What is the purpose of Senior Pet Clinic’s?

Our nurse-led Senior Pet Clinic’s help support our senior patients and you as owners as they:

- Help to notice symptoms (of potential ill health) at an early stage

- Identify any concerns you may have about your older pets’ health

- Allow us nurses to advise on any changes that could be made which would benefit your senior pet

- Allows your veterinary team to monitor your senior pet closely through regular health examinations. This enables us to spot any changes at the earliest opportunity which in turn allows us to initiate preventative or supportive treatment where possible

- They will also give you the confidence that you are providing the best possible care for your pets

What patients are eligible for Senior Pet Clinic’s?

Our Senior Pet Clinic’s are available for our canine and feline patients. To be eligible for these and classed as ‘geriatric’, canine patients must be 8 years and older and for cats, 12 years and older. Your pet will be eligible for this twice a year, so every 6 months, if you choose to book into these. Equally, you don’t have to come every 6 months, you could do it less frequent if you wish or as a one off!

What happens in a Senior Pet Clinic?

The nurse carrying out the senior pet clinic will call you into one of our consulting rooms, where a comfy Vetbed will be ready so that your pet can relax and feel comfortable throughout the appointment. Having your pet settled will also help to obtain an accurate blood pressure reading.

Using the Pet Health Report Card, the nurse running your clinic will give your pet a full physical examination, discussing each section as they go. They will look at coat and skin condition, weight, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, legs and paws, with an opportunity to comment on other observations they may have. Once completed, the nurse will run through any areas of concern with you and clear up any questions you may have. You will then receive a copy of your pet’s Health Report Card with all results/observations to keep for your records.

If the package you choose includes any blood tests, these will be taken at the time of the appointment.

What happens following a Senior Pet Clinic?

All tests which can be completed without the patient will be done following the appointment (for example, running the urinalysis tests along with the bloods if taken) and any concerns the nurse may have will be reported to a designated vet. A follow up phone call will then be carried out by either a nurse or vet who will report results to you within 24 hours of your appointment.

These nurse led Senior Pet Clinics will not provide a diagnosis at the time of the appointment itself, as it is the vet’s job to diagnose your pet, however if a follow up appointment with a vet is required due to either the results of the clinical examination or following the in-house test results, the vet may then diagnose a new condition follow up appointment. The following appointment with a vet (if required) will be offered at a discounted rate and because of the results from the clinical examination and in house tests, they will have a clear picture of your pet’s current health.

If you have any other questions about our Senior Pet Clinic’s, do not hesitate to contact us!