AARON'S ARK 
Mobile Veterinary Clinics 

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Geriatric Care  

W. of Cave Creek Rd.                    Messages & Prescriptions                    E. of Cave Creek Rd.
602-510-9596                                    480-368-0740                                    480-510-1000



We take a special interest in geriatric care at Aaron's Ark Mobile Clinics as many of our patients are suffering the debilitating affects of aging. Our house call services are especially helpful to elderly patients because travel and over excitement can be difficult and dangerous for them. If you have any older pets showing symptoms of pain, stiffness, incontinence, organ failure, and etc. it is imperative that they see a veterinarian immediately so that we can work to prevent a worsening of symptoms and provide them with the medication and care to help reverse and relieve some of the effects of advanced aging. We have had great success in restoring the quality of life in elderly patients and providing them with many more good years.

 
Household Tips for Your Pet's Protection:

Runners

Geriatric pets are often suffering from arthritis/degenerative joint disease and may have trouble getting up and moving around. Help prevent slips and falls and ease their trouble walking by placing carpet runners throughout the house on any hard, slippery, uncarpeted surfaces. Tile, linoleum, and wood floors are especially difficult for older pets. 

Fish/Canola Oil

As pets age they begin to lose luster in their coat. They may shed or begin to lose small patches of fur. You may notice that their coats have become more brittle or course. You can help restore health to their coats by giving a fish oil capsule (broken open) or a small amount (1-2 teaspoons) of canola oil mixed in with their food. This simple trick may help improve the state of their coats after a few weeks of consistent use.

Ear Cleaning

You can help prevent infections and hematomas (due to broken blood vessels from shaking irritated ears) by keeping your pet's ears clean. Mineral oil (available at Walgreens, CVS, etc) works wonders. Simply massage the mineral oil down into your pets ears and gently rub to loosen up the soil, wax, and other substances. Then use cotton to clean out the gunk coming to the surface. Ear infections are very common and if left untreated could lead to hematoma that requires an older patient to undergo preventable anesthesia.



Common Problems in Geriatric Pets


Over Long Nails -


Allowing your pets nails to grow too long can be dangerous. Overgrown nails act like a fulcrum or lever and can lead to a broken toe if they get caught or cause microtrauma to joint leading to arthritis and degenerative joint disease. Dewclaws can grow into a "rams horn" circle and end up puncturing and infecting the skin. Using an ultra short (10 minute) anesthetic we can safely and painlessly cut and cauterize overlong nails even in the oldest geriatric patients.


Urinary Incontinence -


Geriatric pets that leak urine when laying down or urinate/defecate before reaching the door are able to be treated fairly easily with medication and will be much happier themselves as will you if these problems are corrected.


Bladder Infections -


Frequent urination, urination in the house, or having to urinate suddenly or during the night are common symptoms to an easily treated problem.


OsteoArthritis/Degenerative Joint Disease/HipDysplasia/Polyarthritis -


These are common treatable problems in older pets. If your pet limps, bunny hops while running, can't jump or run well, or has difficulty getting up or laying down then have the doctor examine your pet to prevent future crippling arthritis.



They rarely vocalize pain but ever pet that limps is in pain and should be treated!

Deer Valley Airpark
Phoenix, AZ 85027
(602) 510-9596


Scottsdale Airpark, AZ‎ 85260
(480) 510-1000 · (480) 607-3899 (Fax)

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