SENIOR CARE WELLNESS PLAN

Like people, pets are living longer!! This is wonderful news but is accompanied by an increased prevalence of age related issues which affect health and quality of life.

The aging process varies between species and specific breeds as well as individuals. For example, giant breed dogs reach "old age" at 8 or 9 years, whereas cats may comfortably live into their late teens! As an arbitrary guide, owners should start to consider age-related issues at 6-8 years in dogs, and 10 years in cats.

New developments in veterinary medicine include geriatric diets, chemotherapy, and drugs for the treatment of senile behavior, arthritis, and cardiac disease. These advancements, along with nutritional and multivitamin supplements, have enabled us to offer concrete solutions for many of these problems.

We no longer have to accept declining quality of life for our older pets as being beyond our control.

MVH now offers a Senior Health Package, which defines many of the problems that occur in geriatric pets. This is an extension of a constant focus of our practice - preventing disease, pain and suffering as much as possible.

As aging occurs, a number of degenerative changes take place in almost all body systems. These can cause changes in appetite, water consumption, physical appearance, and behavioral traits.

A thorough history is important. You are asked to complete a Senior Care Wellness Plan questionnaire prior to your pet spending one full day with us for a variety of tests. The results of these tests help us design a customized program for your pet. We include a package of services at a substantial discount to enable the most complete evaluation. (Occasionally additional tests may be needed.)

The Senior Care Wellness Plan consists of:

• Complete Physical Exam
• Dietary Counseling
• Superchemistry Blood Panel
• Thyroid Screen
• Complete Blood Count
• Dental Evaluation
• Chest X-Rays
• Urine Sampling & Urinalysis
• Blood Pressure Measurement
• ECG

Due to increased incidence, arthritis, cancer, hyperthyroidism in cats and cognitive dysfunction in dogs -- "doggy Alzheimer's" are particularly important. This last condition can now be successfully improved by feeding Hill's b/d™ diet or by administration of Anipryl® medication. There are many other ailments, e.g. kidney, bowel and cardiac diseases, which can now be influenced by dietary change or medication before they become more serious.

The goal of Senior Care is simple. We want to help you provide the highest quality of life for your aging pet. With your help, we can help enhance the bond we all share.

Please download, print and fill out the Senior Questionnaire