Comprehensive geriatric care for senior pets

At Ulladulla Veterinary Hospital, we are passionate about geriatric health assessments to ensure the health and well-being of your ageing pets. Our experienced team provides thorough evaluations and personalized care plans tailored to meet the unique needs of senior animals, helping them enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life.

Why geriatric health assessments are important

As pets age, they undergo various physiological changes that can impact their overall health and quality of life. Regular geriatric health assessments are essential for:

  • Early Detection of Age-Related Diseases: Identifying conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes and heart problems before they become severe.
  • Monitoring Chronic Conditions: Managing ongoing health issues to prevent complications and maintain your pet’s comfort.
  • Optimizing Nutrition and Weight Management: Adjusting diets to meet the changing nutritional needs of senior pets.
  • Enhancing Mobility and Comfort: Addressing joint pain and mobility issues to ensure your pet remains active and happy.
  • Improving Quality of Life: Implementing preventive measures and treatments that enhance your pet’s overall well-being as they age.

Our geriatric animal health services

Ulladulla Veterinary Hospital offers a range of geriatric health assessment services designed to support the health and longevity of your senior pets:

  • Comprehensive Health Evaluations: Thorough examinations to assess your pet’s current health status, including physical exams and review of medical history.
  • Diagnostic Testing: Advanced tests such as blood work, urinalysis, and imaging to detect underlying health issues.
  • Chronic Disease Management: Personalized plans to manage conditions like arthritis, diabetes and heart disease, ensuring your pet remains comfortable and healthy.
  • Nutritional Counselling: Customised dietary recommendations to support your pet’s changing nutritional needs and maintain optimal weight.
  • Pain Management: Effective strategies to alleviate chronic pain and improve your pet’s mobility and quality of life.
  • Preventive Care: Vaccinations, parasite control, and dental care tailored specifically for senior pets.
  • Behavioural Support: Addressing changes in behaviour and cognitive function to enhance your pet’s mental well-being.

How geriatric animal health assessments work

Our geriatric Hhealth assessment process is designed to provide comprehensive and compassionate care for your senior pets:

  1. Initial Consultation: We begin with a detailed discussion about your pet’s health history, lifestyle and any current concerns you may have.
  2. Comprehensive Physical Exam: Our veterinarians conduct a thorough physical examination to evaluate your pet’s overall health, mobility and any signs of discomfort.
  3. Diagnostic Testing: Based on the initial findings, we perform necessary diagnostic tests to identify any underlying health issues.
  4. Personalized Care Plan: We develop a customized care plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs, addressing both current health concerns and preventive measures.
  5. Implementation and Monitoring: Our team works closely with you to implement the care plan, providing ongoing support and regular follow-ups to monitor your pet’s progress.
  6. Owner Education: We educate you on best practices for caring for your senior pet, including dietary adjustments, exercise routines and home care tips.

Benefits of choosing us for geriatric health assessments

At Ulladulla Veterinary Hospital, our experienced veterinarians ensure your senior pets receive knowledgeable and compassionate treatment. We utilise advanced diagnostic tools to accurately diagnose and monitor age-related health issues and develop personalized care plans tailored to each pet’s unique needs to promote optimal health and comfort. Offering comprehensive services from preventive care to chronic disease management, we support your pet’s health throughout their life. We understand the specific challenges faced by senior pets and prioritise their comfort and well-being with a compassionate and supportive approach.

Preparing your pet for an assessment

To ensure the best outcome for your pet’s geriatric health assessment, we recommend the following preparations:

  • Provide Detailed History: Share your pet’s complete medical history, including any previous illnesses, surgeries and current medications.
  • Follow Pre-Assessment Instructions: Adhere to any guidelines provided by our veterinarians regarding fasting or medication adjustments before the assessment.
  • Create a Calm Environment: Ensure your pet is relaxed and comfortable on the day of the assessment to facilitate a thorough examination.
  • Prepare Questions: Write down any questions or concerns you have about your pet’s health to discuss during the consultation.

Client education and support

At Ulladulla Veterinary Hospital, we believe that informed pet owners are essential partners in maintaining their pet’s health. We provide comprehensive education on managing your senior pet’s health, including guidance on maintaining comfort and mobility at home, recommendations for diets that support aging pets’ health needs, customized exercise routines to keep your pet active without causing strain and strategies to prevent common age-related health issues and maintain your pet’s quality of life.

"I have recently moved to the area and bought my animals in to Ulladulla Veterinary Surgery and we saw Dr Christian. Highly recommend! He was very lovely, and amazing with my fur babies"

- Lucy Rose