Senior Health Checks
at Small Friends Veterinary Hospital
Just like us, as our small friends age, their bodies begin to show signs of wear and tear that may have gone unnoticed earlier in life. While we cannot stop the ageing process, with the help of Small Friends Veterinary Hospital, you can ensure your senior small friend remains happy, comfortable, and with you for as long as possible.
By performing a Senior Health Check, we can assess your small friend’s overall health and create a treatment plan if required.
- What Kind of Problems Can My Senior Small Friend Develop?
One of the most common changes owners notice is a decrease in their small friend’s ability to move as freely as before. This may be due to arthritis or other joint problems, or the onset of heart or respiratory disease.
As your small friend ages, different organ systems can also begin to deteriorate and not function as well as they once did. This can include:
- Incontinence
- Kidney (renal) disease
- Sensory deterioration such as blindness or deafness
- Cognitive decline or dementia
- If My Senior Small Friend Does Have a Problem, What Can Be Done?
This depends on the specific nature of your small friend’s condition. In most age-related health problems, we can make a significant improvement to your small friend’s health and wellbeing if we detect and treat the issue early.
- How Does A Senior Health Check Differ From A Regular Annual Health Check?
A Senior Health Check includes everything in a standard annual health check, with additional testing designed specifically for senior small friends. These extras may include:
Urine Examination
A urine sample can provide valuable information about your small friend’s health. It helps identify conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney or bladder stones
- Poorly functioning kidneys
You may be asked to collect a urine sample from your small friend before their appointment.
Blood Tests
Using our in-house laboratory, we can perform a full blood count, including:
- Haematology
- Biochemistry
- Electrolyte testing
Results are available on the spot. These tests assess organs and body functions such as the kidneys, liver, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Haematology checks for abnormalities including anaemia, infection, and blood disorders.
Cardiac Check-Up
Many older pets have undetected heart disease, which can lead to:
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Coughing
- Liver enlargement
If a problem is detected during examination, further investigations may be recommended, such as thoracic radiography or echocardiography. Most cardiac conditions respond very well to modern medications when diagnosed and treated correctly.
- How Much Will My Small Friend’s Senior Health Check Cost?
The cost of a Senior Health Check depends on whether additional testing is required.
Without extra testing, the Senior Health Check is the same price as a regular consultation. If further tests are recommended, the cost of each procedure will be discussed with Dr Matt before proceeding.
Ready To Support Your Senior Small Friend?
Get in touch with our team to book a Senior Health Check and discuss the best care plan for your pet.