Special care for Seniors

[kslib]

My kitty is almost 11 now. Should I start him on my vet's Senior care program? It's $185. 2 exams included (6 months apart). They do a tumor map, chest X-rays, CBC, chem, T4, UA, fecal, weight management consult, dental exam, organ function analysis and eye check. He's in a lot right now because of a skin condition, and the $185 is a significant chunk of my budget. (I'll have to save a few months for it) I don't even know if I'd be able to do any treatments for potential problems, depending on the cost. He's really in pretty good shape for an old duffer with a bad past!

He's in today for UA (potential early renal "insufficiency") and they told me that they detected a heart murmur. They offered to do a T4, but it isn't currently in my budget. I'll definitely do that in March when he's due for his PE and vaccination. It's really scary to see him start declining in health. I've only had him for 3 years; it doesn't seem fair that he's already starting to get old. I knew that age would come too fast when I adopted an older cat who wasn't the healthiest to begin with, but I couldn't let him sit in the pound any longer just because he wasn't a cute kitten; he'd already been there 6 months.

Anyway, what do you guys think? Anyone here do special vet visits with their seniors? :shrug:

[demnan]

1. This is my take

You should take your cat in yearly for an exam when they get their shots. If you have concerns at that time, you can ask for a blood test. Also the vet will physically examine the animal for lumps, etc. If your cat has a heart murmur, you should get that checked out and ask for a recommendation for a good diet for your cat. Since you won't be able to take your cat for teeth cleaning (they put them to sleep, definitely not for your cat) I would try to get some idea of how to continue their dental health (such as those little finger brushes, etc. I've found dental really makes a difference to the health of a cat).

However, I wouldn't pay more than I had to for a special program from the vet, that just gives them a lot more money up front. Instead, why don't you see if you can get insurance for your cat, that way when he has issues, you've got them covered.

[kslib]

2. His teeth were checked today

by the hospital's dentist. I'm waiting to hear the verdict, but I know he needs an extraction of an FORL lesion. He wanted to consult with cardiology about anesthesia, then they'll get back to me.

All checked out very well with his renals. I just talked to the vet, and everything is normal except for his specific gravity which is still low, but exactly the same as 6 months ago. The low s.g. was why they wanted to check his renals. So yay!!!!! I'm very relieved to hear that since I just lost a pet last year to renal failure. She also said that his heart murmur can be monitored yearly/twice yearly to determine whether I need to work it up further. (ideally, I'd work it up today, but I may be saving for a dental).

I have been brushing their teeth, but this lesion can't be brushed away, and I know from experience that bad teeth can lead to heart problems and organ problems from the bacteria, so I'll have to weigh my options. I also don't want him to suffer from a toothache! :)

As for the food, he's on a special diet for his severe skin allergies, so that doesn't get to be changed.

On edit: Forgot to say thanks for your input! :)

[Eurobabe]

3. My older cat had a heart murmur detected

4 yrs. ago, and the vet gave us an rx for dilatin. To be honest, I never kept him on it. Giving him meds everyday was more pressure on him than the heart murmur, he weighs about 24 lbs., and hates to be pinned down. I figured he'd die sooner from me trying to pill him on a daily basis!!

He's now 13.5, he's happy, he's fat, he chases his brother and he purrs alot.

If that's how he's going to go out, well...IMHO, he's had a great life.

[SW FL Dem]

4. I take my almost 17 yr old in twice a year

but she has a thyroid issue and needs blood tests to make sure her meds are working. We rescued a senior dog with bladder stones last year. She needs to go in twice a year to make sure the bladder stones don't come back.