Senior Pet Care in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Vets Specialized in Aging Dog/Cat Treatment

Senior pet care in Colorado Springs, for older cats, senior dogs

As your pet grows older, his or her health care needs change. It may seem like only yesterday that your pet was a playful puppy or kitten, but animals age more rapidly than humans. The age at which a pet is considered a "senior" varies based on breed and species. At Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital, we consider large-breed dogs to be senior dogs at the age of 6; however, small or toy breeds are considered seniors at 9 years of age. Cats aged 9 years and older are identified as senior pets.

Preventive care is critical for older pets — that’s why Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital has developed a comprehensive senior wellness program to help guide your faithful companion through his or her "golden years."

Like humans, senior pets are at increased risk of developing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and others. Your older cat or dog may seem healthy; however, many problems common to senior pets may not present symptoms until your pet is seriously ill. Our Senior wellness program helps identify problems early enough to institute preventive healthcare measures.

Your Senior Pet's Care at our Colorado Springs Veterinary

We recommend testing if your senior pet is exhibiting one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Increased thirst or urination
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting/diarrhea
  • Poor hair/coat
  • Coughing
  • Seizures
  • Unusual behavior

Along with a physical examination, our specially trained technicians will run comprehensive blood tests on your pet. Our Fundamental Senior Screening Program includes:

Physical Exam: An evaluation of all body systems, including the heart, lungs, lymph nodes, teeth, eyes, ears, skin, bones, and joints.

Blood Chemistry: Test of blood markers for the function of the organs. Early detection of problems allows for a greater number of treatment options.

Complete Blood Count (CBC): An evaluation of the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet parameters. This test can detect infection, anemia of chronic disease, and leukemia.

Urinalysis: This test detects the earliest signs of kidney disease and diabetes, as well as infections that can be detected in the urine.

Thyroid Screen: A hormonal profile that looks for low production in dogs (hypothyroidism) and high production in cats (hyperthyroidism).

Blood Pressure Measurement: High blood pressure can lead to kidney problems, heart disease, and blindness.

We may also recommend the following additional screening diagnostics:

Glaucoma Testing: Measures the pressure in each eye quickly and painlessly using a tonometer. Undetected glaucoma leads to irreversible blindness.

Chest X-ray: To detect any heart or lung changes and diagnosis of some cancers.

Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital offers a special discounted rate on our senior screening program.

  • Fundamental Senior Screening: $198.50
  • Fundamental Screening with additional recommended diagnostics: $309.20

The veterinarians and staff at Colorado Springs' Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital want to work closely with you to help keep your senior pet healthy. We encourage you to ask questions or share with us any changes in your pet’s health (decreased energy, difficult hearing, skin conditions, etc.). We understand the close bond you share with your pet and making sure you and your pet enjoy many more years together is our highest priority.