![Senior Care senior dog smiling](https://apalacheeriveranimalhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Senior-Care.jpg)
Veterinary Services
Senior Pet Care
Learn more about our senior pet care services below.
![Apalachee River Animal Hospital Web Images - FAQ (6) (1) old dog laying on grass](https://apalacheeriveranimalhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Apalachee-River-Animal-Hospital-Web-Images-FAQ-6-1.jpg)
Senior Pet Care
Senior pets have special needs as they age. The best way to help protect your pet as he or she ages is to understand the aging process in pets. We understand that process and can help you help your pet. Even if your senior pet is already being treated for a medical condition, treatment recommendations can change as a condition progresses. Sometimes medication dosages need to be adjusted, or medication may need to be changed. Routine wellness blood work and other routine diagnostic testing are important for senior pets because these tests allow us to evaluate how your pet’s health is either responding to current management strategies or changing with age.
Feline
Solensia
Did you know that 40% of all cats have osteoarthritis (OA)? About 60% of six-year-old cats have some evidence of arthritis and about 90% of cats over 12 years of age are affected by OA.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic, painful condition that affects your furry friend’s quality of life. Cats are masters of hiding any sort of pain or discomfort, so you likely won’t see them limping or yowling in pain. However, there are signs you can look for. Have you noticed a decrease in jumping? Are they not getting on the counter or top of the cat tree anymore? Do they go up or down the stairs differently? Do they chase objects less? Have they stopped getting the zoomies? If you have noticed any of these changes, it could be a sign of osteoarthritis.
We are pleased to offer the only FDA-approved treatment for feline osteoarthritis called Solensia. Solensia is a biologic (not a chemical) that works by reducing pain signals. Solensia is a once-a-month injection that we administer under the skin. We have seen dramatic improvements in our patients’ quality of life, and are excited to see if it can help your four-legged family member.
![Solensia QR](https://apalacheeriveranimalhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Solensia-QR-e1699050097742.png)
![Solensia QR 2](https://apalacheeriveranimalhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Solensia-QR-2.png)
Canine
Librela
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common ailment in our four-legged friends, and it can have a devastating effect on their quality of life.
Have you noticed your dog limping or struggling to keep up on walk?
Does your dog have difficulty with stairs or seem reluctant to jump up on the furniture? Have you noticed stiffness when they get up? If so, you should have your dog examined. There are several options to help treat OA pain, including the one and only once-a-month injection called Librela. Librela is a monoclonal antibody (not a chemical) that works by reducing pain signals.
We look forward to scheduling an appointment for you soon!
![Librela QR](https://apalacheeriveranimalhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Librela-QR.png)
![Librela QR 2](https://apalacheeriveranimalhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Librela-QR-2.png)