Did you know that your pet is considered a senior from the age of around 7-10 years? Sometimes the ageing process can happen so subtly, you may not notice when your pet’s joints are getting a bit stiffer, or painful, or they are just taking that little bit longer to get up off their bed. They may gradually be losing a little bit of weight. All these things can happen as your pet enters its senior stages. The good news? There are lots of great things you can do to ensure your pet is supported in their golden years.rnrnOnce your pet reaches 7-10 years of age, the best way to stay on top of their health is by increasing your pets checkups with the vet.rnrnIt is generally recommended that Seniors get health checks every 6 months. This gives your vet the chance to really get to know your pet’s health. They may keep a closer eye on your pets joints, heart, blood pressure and kidney function.rnrnHow will my vet do this? Blood and urine tests are a great way to keep a watchful eye on your pets’ internal organs such as kidneys, liver and thyroid hormone. A senior wellness screen helps gather a great baseline so we can monitor on how pet is travelling over the years. We can also pick up and intervene on chronic health issues in the early phases of disease. At a senior health check we will do a full health exam including checking you pet’s heart for murmurs, which can be common in some breeds as they age. We will also assess your pet for arthritis, any lumps or bumps and address any other concerns you may have for your senior companion. The more your vet examines your pet, the better the chance of early disease detection and support for you and your pet.
What treatments are available for osteoarthritis?
The answer – Lots!rnrnJoint diets and supplements are a great starting point for mild arthritis. The Brunswick Central Vet Clinic we have great range of over-the-counter supplements to aid and support your pets joints. Common products include Glyde or Antinol plus. It is important that pets with osteoarthritis maintain a normal body weight and keep active through regular gentle exercise. We can help advise on how to achieve this including through dietary support, physio or supplements. For pets with varied degrees of osteoarthritis there are a range of prescription medications including oral medication or injections to assist in supporting your pets joint health. Your vet can offer advice on whether your pet would benefit from a regular injectable medication to support the lubrication of their joints and slow the progression of cartilage deterioration.rnrnAnother type of monthly injection are Solensia and Beransa. This works by assisting in blocking the pain messages to your pets brain. Your vet also may recommend alternative prescription medication should your pet require daily pain relief, or x-rays to investigate the cause of the pain and/or confirm osteoarthritis diagnosis.rnrnThe great news is that a lot of these great options work hand in hand with each other, and we can tailor a protocol to your pets needs as the condition progresses.
