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Senior Pet Talk | for dogs + cats

8. What to Ask at Your Senior Cat's Vet Visit

Tuesday · 35 min · Season 1 · Episode 8 · 17.2 MB
0:00-35:45

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What should a senior cat vet visit include? Today, Dr. Amanda is back with another vet visit episode, but this time all about cats and what to ask for during your appointments.

She discusses:

  • Why senior pet care is an investment, and why routine monitoring often means blood work, urine testing, and other diagnostics every 6-12 months
  • Common early clues: weight loss, reduced activity, litter box changes, changes in appetite or drinking, and more.
  • The key routine checks to request, starting with body condition score and muscle condition score
  • Basic diagnostics, including CBC, chemistry panel, urine testing, and blood pressure measurement
  • Thyroid testing, SDMA for earlier kidney screening, and ProBNP for heart muscle injury
  • Integrative exam approaches, including Chinese medicine assessments like tongue, skin, heat, trigger points, and overall demeanor

Listen in so that when you go in for a veterinary visit with your cat, you'll know what to ask, what to advocate for, and what tests you should be running.

LINKS

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Senior cat care basics
02:40 - What to ask at vet visits
09:53 - Key routine checks: body and muscle scores
15:17 - Blood tests to request
18:19 - Urine and blood pressure checks
23:03 - Thyroid and kidney screening
26:05 - Imaging for cancer detection
28:34 - Advocating for your cat at the vet
32:04 - Eastern medicine exam approaches

Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.