“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” (Benjamin Franklin)
Cats are generally considered to be “seniors” when they reach 9+ years of age.
Senior cats have an increased risk of developing health problems such as kidney disease, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, thyroid disease etc. Because cats are exceptionally good at hiding signs of feeling unwell and disease may be present before you are aware of it, we recommend an annual veterinary wellness examination.
A wellness examination will include a physical examination as well as blood screening tests (see different options below) to help detect these underlying diseases. The earlier a disease /condition is diagnosed, the better it can be managed improving quality of life for your cat.
We offer 2 Wellness screening packages from 15 July to 31 July:
(Bookings essential 0126645763)
Option A: Full Senior Screening profile for only R1336 (R655 saving)
· Physical examination
· Chemistry screening (CHEM10)
· Urinalysis
· SMDA+T4
Option B: Basic senior wellness screening test for only R728 (R390 saving)
· Physical examination
· SMDA+T4
Physical examination
This will generally include checking the following:
- Weight + body condition - Skin + coat quality - Mouth, gums + teeth - Ears, eyes + nose - Thyroid gland - Heart + lungs - Abdomen - Joints + muscles
During the physical examination we will also be able to discuss any concerns and also provide advice with regards to your senior cat’s special diet requirements.
Chemistry screening
This is a panel tests that provide information about the general health of the organs and helps to detect kidney disease, diabetes and other disorders.
Kidney failure is one of the most common causes of severe illnesses in especially senior cats. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and bad breath. It is important to remember that kidney failure is a progressive disease and symptoms may not appear until 75% of kidney function has been lost. Although kidney disease is not a reversible disease, early diagnosis and appropriate supportive treatment can increase the quality of life and slow down the progression of the disease. Diabetes mellitus is a condition that develops when your cat cannot control the sugar (glucose) levels in his blood. Cats can develop at any age, but peak onset is around 8 years of age. Symptoms might be non-specific and include increase thirst, increased urination, weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting & listlessness. Diabetes is diagnosed by testing glucose levels in the blood and urine.
Urinalysis
Evaluates the physical and chemical properties of the cat’s urine. It provides mainly information about how well the kidneys are functioning, but can also indicate problems such as diabetes. It also aids in diagnosis inflammation and infection in the urinary system.
SDMA
SDMA is a newer screening test that can detect kidney disease months sooner than standard kidney screening test.
Thyroid hormone testing (T4)
The most common thyroid disease in the cat is called hyperthyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This causes an increase in the body’s metabolic rate and left untreated can result in heart failure and other complications. Typical signs include weight loss, increased appetite, restlessness, increased thirst & urination, vomiting & diarrhoea.
Bookings for the senior cat special is essential. Contact us on 0126645763 or lytteltonmanorvet@gmail.com
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