeanor
• Sudden Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Poor movement in the joints (arthritis contributing to pain)
• Blindness
• Hearing loss
• Unexplained or sudden weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in behavior
• Kidney disease
• Excessive Drinking and/or Urination
• Loss of memory and faculties (Dementia)
• Incontinence (accidental release of feces and urine inside the house)

Senior Pet Care (Geriatric Pet Care):

After the age of seven (and sooner for our larger breed dogs) our pets are beginning to enter their senior years. Some of the signs that can manifest themselves in their elder years include: slow to rise out of bed; less enthusiastic about playing , and lack of interest in toys and even food. At Parkland Veterinary Hospital, we do a complete physical examination of your elderly pet to determine any age related ailments such as joint and organ problems. Your pet is unable to communicate any pain or discomfort and so it is our job to determine their current state of health. We do a thorough examination of your pet to either find the cause of symptoms or manage existing illnesses such as:

• Arthritis
• Chronic or Acute Pain
• Cancer
• Heart Conditions
• Kidney Disease
• Liver Disease
• Orthopedics (bone and joint problems)
• And more

Make an appointment today: 954-757-1729

During your pet's medical examination, we check the condition of your pets lungs (breathing rate), blood circulation (pulse etc), lymph node size, joint mobility, and more. In addition to a thorough examination we may recommend doing lab tests to monitor the function of internal organs and systems such urinalysis, blood chemistry levels (liver and kidney enzymes, electrolytes, proteins, etc), CBC (your pet's immune response to bacterial and viral infections). We also have the capability to do EKG's (electrical activity of heart), chest X-rays, and Ultrasound if needed. We also do client education to help you understand and care for your elderly pet(s). In addition to conventional pain management or control, we offer different treatment modalities including holistic care such as Acupuncture, Chiropractic care, Stem Cell Therapy, and natural supplements. Whatever the problem, we will determine the right mode of treatment for your pet's medical condition. Our goal is to help your pet live a long, happy, and healthy life. We treat dogs, cats, rabbits, other small mammals, frogs, and reptiles.