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RESOURCES
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VETERINARY CLINIC
GOLDEN YEARS
The care of older pets is directed at preventing premature aging, minimizing physical and emotional stresses, managing chronic medical conditions and meeting the special needs of the seniors [2,4,6].
Ensuring that the process of aging will not reduce the quality of life for them and they remain carefree and happy [1,2].
The art of caring and managing Senior Health should be carefully crafted and best achieved by working closely with a experienced medical team like us.
Above: Age chart to help owners appreciate the life stages their pet is in, understand the physiological age and how to provide the needed care [3]. Table adapted from Treatment and Care of the Geriatric Veterinary Patient. (10lb = 4.54kg)
19 YEAR OLD
SUPER SENIOR
18 YEAR OLD
SUPER SENIOR
15 YEAR OLD
SUPER SENIOR
16 YEAR OLD
SUPER SENIOR
20 YEAR OLD
SUPER SENIOR
19 YEAR OLD
SUPER SENIOR
For further discussion about pet care for different species and life stages, please click below:
YOU DON'T
STOP HAVING FUN
WHEN YOU GET OLD.
YOU GET OLD
WHEN YOU
STOP HAVING FUN.
BESPOKE
Senior dog with arthritis hospitalized because of an open pressure sore, still enjoying a bit of a walk (bottom) and a good laugh (left) with assistance from the helium balloons.
Senior dog under the watchful eye of the vet (ICU) after surgery.
Senior dog hospitalized for observation, throwing a tantrum because she was bored and not impressed by the staff.
Senior guide dog admitted for observation.
Senior dog that only allows one specific person in the clinic to trim his nails and clean his ears.
Senior Chinchilla admitted for fur trimming.
Senior dog taking an afternoon nap at the reception lobby while being hospitalized.
RECOMMENDATIONS
While every pet should have an annual physical examination, a pet older than 7 years who is in relatively good health should have a complete veterinary examination at least once a year, preferably twice a year [2].
THE BODY SYSTEMS TO MONITOR FOR GERIATRICS [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]:
-
Is your pet terminally ill?Ask your attending vet for a frank prognosis. If yes, fast track to 5. If no, continue to 2.
-
Are you able to afford and manage the next phase of medical treatment and care?We definitely cannot put a price on love, but medical management is expensive and real. If yes, fast track to 6A. If no, fast track to 6B.
-
Is your pet still eating and drinking normally?A sharp decline in appetite can indicate the need for medical procedure, e.g. to insert a feeding tube for easier management. If yes, continue to 4. If no, back track to 2.
-
Does your pet have other persisting/chronic issues?For example: Chronic pain, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Dehydration, Weight loss, Incontinence, Unable to stand, Unable to walk, Labored breathing, Coughing, etc. If yes, back track to 2. If no, continue to 5.
-
Are the medical options to improve the condition or only to maintain his/her current condition?To improve - Back track to 2. To maintain only - Continue to 6. Artificially prolonging a non viable life may not be the best option.
-
What is the best option for your pet?A. Seek medical treatment and management. B. Choose euthanasia. It is vital to remember what your beloved pet has to undergo at this point of time, with or without the medical support.
Table adapted from Treatment and Care of the Geriatric Veterinary Patient.
The DISHA guideline for the clients to determine if cognitive dysfunction is present. DISHA stands for disorientation, interactions, sleep‐wake cycle disturbances, house‐soiling, and activity level alterations [3].
ANNUAL GERIATRIC MEDICAL PROTOCOL [2]
This should include:
-
Complete blood count
-
Blood chemistries
-
Blood pressure reading
-
Tear production measurement
-
Corneal surface assessment
-
Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement
-
Retina scan
-
Ear drum scope
-
Oral cavity examination
-
Mobility and weight bearing analysis
-
Skin and fur coat examination
-
Parasite examination
-
Urinalysis
-
Chest x-ray and electrocardiogram as needed
-
Routine dental care and maintenance
Attribution:
1. Coffey, L.T. (2015). My Old Dog. Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts. California: New World Library
2. Davies, M. (1996). Canine and Feline Geriatrics. UK: Wiley-Blackwell
3. Gardner, M., McVety, D. (2017). Treatment and Care of the Geriatric Veterinary Patient. UK: Wiley-Blackwell
4. Gram, W.D.; Milner, R.J.; Lobetti, R. (2018). Chronic Disease Management for Small Animal. USA: Wiley-Blackwell
5. Landsberg, G.; Madari, A.; Zilka, N. (2017). Canine and Feline Dementia. Molecular Basis, Diagnostics and Therapy. Switzerland: Springer
6. Shanan, A.; Pierce, J.; Shearer, T. (2017). Hospice and Palliative Care for Companion Animals. Principles and Practice. UK: Wiley-Blackwell
7. Shojai, A.D. (2010). Complete Care for Your Aging Cat, 2nd Ed. US: Wiley
LOCATION
Blk 703 Bedok Reservoir Road
#01-3508 Singapore 470703
CONTACT
Tel: 6243 3282
(By Appointment Only)
Email: lightoflifevet@live.com.sg
OPERATING HOURS
MON & WED & SUN
5 pm to 10 pm
THURS TO SAT
2 pm to 4 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm
CLOSED TUES
& ALL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS