Patients need to have previously been diagnosed with osteoarthritis by a vet to make an appoint-ment with our head nurse Becky, who can review all of the above in greater depth during a half hour appointment all for £10. If you have noticed any of the above signs with your pet and would like to review arthritis management for your pet, please phone the clinic today.

The clinic is not just for senior pets as recent studies have shown that 20% of dogs over 1 year old can show some signs of osteoarthritis, likewise one third of cats over 12 years of age will show signs. Cats can adjust their lifestyle to adapt more than dogs meaning signs go unnoticed until later years.

There are a huge variety of signs for both species but some of the more common ones are:

• Sleeping more/sleeping in easier to access places
• Reluctance to walk, jump and play, lags behind on walks
• Difficulty rising after rest
• Hesitant to jump up or down or go up or down stairs
• Change in behaviour or usual routine

Appointments cover the following:

• Weight management
• Exercise management
• Physiotherapy and complimentary therapies
• Home environment assessment - inside and out
• Pain relief medications that may be suitable for your pet
• Nutrition and supplements - please bring details of your dogs current diet with you
• Action plan devised and targets set and a range of client leaflets
• Free of charge follow up appointment made to review progress a few months later

We currently offer Senior Wellness Clinics at Wilton House, Monday to Thursday between 2:00pm and 4:00pm with Becky, our head veterinary nurse and nutritional health advisor and veterinary surgeon Tasha. As our pets get older, it is important for us to spot the signs of ageing and make necessary changes for them so they are able to enjoy their golden years as much as their younger ones.

Attending the clinic regularly (every 6-12 months) will enable us to monitor how your dog or cat is getting on and allow us to spot any age related issues as soon as possible. Sometimes simple changes to daily routines or nutrition can help prevent or manage age related problems.

Appointments cover the following:

• Senior pet questionnaire
• Full clinical examination with a vet
• Mobility score
• Nutritional consultation
• Dental health check and advice
• Urine testing (please bring a sample with you)
• Advice on how to spot signs of ageing
• Senior wellness information pack