Senior Pet Health Care at Crystal Lake Veterinary Hospital

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We want your aging pet’s senior years to be as healthy and happy as possible.

Due to the advancements in veterinary medical care, dogs and cats are living longer than they ever have before. The size and breed of your dog or breed of your cat will have a lot to do with his/her genetic life expectancy. However, in general, dogs are considered a senior at age seven or eight and cats are considered senior at age nine or ten.

Just as the health care needs of humans change as we age, the same applies to dogs and cats. Our doctors will help to devise an individualized treatment plan for your senior pet, to ensure that we are doing our best to alleviate any pain and suffering.

As your pet reaches their “golden” years, there are a variety of conditions and diseases that they can face, including:

• weight changes
• vision changes
• osteoarthritis and mobility problems
• kidney, heart, and liver organ malfunctions
• tumors and cancers
• incontinence
• hormone disorders such as Diabetes and Thyroid imbalance

Our senior care programs include a comprehensive exam and blood work to evaluate organ function, thyroid output and the health of the white and red blood cells, as well as a complete urinalysis. Additional tests such as chest x-rays, abdominal ultrasound, blood pressure monitoring and eye pressure checks may also be indicated. Our goal is to keep your senior pet at his or her healthy best.