A recent article in the Lexington Herald Leader about giving your pet all of his/her medications reminded us that we do not always explain things clearly to our clients.  Dr. Tracy Acosta, a veterinarian in Biloxi, Mississippi wrote the eye opening article. 

When your pet is sick and needs medication it is a stressful time.  It is hard to remember everything the veterinarian or nurse told you in the exam room.  We want to encourage our clients to ask us questions and call us if we were unclear about any part of your pet’s care.  One of the most important points to make clear is that all medication must be given, especially antibiotics, until finished.  It is easy to stop giving a pill or to forget to administer ear and eye drops when your pet seems healthy again.  However, this is how we build up resistance to medications or never fully resolve the issue in the first place.  It is also important to note that if we tell you to give a medication twice daily, it needs to be given at even intervals such as every twelve hours.  Different medications remain active in the body for different time intervals and giving them at the correct interval is key.  Some helpful tips are marking medications on your calendar or day planner and setting the alarm on you cell phone to remind you to give medications correctly.  If a medication does not seem to be working adequately, please call our office and we can discuss changing medication or altering the dose. 

It is our job to help you keep your pet healthy and happy as long as possible.  This is just one part of our job that we love and take to heart every day. 

Every month should be Senior Pet Month.  Any pet over 6 years of age is considered a senior pet, since pets age approximately 7 times faster than people.  The 6 month complete physical exam is key in detecting disease early when it is still treatable.

            Some of the most common diseases and disorders that appear with age in animals are heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, periodontal disease, Cushing’s disease, cancer, arthritis, cataracts and obesity.  Most of these diseases do not manifest clear physical symptoms until they are quite advanced.  Owners often ascribe changes in behavior to “getting old”.  Aging in itself is not a disease – the symptoms that appear with aging are due to other causes.

            Senior wellness care includes a complete physical examination, complete blood screen and urinalysis, internal parasite screen, lifestyle assessment to determine appropriate vaccines, and nutritional consultation.  The physical exam allows the doctor to assess any skeletal and soft tissue changes occurring, as well as skin condition, vision impairment, oral evaluation and dental health and overall alertness of the animal.  The blood screen allows us to detect early changes in the function of vital organs, specifically kidneys, liver, pancreas, as well as the quality of the blood, underlying systemic changes due to infection, endocrine function and immune status.  The early signs of diseases are most likely to show up in the blood screen.  Nutritional requirements also change as a pet ages.  Older pets require less calorie-dense foods, less fat, better protein availability, more fiber, more anti-oxidant rich sources, and more omega-fatty acids.

            Pets have changed from working animals to important, cherished members of our families.  They deserve to live the longest, happiest, healthiest lives we can provide.  We at the Lansdowne Veterinary Clinic & Dental Center strive to provide exceptional care for exceptional senior pets.

We at the Lansdowne Veterinary Clinic know that your pet is a member of the famly.  That is why we take seriously the responsibility of helping you care for him/her.  Join with us as we assist your pet in living a longer, healthier life.

Pets age 6-7 times faster than humans.  This means bringing your dog or cat to the veterinarian once a year is the same as seeing your own doctor once every seven years!  Most of us don't need a medical exam more than once a year, but dogs and cats are different.  TWICE A YEAR WELLNESS EXAMS add years to your pet's life and life to your pet's years.

Major health changes in pets can occur 6-7 times faster than humans because they age so rapidly.  The risk of a serious illness, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity or arthritis, increase with age.  Pets are living longer than ever; in 1960 the average life expectancy of a dog was 6 years.  Since today's pets are living longer, the chance of experiencing a serious illness in their lifetime also increases.  Early detection is key.  Twice a year wellness exams allow the veterinarian to diagnose, treat, and even prevent problems before they become serious.  It also provides the opportunity to discuss nutrition, behavior, and any other issues or concerns you have about your pet.

Animals hide disease well by natural design.  Illness indicates vulnerability and weekness.  Early disease recognition and treatment help us extend the quality of our pets' life expectancy.   TWICE A YEAR WELLNESS EXAMS can help your pet live a longer,  healthier, and happier life.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is endorsing twice a year wellness exams and we at the Lansdowne Veterinary Clinic are adopting this philosophy.  Call us today to schedule your 6 month wellness exam.  Exceptional care for exceptional pets means twice a year for life!

For any further information or questions please contact Lansdowne Veterinary Clinic at (859)266-3215 and schedule your pet for a 6 month wellness exam.