Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine
Geriatric Care
Older animals have special needs. As animals age, they often develop arthritis, cardiac disease, cancer, and other health problems. Although these diseases can be debilitating, in many cases they are treatable and medical therapy can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life.
We recommend at least twice yearly healthy examinations for elderly exotic pets to help identify and treat developing health problems early. Your senior pet's wellness exam should include the following:
Health Consultation
Physical Examination
Pain assessment
Oral Exam
Nutritional Counseling
Intestinal Parasite Test
Vaccinations (if necessary)
Blood Work
Other diagnostic tests if indicated
A visit to your veterinarian is imperative if you notice any of the following:
Changes in mobility: difficulty getting up from a down position, trouble with stairs, limping, decrease in ability to jump on furniture or jump into the car, decrease in play activity
Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
Excessive drinking and/or urination
Loss of appetite or lethargy
Behavior changes
Diarrhea or vomiting
Skin lumps, bumps, or irritation
Bad breath, plaque on teeth, or bleeding gums
Ear odors, redness, scratching, or head shaking
