The benefits of specialist clinics for older pets
These clinics are specifically designed to monitor our older pets on a regular basis. For maximum benefit, the tests and examinations are likely to be most useful if the animal is seen every 6-12 months so any changes can be monitored and treated if necessary. The tests, examinations and questionnaires are specifically targeting conditions that are more likely with our more senior pets. This typically means over 7 years old for dogs and over 10 years old for cats, but these age cut offs are not fixed; dogs’ age spans vary widely depending on their breed and size, with smaller breeds typically living significantly longer than giant breeds. Senior clinics are run by our veterinary nurses. If problems are identified, there will be an opportunity to seek input from a vet but this will be separate from the clinic.
Elderly cats and dogs have quite different needs
There are significant differences in the needs of senior dogs and cats. Cats commonly develop certain medical conditions as they get older and these can be picked up at an early stage with blood and urine tests and blood pressure monitoring. It is a very definite advantage to start treating these conditions sooner rather than later. We are much LESS likely to pick up disease markers on blood tests in older dogs who are not showing signs of illness. Therefore we have elected to not include routine blood tests for dogs and this does, of course, reduce the price of the senior dog clinic.
For both dogs and cats, vets and nurses can direct you to the clinic with your pet, if they think it will be beneficial. You are, of course, under no obligation to attend the clinic or keep going regularly (there is still a benefit from one-off testing). You can also book your senior pets in to the clinic without seeing a vet but this cannot be seen as a substitute for a vet consultation. If your pet has a specific new problem then a vet consultation should be sought first. Similarly, if a vet identifies a problem in a normal vet consultation, she may still direct your pet to the clinic but add in extra blood tests (with your permission, of course), if appropriate.
Cat Senior Clinic – £120
35% saving compared to normal pricing of same tests at non senior clinic times
The clinic will last approximately 45 minutes and will include:
- Full head to toe health check with a nurse
- Blood test and urine test
- Blood pressure check
- Dental health check
- Skin health and monitoring of any skin masses
- Osteoarthritis awareness questionnaire
Dog Senior Clinic – £60
40% saving compared to normal pricing of same tests at non senior clinic times
The clinic will last approximately 30 minutes and will include:
- Full head to toe health check with a nurse
- Urine test
- Dry eye test
- Blood pressure check
- Dental health check
- Skin health and monitoring of any skin masses
- Osteoarthritis awareness questionnaire