Hospice & Senior Pet Care

Old pet care

At the later stage of their lives they need us more than ever....

Click on the below link to get the Quality assessment document.
Quality assessment of pet's life

Hospice Pet Care

It is an end of life care in an attempt to maintain the dignity of the pet while reducing suffering once a decision has been made to stop pursuing curative therapy

During the days, weeks or months leading up to the passing of a pet, a veterinarian can provide services that aim to increase the quality and quantity of life for a beloved companion as it moves through the last stages of life

Such services include 

Dietary management for situations including reducing rapid weight loss, decreasing ascites or fluid retention, supporting the body suffering from cachexia and providing supplementation for diminishing nutrients due to decreased absorption. 

Additionally supplements and medications can be used for cognitive dysfunction and associated anxiety and fearfulness.

Hydration is a key factor that can be managed and often there is a need for the administration of subcutaneous fluids or IV fluids.

Pain management is central to aiding a pet during this stage of life and many options are available, to reduce pain and  inflammation.

Solutions for anxiety,distress pacing and vocalization as well as 

Aids to support intestinal function and bladder relief can be discussed.

Senior Pet Care

Senior pet care is a rapidly developing area of veterinary medicine and new currently accepted  perspectives are added to standard practice care,

Senior pets suffer in silence from many common disorders, The most common disorder affecting aged pets is periodontal disease. Pets can have their oral care supplied via a combination of dental prophylaxis, regular brushing, extractions when needed and most importantly antibiotics and pain medication when disease cannot be corrected surgically.

In addition to periodontal disease, arthritis is a significant cause of morbidity and suffering in senior pets. Many wonderful and easily adapted modalities are available to the veterinarian to maintain the pet at the highest level of comfort. The combination of diagnostics, therapeutics and holistic treatments can be used together to provide comfort as the years go on.

Another aspect of senior pet care that is significant and useful and readily available is the use of wellness diagnostics to discover age related disorders before they are severe enough to be manifest clinically. The current standard recommendation for all seniors include biannual abdominal and thoracic radio-graphs and ultrasounds in addition to biannual biochemical testing.

These diagnostic aids enable a veterinarian to find and start treating disorders associated with advancing age long before the pet begins to suffer and additionally offers the best chance to treat and gain the highest level of resolution and relief.

To engage in senior pet care starts simply by scheduling a biannual wellness exam with your veterinarian and requesting options appropriate to the age, breed and species of pet you have as your companion.

FAQ

Is it OK for my pet to be tired all the time?
Old pets tends to get a little slow at the later stages but if you see a sudden decrease in the appetite or continuous tiredness in your pet do visit veterinarian because your pet might be suffering and it is hard for the aged pet to react to it. 

How often should I take my grown up pet to the vet?
Old pets might need more attention because they tend to suffer more problems than the young ones, Make sure you visit the vet biannually and whenever you notice any signs.

How can I make it easier for my old pet?
Start with visiting a veterinarian and get a full check up of your pet, it will help with the diagnosis of any current health issue your pet might be suffering, take proper medication and health advice and follow them strictly. More you care about your old ones easier it will be for them. 

Should I change the diet of my pet according to their age?
Yes, diet change is a major factor for your pets health. Pet needs special diets at their old age, as their teeth and digestion is not as same as it was when they were young. Consult with a vet and get the food which is easy to Chew and Digest.


End of Life Communication Conference.

As a pet parent there are options while pondering the last stage in your journey with your pet and companion. 
Dr Kaiser has virtual appointment spaces available each week that are reserved for 
Telephone or Zoom conferences. During these reserved conferences the doctor will spend 20 - 25 minutes communicating with you and assisting you and your family in this difficult decision making process. 
Dr. Kaiser will take you thru an end of life quality assessment based on your pets medical situation, age, breed, family resources and family goals. This conference is extremely valuable for any one considering continued veterinary medical care, hospice care, or humane euthanasia and looking for a open and honest and compassionate resource before making a final decision. 
Often this conference consultation  is the first step in understand options available to you and for your pet,as well as, assistance in assessing and navigating the complex medical, emotional and financial aspects at this juncture in your journey together with your pet and beloved companion.
Please contact the Animal Clinic of Mandarin and reserve your consultation conference.
To reserve your conference our kind and helpful receptionists schedule, take payment and request medical records ( if needed) and will take specific questions you may have in advance of the conference. 
Medical records are not mandatory.
FAQ: what can I expect from a scheduled conference?
Answer: an open conference with the doctor that allows pet parents to ask the questions they have about how to be confident and in making a quality of life decision, how to evaluate you pets quality of life, how to know best when it is time, what to expect based on the pet parents goals and choices discussed, and a detail discussion about options of medications, delivery routes, sedation, anxiety and pain reduction , burial, cremation, and any other questions pet parents may have that would help them. The focus of the conference is to guide the pet parents to feeling knowledgeable, supported and at ease that they are able to find the right path for their companion in this difficult part of the journey.

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