Topsham, ME
Senior Pet Care
As pets age, their needs change, requiring specialized care to maintain their health and quality of life. At Androscoggin Animal Hospital in Topsham, ME, we understand the unique challenges that senior pets face and are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to meet their needs.
SKILLED, COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR SENIOR PETS
Senior pets, typically considered to be around seven years of age or older, require special attention to address age-related changes and health issues. Like people, senior pets start to slow down a bit with age and can develop common age-related health problems like arthritis and impaired vision.
What to Expect in the Senior Years
Part of our senior pet care program includes monitoring the following checklist of common symptoms found in senior pets. Please review this list and be sure to mention it to our veterinarians during your pet’s checkup.
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Decreases in vision or hearing
- Lumps or growths
- Change in appetite or consumption
- Lethargy or depression (listless behavior)
- Constipation
- Change in attitude (irritability)
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Bad breath
- Stiffness, trouble jumping
- Confusion, disorientation
- Loss of house training
- Change in sleep/wake cycle
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Decreases in vision or hearing
- Change in appetite or consumption
- Lethargy or depression (listless behavior)
- Lumps or growths
- Constipation
- Change in attitude (irritability)
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Bad breath
- Stiffness, trouble jumping
- Confusion, disorientation
- Loss of house training
- Change in sleep/wake cycle
Your Pet’s Senior Wellness Examination
When your senior pet comes to Androscoggin Animal Hospital, they will receive a comprehensive physical exam, including:
- Eyes
- Ears
- Nose
- Mouth
- Skin
- Muscles & joints
- Glands
- Heart
- Lungs
- Internal organs
Diagnostic Screening Tests
- CBC—A complete blood cell count that tests for anemia, inflammation, infection, bone marrow dysfunction, and other problems.
- Chemistry Profile—A group of tests that aids in the detection of problems associated with internal organ function (liver, kidney, pancreas, intestinal tract), endocrine system (diabetes), electrolytes, muscle/bone, and so on.
- T4 (Thyroid Level)—A test used to detect thyroid disease (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism).
- Blood Pressure—Tests for hypertension, a disease that can lead to problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness.
- Radiographs and Ultrasound—Provide a clear view of many internal organs and are used to diagnose age-related concerns such as cardiac problems, abdominal growths, and tumors.
- Urinalysis—Assesses the function and health of the kidneys and urinary bladder.
- Fecal Exams for Intestinal Worms—Cats and Dogs
- Dogs—Blood testing for Heartworm Disease – screening and prevention and Tick-Borne diseases – Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma are the most common in Maine.
Compassionate Counseling and End-of-Life Care
Of course, pets don’t live forever, and we know how difficult end-of-life decisions are when you have a beloved pet. We offer thoughtful and compassionate counseling to our families of senior and terminally ill pets. Our entire staff is sensitive to these issues and will reach out to you with kindness and understanding as you tread this difficult territory at the end of your pet’s life.
REGULAR HEALTH CHECKUP SERVICES
PUPPY & KITTEN CARE
We work closely with each family to ensure a positive experience for both the new pet and the family that will take care of him or her for many long and happy years to come.
SENIOR CARE
Just like people, senior pets start to slow down a little bit with age and can develop common age-related health problems like arthritis and impaired vision.
Spay & Neuter
We understand that spaying or neutering a pet is a personal decision, and we respect your right to do as you wish. We do, however, encourage our pet owners to consider this safe procedure for their pet.
Vaccinations
Dogs and cats need vaccinations to help them stay healthy and avoid potentially life-threatening health problems. Learn more about about the common vaccinations we recommend.