The staff here at Williamstown Vet Hospital understand the important and strong bond between our clients and their elderly pets.
Like humans, pets are living longer and have special needs in their “twilight” years.

Some animals, depending on their breed, are now living to late teens or early twenties. With this increase in life expectancy they become more prone to “old age” diseases.

Some of these diseases include arthritis, kidney and liver disease, cancers, diabetes, hyperthyroidism (cats), high blood pressure, dental disease and senility.

We recommend regular check-ups for your older pet, at least every six months, or even more frequently if your pet has a medical condition requiring monitoring.

In addition to a full physical examination, we offer a blood screen and urine test to assess your pets internal organ function and help us identify any underlying conditions that can not be detected by physical examination. Blood pressure assessment and monitoring along with x-ray and ultrasound facilities here at the hospital allow us to further assess your elderly pet.

With early detection some diseases can be managed and treated to allow your pet to live a happy and long life!

Our main objective is to improve the quality of life for your elderly pet, and we can help you to make the correct decisions to ensure that your pet will live a long and happy life. Each pet is an individual and treatment is tailored to suit your pet and personal circumstances.
If your pet shows any of the following signs it would be advisable to have he or she examined by one of our vets-

• reduced appetite or excessive hunger
• drinking more or less than usual
• severe weight loss or gain
• vomiting or diarrhoea which does not subside in 24 hrs
• lameness or signs of arthritis
• incontinence
• any abnormal skin lumps
• halitosis(bad breathe) or difficulty eating
• any coughing or sneezing
• any behavioural changes

Even if your pet doesn’t exhibit any of these signs and you would like to discuss ways to help your elderly pet then please make on appointment with one of our vets. We look forward to seeing you.