Like us, the health of our pets changes with age., and each stage involves its own risks.
Only your veterinarian can explain to you the risks your animal is facing when he has started to age, and will advise you during regular visits that certain health problems must be carefully controlled. These stand out among them:
- Different types of organ disease including inflammation, cancer and degenerative diseases
- Kidney diseases and urinary tract infection
- Hearts and respiratory system problems
- Joint disorders, such as osteoarthritis, dysplasia and spinal problems
- Hormonal diseases such as diabetes, thyroid or adrenal disease
- Problems with skin, ears, nails and pads
- Ocular disorders, such as cataracts, lack of tear production and glaucoma
- Diseases of the digestive system (Stomach, intestine, pancreas and colon)
- Tooth and gum disease
The best way to protect your pet is to visit your veterinarian every 6-12 months for a thorough review. Remember that one year of “ours” equals several years for your pets.
Periodic reviews can help your veterinarian detect problems early, even before your dog or cat shows symptoms. Consider that many diseases show few or no symptoms in their early stages. As the disease progresses and sign becomes more visible, the healthy recovery of your pet could be more difficult and costly.
At home, pay close attention to any changes your pet may make in regards to health or behavior. If you note any differences in behavior, diet, exercise, weight, activity levels or mobility, let your veterinarian know, because any of these changes may indicate a change in the health of your dog or cat .
Make sure your animal maintains a healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition and an adequate level of exercise will allow your pet have a longer, healthier and happier life.
At Clínica Veterinaria Tamara we have developed a Geriatric Plan that is tailored to the needs of your pets. This Plan will consist of:
- A full examination by one of our veterinarians, paying special attention to any health problems that your pet may present so we can detect it early.
- There will also be an ophthalmological examination by our specialist, Dr. David Valverde.
- A specific blood analysis of Geriatric Profile performed in one of the most prestigious veterinary laboratories in Spain. Although in Clínica Veterinaria Tamara we have our own laboratory, some of the specific parameters of the Geriatric Profile can not be determined by us, so we will send your pets blood samples, in 24-48 hours, we will have the results. The following drop-down menu details the main biological parameters under study.
It allows us to know the functional study of the metabolism and the hormonal system
- BUN/Urea: Urea is produced in the liver and eliminated trough the kidneys. An abnormal concentration may indicate damage to these organs.
- Creatinine: Creatinine is eliminated through the kidneys. A high concentration may indicate kidney damage or urinary tract obstruction.
- SDMA: The SDMA test makes it possible to measure simmetrical dimethylarginine, a special kidney biomarker that enables very early detection of kidney disease and the application of an early treatment protocol to preserve renal function to the greatest extent possible.
- Total proteins: A high concentration may indicate dehydration. This parameter provides additional information about the liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal diseases.
- Albumin: A protein produced by the liver. Low values may indicate kidney, liver or intestinal diseases.
- Cholesterol: One of the main components of hormones. Abnormal values may suggest hormonal diseases (thyroid), liver or kidney problems, or lipid metabolism disorders.
- Glucose: A high concentration in cats may indicate diabetes or significant stress. A low concentration may indicate liver disease, an infection, a dietary problem or certain tumors.
- Fructosamine: Its measurements enables detection and treatment of diabetes.
- Bilirubin: A product excreted by the liver which is responsible for jaundice. An increase may be due to anemia or liver disease.
- Alkaline phosphatase (AP): An enzyme present in the bile ducts. An increase may indicate liver problems, impaired bile evacuation, hormonal problems (Cushing's syndrome or hyperthyroidism), or active bone growth in young animals.
- ALAT (Alanine aminotransferase): An enzyme present in the liver. High values indicate damage to liver cells.
- GGT (Gamma-glutamyltransferase): An increase of this enzyme indicates liver disease, specifically of the gallbladder (bile evacuation problem).
- T4 (Thyroxin): A hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. Increases or decreases cause thyroid dysfunction, which affects the animal's overall health.
- Phosphorus: An increase indicates renal failure. It can be used to monitor the efficacy of a special diet.
- Calcium: An increase can be accompanied by a disease of the kidneys or parathyroid gland and certain types of cancer.
Study of different blood cells
- Red cell count/Hematocrit/Hemoglobin/MCHC/MCH: These red blood cell parameters indicate the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
- MCV/Reticulocytes: These parameters make it possible to determine whether the bone marrow is producing red cells (important in the case of anemia).
- Leukocytes/Limphocytes/Monocytes/Neutrophils/Eosinophils/Basophils: These different types of white blood cells make it possible to assess the body's capacity for fighting off infections and to detect a possible infection or inflammation.
- Platelets: Platelets enable assessment of the capacity of the blood to clot and repair damaged blood vessels.
And to provide our customers with the necessary care and control when it comes to the health of our elderly animals, we have set a unique price for the full examinations and tests of € 95.
If you want more information about our Geriatric Plan, or want to request an appointment to bring your pet, please call Clínica Veterinaria Tamara, Tel: 952 79 50 49.