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Your Pet's Golden YearsOur pets are living longer now because of better care and nutrition. As our pets age, they become more at risk for a number of diseases, including arthritis, periodontal disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, epilepsy, heart failure, liver or kidney disorders, and adrenal gland disorders.The number one goal of senior wellness care is to prolong a quality life for our pets. The best way to reach this goal is to be able to identify internal disorders before external signs become apparent. Ask your veterinarian to perform a thorough senior wellness evaluation. It should begin with a detailed history to document your pet's complete medical, surgical, preventive care and dietary history. This should be followed by a complete physical examination. Repeat the evaluations annually. Depending on the findings, your veterinarian may recommend tests and/or lab work including a complete blood count, chemistry profile, urine analysis, intestinal parasite exam, an EKG, ultra-sound, and/or x-rays. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, an appropriate treatment plan can be decided upon by you and your veterinarian. This treatment plan may include a change of diet, special medications, or even surgery. Being pro-active will allow your senior pet to live a longer, more quality filled life. Back to the Dachshund Resource Library |