Senior Cat Health Care
Senior Cat Wellness
Old age itself is not a disease, but the aging process can lead to chronic and progressive health problems in your cat. While some cats begin to show clinically significant changes between 7 and 10 years of age, most cats do so by 12. Common geriatric conditions are dental disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, diabetes, liver disease, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer. Signs of these diseases may include weight loss, increased or decreased appetite, increased drinking and urine volume, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, lethargy, clumped, greasy or dry haircoat, and unusual behavior.
Early stages of geriatric conditions can have subtle effects on your cat. Further, cats adapt to illness and can hide signs of problems. Consequently, illnesses affecting senior cats may not be detectable by physical examination alone. Additional tests are often required for early diagnosis. Once detected, these conditions can be managed and sometimes cured, improving the quality, comfort, and longevity of your cat’s life.
Annual Testing and Bi-Annual Physical Exams are Strongly Recommended.
Our Senior Testing Program is based on guidelines created by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) which stresses the importance of early detection of disease in senior cats. We recommend that annual testing begin at eight years of age and that cats ten years and older have physical exams every six months.
Senior Wellness Testing
Annual and Six Month Senior Examinations $90.00
The first step toward early detection of senior cat health problems.
Geriatric Blood Panel $250.00
- Complete Blood Count screens for anemia, infections & platelet problems
- Chemistry Profile includes Creatinine & BUN (kidney function), Proteins, Glucose (blood sugar), ALP, ALT, AST, & bilirubin (liver tests), Calcium & Phosphorous (abnormal in metabolic and cancer conditions)
- Electrolytes including Sodium, Potassium & Chloride (essential electrolytes of life)
- Total Thyroid (T-4) Level detects hyperthyroidism
Urinalysis & preliminary bacteria culture $75.00
- Urine concentration, chemistries, sediment & in-house bacteria culture set-up (assesses kidney function, detects urinary infections & conditions such as diabetes & liver disease. )
Doppler Blood Pressure $30.00
- Detects high blood pressure.
Optional Testing for Seniors
Annual FeLV and FIV Test $75.00
Recommended for cats at greater risk of leukemia and immunodeficiency virus infections (e.g., cats going outdoors or cats with a history of fighting other cats). When performed at the same time as the Geriatric Blood Panel, we’re offering it at a reduced price.