Senior Pets

Senior pet discount

Pets 10 years and older are eligible for one reduced cost health check per year with Dr. Boersma. Tell us your pet’s birthday and you’ll be sent a reminder on their special day.

Senior pet problems

Most senior pet health issues are the same as ours:

Often senior pets have more than one health issue, which complicates treatment. For example, some pain relievers used for arthritis will be unsuitable for a pet whose kidneys aren’t working well. This is where Dr. Boersma’s knowledge of alternative treatments can be very useful.

Arthritis

Arthritis is the most common age-related condition that we see at SBHVC. It can be very painful and sometimes crippling.

We can take radiographs to see the extent of the problem, and perform blood tests to see which medicines will best suit your pet.

Treatment begins with pain relief. Herbal mixtures can work well on their own or in conjunction with conventional medicines like opiates and anti-inflammatories. A pain relieving herbal mixture will have ingredients like turmeric, rose hip, magnesium, vitamin C, black pepper extract, Devil’s claw, cat’s claw, Boswellia, Myrh, MSM. Homeopathic remedies like arnica, Rhustox, Ruagrav and Bryonia can also be effective, and other natural supplements like glucosamine sulphate. (You might recognize that many of these are used by people too!)

Animals with arthritis may not be able to exercise much but will still often have a good appetite, so weight control is important. Dr. Boersma will advise on diet and exercise options. For example, raw pureed vegies can be added to food to bulk it out and reduce the amount of your pet’s usual food. Exercising in the hydrotherapy unit will increase mobility, muscle tone and strength.

Dr. Boersma may also offer your pet: