Luckily for us, our pets are living much longer lives today than they did in the past. With this increase in life expectancy in mind, we have designed our Senior Wellness Program to provide the pets entrusted to our care with the healthiest and most comfortable lives possible. Our goal is to identify signs of health problems or disease at the earliest possible stage. Early detection and treatment not only offers your pet a happier, healthier, longer life, it can also help you greatly reduce the costs associated with extensive treatments for longstanding problems or advanced disease.

Because of their comparatively rapid aging process, we believe that all pets should be examined on a yearly basis. Around seven years of age, your pet enters the canine or feline equivalent of the human senior years, and, as in humans, medical problems become more common. Such problems can include thyroid, kidney, liver, and heart disease, dental decay and gum disease, diabetes, and cancer. Although these diseases can occur in animals of any age, they are seen more frequently in pets over seven, and many can be controlled, cured, or even prevented with early diagnosis and treatment.

The Senior Wellness Program is a collection of non-invasive diagnostic tests, similar to those for geriatric humans, designed to provide useful information relating to your senior pet's health at an affordable cost. The program represents a substantial savings when compared to the cost of the same services performed individually. If any potential problems are detected during a Senior Wellness Visit, measures can be taken to treat potential illnesses or delay progression. Dogs and cats are often very stoic about illness or pain. They can hide the signs of problems or disease until they are extremely uncomfortable. With early diagnosis, medical treatment can begin before your pet even starts outwardly showing signs of illness or pain.

Senior Wellness Program Includes:
Complete Physical Examination
A complete examination of your pet including eyes, ears, nose, mouth, skin, muscles and joints, glands, heart, lungs, and internal organs. A dental exam is also included. Dental disease is a major cause of disease in pets. Left untreated, dental disease can cause discomfort from painful gums of diseased teeth, as well as potentially leading to infection in other areas of the body, commonly including the heart and kidneys.

Complete Blood Cell Count
The complete blood cell count, or CBC, is a blood test that examines the number and percentage of the different blood cells present in your pet. The CBC can detect signs of infection, inflammation, cancer, anemia, clotting abnormalities, and other problems.

Blood Chemistry Profile
The blood chemistry profile is made up of 24 different blood values that offer a virtual window into your pet's body. This profile yields information on how efficiently the individual organs are operating and provides markers for the presence of disease. Abnormal results can point to diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, and other problems.

Thyroid Hormone Test
In dogs, hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is a common complaint, particularly in a middle-aged dog. While hypothyroidism is not usually fatal, it can significantly decrease your dog's quality of life, and is easily treated. In older cats, a common disorder is hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid. While potentially life-threatening if left untreated, once detected, hyperthyroidism is an easily controllable disease.

Complete Fecal Analysis
A complete fecal analysis can detect internal parasites, unusual bacteria, protozoa, blood cells, undigested proteins, and fat.

Complete Urinalysis
A macroscopic and microscopic examination of the urine provides a picture of kidney function, possible urinary tract inflammation or infection, and functions as a screen for certain systemic diseases. The presence of blood, crystals, or bacteria in the urine can indicate infection, stones, or lower urinary tract disease.

Heartworm Antigen Test
Infected mosquitoes transmit heartworm larvae to dogs—even indoor pets are at risk. Pets in Florida are at greater risk for heartworm disease due to our year-round mosquito population. The larvae migrate to the heart and lungs where they mature into adult heartworms. Even one adult heartworm may be fatal.

Core Vaccines
Any core vaccines (such as Rabies or the upper respiratory combo for cats and dogs) are included at no cost in the program.

If you choose not to participate in the Annual Senior Wellness Program, our Basic Health Care Program is still available. The Basic Health Care Program begins with a complete physical examination; any tests, vaccinations, or products that may be recommended are also still available at our regular prices.

Additional Considerations are examples of common tests that could be required to reach an accurate diagnosis, and additional vaccinations your dog may need based on lifestyle or activities. Heartworm prevention is a must for all dogs, regardless of whether they live indoors or out, due to our year-round mosquito population. Other unlisted considerations, such as additional tests, medications or products may arise as patient needs are assessed. We will be more than happy to provide you with an estimate of costs of any other recommended tests, procedures, medications, or products.

Should any abnormalities be detected upon initial Senior Wellness Program screenings, further diagnostics may also be advised, along with their respective costs. Please feel free to discuss your pet's treatments and costs with us at any time.