Geriatric care
A senior stage that is comfortable, dignified, and happy
Senior pets with chronic conditions or mobility problems may suffer during travel, especially if they have to climb stairs, get into the car, or walk more than usual. A home visit can spare them unnecessary effort.
We design personalised geriatric health plans and provide at-home follow-up for chronic conditions (osteoarthritis, kidney issues, heart problems, etc.). Sparing them the journey is the best gift to protect their joints and their peace of mind.
METODOLOGĂŤA DE LA VISITA
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Assessment of silent pain
Older animals rarely cry or complain when they suffer from chronic pain; instead, they become more apathetic, sleep more, or stop jumping up on the sofa. I examine their joints in their own environment to identify early osteoarthritis or other musculoskeletal conditions.
Vital organ check-up
By taking blood and urine samples at home, I monitor the function of their kidneys, liver, and thyroid to detect chronic diseases (such as kidney failure or diabetes) before it is too late.
Senior Behavioural Medicine
Ageing changes their body, but also their mind. We address behavioural disorders in older animals through a comprehensive medical approach; many behaviour changes are not “just old age”, but signs of pain, sensory decline, or cognitive deterioration.
- In senior patients, physical pain and illness change behaviour. A dog that becomes apathetic or reactive may have osteoarthritis; a cat that urinates outside the litter tray may have an infection or kidney failure.
- Cognitive Dysfunction Diagnosis: We identify early brain ageing and sensory decline (loss of vision/hearing).
- Neuroprotection Plans: We design personalised therapies that combine tailored environmental enrichment, targeted nutritional supplementation, and behavioural pharmacology to restore their quality of life and peace of mind.
LO QUE DEBES SABER
InformaciĂłn clave
The key benefit: Quality of life and family rest Detecting cognitive dysfunction early radically changes the prognosis. It is not “just old age” to see your companion suffer in confusion; today we can slow the progression of their mental decline. In addition, improving their sleep–wake cycles allows the whole family to get a good night’s sleep again, restoring harmony at home.
RESOLVEMOS TUS DUDAS SOBRE PREVENCIĂ“N
Preguntas Frecuentes
From what age is a pet considered senior or geriatric?
In general, dogs and cats enter the senior stage from 7 or 8 years of age (depending on size and breed in dogs). From this point on, their medical needs change, and it is advisable to carry out more specific and frequent check-ups (every 6 months).
Why is it essential for a geriatric consultation to be carried out at home?
Older pets with osteoarthritis, weakness, or mobility problems experience physical strain and unnecessary pain when climbing stairs or travelling by car. In addition, assessing them at home makes it possible to observe their real routines, how they move around their environment, and their mood without the stress of the clinic.
What is “silent pain” and how is it assessed at home?
Senior animals rarely complain or cry with chronic pain; instead, they become apathetic, sleep more, isolate themselves, or stop jumping up on the sofa. During the visit, I examine their joints and muscle mass in their own space to detect early osteoarthritis or other musculoskeletal conditions that go unnoticed.
What is Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) and what signs should I watch for?
CDS is a neurodegenerative disease similar to Alzheimer’s that affects older dogs and cats. You should seek advice if you notice signs such as disorientation (getting stuck behind doors or staring at the wall), changes in how they interact with you, sleep disturbances (sleeping during the day and wandering or meowing/barking at night), or loss of house-training habits (toileting indoors).
How is senile dementia or cognitive dysfunction diagnosed and treated?
As a clinical ethologist, I use internationally validated scales (such as the DISHAA scale) and carry out a complete medical examination to first rule out that behaviour changes are not due to pain or another organ-related condition. If we confirm CDS, we design a plan with environmental enrichment guidelines, neuroprotective supplements, a specific diet and, if necessary, behavioural pharmacology.
What check-ups or organs are assessed in a geriatric lab test?
By taking blood and urine samples at home, we analyse the function of their vital organs (such as the kidneys, liver, and thyroid). This allows us to diagnose, in good time, chronic conditions that are very common in old age (such as kidney failure or diabetes) before they cause severe symptoms.