Senior Pet Care ~ Canine Services
Specialized Care For Our Aging Patients
We offer a wide range of senior dog services including medical, diagnostic, surgical, and preventive health care. Our goal with these services is to help your canine live a longer, happier life.
A large proportion of our older patients have osteoarthritis (arthritis) and their quality of life may be significantly improved with medical therapy.
About 15-20 % of cats* with severe arthritis show symptoms to owners such as limping or vocalizing. They may have subtle symptoms such as stiffness, reluctance to use the litter box, reluctance to jump, loss of muscle mass, sleeping more, hiding, reluctance to be picked up, irritability, decreased interaction, or even excessive grooming/ pulling hair out.
Dogs with osteoarthritis may have symptoms such as stiffness, loss of muscle mass, limping (both weight-bearing or nonweightbearing), difficulty sitting down/standing up, difficulty jumping onto couch, difficulty getting into the car, and irritability when touched. We offer different treatments including several supplements as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.
Some injections, laser therapy and other Pain Management have also been very successful as an additional option for arthritis pain management in senior pets.
About 15-20 % of cats* with severe arthritis show symptoms to owners such as limping or vocalizing. They may have subtle symptoms such as stiffness, reluctance to use the litter box, reluctance to jump, loss of muscle mass, sleeping more, hiding, reluctance to be picked up, irritability, decreased interaction, or even excessive grooming/ pulling hair out.
Dogs with osteoarthritis may have symptoms such as stiffness, loss of muscle mass, limping (both weight-bearing or nonweightbearing), difficulty sitting down/standing up, difficulty jumping onto couch, difficulty getting into the car, and irritability when touched. We offer different treatments including several supplements as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.
Some injections, laser therapy and other Pain Management have also been very successful as an additional option for arthritis pain management in senior pets.
Your First Visit?
The first visit will allow us to get to know each other better, and check your pet's health and start preventive care to prevent against future illnesses.
You can ask our veterinarians any questions you may have about your pet!
You can ask our veterinarians any questions you may have about your pet!
During your pet's first visit, your veterinarian will also do a head-to-tail exam & check your pets overall health.
We will work with your pets’ unique needs to make the visit an enjoyable time at Florence Animal Hospital.
We're looking forward to seeing you and your pet soon. If your visiting our clinic for the first time you can check-out our First Time Visitors Page.
Senior Pet Services
We offer a wide range of senior dog services including medical, diagnostic, surgical, and preventive health care.
We hope you choose our veterinarians and the Florence Animal Hospital team.
We hope you choose our veterinarians and the Florence Animal Hospital team.
Dog Flea and Tick Control
Senior Examinations
Dog Anal Gland Expression
Senior Dog Grooming
Senior Dog Dietary
Senior Dog Dental Care
Senior Dog Heartworm Testing
Older Dog Vaccinations
Microchipping a Senior Dog
Wellness Senior Dog Exam
Blood Screenings
Overweight Senior Dog Help
Senior Canine Care
Dog Nail Trimming
Senior Dog Euthanasia
Ear Cleaning for Senior Dogs
Canine Surgery
Laser Therapy
Travel Health Certificates
Pet Medication Refills
Emergency Care for Senior Dogs
Senior Examinations
Dog Anal Gland Expression
Senior Dog Grooming
Senior Dog Dietary
Senior Dog Dental Care
Senior Dog Heartworm Testing
Older Dog Vaccinations
Microchipping a Senior Dog
Wellness Senior Dog Exam
Blood Screenings
Overweight Senior Dog Help
Senior Canine Care
Dog Nail Trimming
Senior Dog Euthanasia
Ear Cleaning for Senior Dogs
Canine Surgery
Laser Therapy
Travel Health Certificates
Pet Medication Refills
Emergency Care for Senior Dogs
Our senior wellness visit begins with the usual physical exam to assess eyes, ears, skin, teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen, and the presence of any lumps.
The doctor then assesses the patient for age related changes which may include arthritis, behavioral differences, or changes in appetite or weight.
We recommend yearly screening lab work, which includes blood testing and possibly urine testing.
The senior blood work panel is the same for dogs and cats, except it includes a Heartworm/Lyme test for dogs and, instead, a thyroid level for cats.
We want to check that the liver and kidneys are functioning well, red and white blood cells are in appropriate amounts and condition, there are no infections, and that there are no signs of early diabetes.
Lab work can find things that don't show up on an exam - but could later on.
This gives us a baseline for future blood work as well - we'll be able to see if there is a trend in declining health or not.
Additional testing may be advised if a problem is detected with your pet.
The doctor then assesses the patient for age related changes which may include arthritis, behavioral differences, or changes in appetite or weight.
We recommend yearly screening lab work, which includes blood testing and possibly urine testing.
The senior blood work panel is the same for dogs and cats, except it includes a Heartworm/Lyme test for dogs and, instead, a thyroid level for cats.
We want to check that the liver and kidneys are functioning well, red and white blood cells are in appropriate amounts and condition, there are no infections, and that there are no signs of early diabetes.
Lab work can find things that don't show up on an exam - but could later on.
This gives us a baseline for future blood work as well - we'll be able to see if there is a trend in declining health or not.
Additional testing may be advised if a problem is detected with your pet.
A senior wellness exam is about way more than shots. From nose to tail, here are things our veterinarian looks for.
Mouth
Bad breath can lead to more than a ‘no kisses’ policy. Our veterinarian will check for tartar, inflammation and infections that can make your pet sick.
Ears
Your dog hears the treat cupboard open from a mile away. Our veterinarian can help keep it that way with checks for infection and other ear problems.
Eyes
Who can resist those eyes? Our veterinarian looks for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, infection, jaundice, allergies and more.
Body
When our veterinarian gives Fido a rub down, there checking body muscle tone, weight, and for enlarged lymph nodes that can be a sign of infection or disease.
Abdomen
You’re great at giving belly rubs. But our veterinarian is trained to feel for tumors, signs of pain and enlarged organs.
Under The Tail
It’s not pretty, but our veterinarian checks under the tail for anal gland issues, tapeworms and tumors.
Skin And Coat
Our veterinarian will check your furry friend for fleas, ticks, mites, skin infections and lumps and bumps.
Joints And Spine
Just like us, pets feel their age. Our veterinarian will check the joints and spine for signs of pain and tenderness – so you can take a proactive approach to pain management.
Heart And Lungs
When our veterinarian gets out the stethoscope, there listening for heart murmurs and irregular beats. There also making sure dogs lungs are clear.
The Samples
Why does our veterinarian ask for a stool sample? To check for intestinal parasites. Blood work and urinalysis may also be ordered to confirm your pet is healthy and free of heartworms.
Bad breath can lead to more than a ‘no kisses’ policy. Our veterinarian will check for tartar, inflammation and infections that can make your pet sick.
Ears
Your dog hears the treat cupboard open from a mile away. Our veterinarian can help keep it that way with checks for infection and other ear problems.
Eyes
Who can resist those eyes? Our veterinarian looks for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, infection, jaundice, allergies and more.
Body
When our veterinarian gives Fido a rub down, there checking body muscle tone, weight, and for enlarged lymph nodes that can be a sign of infection or disease.
Abdomen
You’re great at giving belly rubs. But our veterinarian is trained to feel for tumors, signs of pain and enlarged organs.
Under The Tail
It’s not pretty, but our veterinarian checks under the tail for anal gland issues, tapeworms and tumors.
Skin And Coat
Our veterinarian will check your furry friend for fleas, ticks, mites, skin infections and lumps and bumps.
Joints And Spine
Just like us, pets feel their age. Our veterinarian will check the joints and spine for signs of pain and tenderness – so you can take a proactive approach to pain management.
Heart And Lungs
When our veterinarian gets out the stethoscope, there listening for heart murmurs and irregular beats. There also making sure dogs lungs are clear.
The Samples
Why does our veterinarian ask for a stool sample? To check for intestinal parasites. Blood work and urinalysis may also be ordered to confirm your pet is healthy and free of heartworms.
Laboratory Services
Our in-house Diagnostics and Laboratory Services allows our doctors to get the results they need, exactly when those results are needed.
In many cases, we can have answers for you before you and your dog even leave our Florence office.
In many cases, we can have answers for you before you and your dog even leave our Florence office.
Diagnostic Screening & Testing
Every pet needs regular checks to be sure their health is as good as it can be.
Early detection of disease, many pets don’t exhibit signs or show symptoms.
Visit our Pet Diagnostic page.
Every pet needs regular checks to be sure their health is as good as it can be.
Early detection of disease, many pets don’t exhibit signs or show symptoms.
Visit our Pet Diagnostic page.
Radiology Services
Digital X-Rays
With digital X-rays, we can produce images of your pet's bones and internal organs.
With digital X-rays, we can produce images of your pet's bones and internal organs.
- Digital Radiographs (Xrays)
- Digital Dental Radiographs
- Ultrasound
We utilize digital radiography with our full sized dog X-ray machine.
This is a valuable diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine which can be used to evaluate almost any body part; including the heart, lungs, stomach, bones and teeth.
This gives our vets at Florence Animal Hospital information about your pet that we could never see by just looking at them.
Radiography is painless, safe and completely non-invasive.
X-rays allow our veterinarians evaluate the muscular-skeletal, cardiovascular (cardiopulmonary), gastrointestinal, reproductive and urinary systems. We’ll use this fast and painless diagnostic technique to check for any abnormalities or inconsistencies within your pet’s body so that we can address them in a timely and effective manner.
Ultrasound
As with radiographs, our veterinarian can also use the ultrasound machine to see internal organs, and their consistency, that we wouldn't be able to see by just looking at your senior pet.
An Ultrasound doesn't use radiation; it uses high frequency sound (ultrasound) waves to create an image.
An Ultrasound doesn't use radiation; it uses high frequency sound (ultrasound) waves to create an image.
Learn more about using Ultrasound Examinations to help your pet.
Senior Pet Exams
This is Rose and she came in for her senior wellness exam. We think she may be our oldest current patient. 20 years young.
When your pet reaches his or her “golden years,” they require special care.
Your FAH Veterinarian will recommend certain screening exams & tests that can help provide an early diagnosis for some of the common diseases that affect older pets.
Early diagnosis helps you and your veterinarian manage these diseases more effectively.
In addition to this testing, twice-yearly examinations will be recommended to ensure your pet receives the best care as he or she ages.
Your FAH Veterinarian will recommend certain screening exams & tests that can help provide an early diagnosis for some of the common diseases that affect older pets.
Early diagnosis helps you and your veterinarian manage these diseases more effectively.
In addition to this testing, twice-yearly examinations will be recommended to ensure your pet receives the best care as he or she ages.
Specialized Care For Aging Patients
Most of us remember being told that 1 year of a dog’s life is equal to 7 years of a human. While this averages out, we must also take into account the size of the animal.
Example; An eight year old Great Dane is a senior citizen while an eight year old Miniature Poodle is only middle aged.
As our pets age there are a number of diseases and conditions that can impact them and shorten their lives and decrease their quality of life.
Most of us remember being told that 1 year of a dog’s life is equal to 7 years of a human. While this averages out, we must also take into account the size of the animal.
Example; An eight year old Great Dane is a senior citizen while an eight year old Miniature Poodle is only middle aged.
As our pets age there are a number of diseases and conditions that can impact them and shorten their lives and decrease their quality of life.
Senior Exams & Older Pets
Between age 7 (larger breed) or 10 years (smaller breed dogs and cats) we recommend blood work at their yearly annual visit. This will allow us to detect any early onset of disease.
Senior Care
Your pet is officially a senior on their 8th birthday. As with us, it's a good idea to take more preventive measures at this age. Age is not a disease; but, in general, there are more, and faster, bodily changes around this time.
Arthritis can set in, the kidneys and heart aren't functioning as they used to, and there may be suspicious lumps showing up.
And, of course, there's the simple fact that our pets age faster than we do.
On average, each year a dog lives adds an equivalent of 7 human years to the body (5 years for cats).
Which means your 8 year old dog is equivalent to us at 56 years old!
Even a check up every 6 months means we're seeing them about 3-4 years apart (when compared to us). This may also seem like a long time, but it's much better than the equivalent of 7 years.
We highly recommend bringing your pet for an exam every 6 months at this stage of there life.
Finding problems before they start is much easier to attend to.
Between age 7 (larger breed) or 10 years (smaller breed dogs and cats) we recommend blood work at their yearly annual visit. This will allow us to detect any early onset of disease.
Senior Care
Your pet is officially a senior on their 8th birthday. As with us, it's a good idea to take more preventive measures at this age. Age is not a disease; but, in general, there are more, and faster, bodily changes around this time.
Arthritis can set in, the kidneys and heart aren't functioning as they used to, and there may be suspicious lumps showing up.
And, of course, there's the simple fact that our pets age faster than we do.
On average, each year a dog lives adds an equivalent of 7 human years to the body (5 years for cats).
Which means your 8 year old dog is equivalent to us at 56 years old!
Even a check up every 6 months means we're seeing them about 3-4 years apart (when compared to us). This may also seem like a long time, but it's much better than the equivalent of 7 years.
We highly recommend bringing your pet for an exam every 6 months at this stage of there life.
Finding problems before they start is much easier to attend to.
As humans, when we are sick, we have the ability to go to the doctor, to explain what’s wrong and to receive the appropriate treatment.
When our senior pets become ill, or have suffered an injury, however, it’s much more challenging to figure out what’s wrong.
When our senior pets become ill, or have suffered an injury, however, it’s much more challenging to figure out what’s wrong.
Pet Disorders
We Diagnose and Treat
We Diagnose and Treat
Learn more about the Pet Disorders that Florence Animal Hospital treats.
* Some studies show this percentage may actually be lower.
FAH
Senior Dog and Cat Medical Treatment
Older Dogs & Cats Best Hospital
Geriatric Dog Healthcare
Senior Dog and Cat Nail Trimming
Canine & Feline Vet Services
Older Dogs Getting Vaccinations
Senior Animal Overnight Boarding
Older Dogs & Cats Best Hospital
Geriatric Dog Healthcare
Senior Dog and Cat Nail Trimming
Canine & Feline Vet Services
Older Dogs Getting Vaccinations
Senior Animal Overnight Boarding
Florence Animal Hospital
2520 Melon St. Florence, SC 29501
2520 Melon St. Florence, SC 29501
The right Veterinary for you
(843) 407-3747
Copyright 2019 - Florence Animal Hospital
Proud member of the FAHHAH Group and officially a part of the family of companies.
Florence Animal Hospital
2520 Melon St.
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 407-3747
FlorenceAH.com
Map
2520 Melon St.
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 407-3747
FlorenceAH.com
Map
Hours:
Monday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 12:00pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Monday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 12:00pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
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