Senior Pets and Behavioral Changes, a Personal Experience

As a Senior pet owner, I would like to stress the importance of watching any changes in your older fur baby’s behavior.  I have a sweet Vizsla named CoCo who turned twelve years old in February 2020.  Coco has remained very energetic despite her age.  Ironically, the day before her 12^th birthday I became very concerned.  My family woke up on that Sunday morning and CoCo was being her normal self.  We left to go out that morning and returned after lunch.  CoCo always comes to the door of her room as soon as she hears the garage door open.  She did not get off her bed when we returned.  I called her name several times before she finally got up.  CoCo was very lethargic and not acting herself.  I took CoCo to work with me the following day to have her checked out.

River’s Edge Veterinary Hospital has an ultrasound.  Dr. Jones did an ultrasound on CoCo and found a tumor on her spleen. Dr. Karla and Dr. Jones told me the news in the most caring and professional way possible.  All this happened on a Monday.  CoCo was scheduled for Wednesday to have a splenectomy.  CoCo stayed at River’s Edge Veterinary Hospital and was on IV Fluids until time for surgery. The staff treated my fur baby like a queen.  CoCo made it through the surgery and is doing great 6 months later! 

Keep a close watch on your senior pets and contact your veterinarian about any behavior changes.

LeAnn Matesevac, Office Manager