2619 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604
Due to improved veterinary care and dietary habits, pets are living longer now than they ever have before. One consequence of this is that pets, along with their owners and veterinarians, are faced with a whole new set of age-related conditions. In recent years there has been extensive research on the problems facing older pets and how their owners and veterinarians can best handle their special needs.
Increased veterinary care: Geriatric pets should have semi-annual veterinary visits instead of annual visits so signs of illness or other problems can be detected early and treated. Senior pet exams are similar to those for younger pets, but are more in-depth, and may include dental care, possible bloodwork, and specific checks for physical signs of diseases that are more likely in older pets.
Diet and nutrition: Geriatric pets often need foods that are more readily digested, and have different calorie levels and ingredients, and anti-aging nutrients
Weight control: Weight gain in geriatric dogs increases the risk of health problems, whereas weight loss is a bigger concern for geriatric cats.
Parasite control: Older pets' immune systems are not as healthy as those of younger animals; as a result, they can't fight off diseases or heal as fast as younger pets
Maintaining mobility: As with older people, keeping older pets mobile through appropriate exercise helps keep them healthier and more mobile.
Vaccination: Your pet's vaccination needs may change with age. Talk to your veterinarian about a vaccination program for your geriatric pet.
Mental health: Pets can show signs of senility. Stimulating them through interactions can help keep them mentally active. If any changes in your pet's behavior are noticed, please consult your veterinarian.
Environmental considerations: Older pets may need changes in their lifestyle, such as sleeping areas to avoid stairs, more time indoors, etc. Disabled pets have special needs which can be discussed with your veterinarian
Reproductive diseases: Non-neutered/non-spayed geriatric pets are at higher risk of mammary, testicular, and prostate cancers.
Routine wellness and preventative care are provided on an annual basis for all patients of University Veterinary Care Center to maintain the patient's health as a whole. This can include; yearly physical examinations, vaccine boosters or titers, bloodwork, parasite checks, and dispensing of parasite preventative medication.
Rehabilitation and regenerative medicine is a passion of ours here at University Veterinary Care Center. We believe by offering physical therapy, animal chiropractic, and cold laser as additional integrative treatment options, a pet's health outcomes improve.
We offer several critical care and emergency related services for current patients regardless of species. Our doctors remain on-call for current patients seen within the past 12 months experiencing after-hours emergencies.
