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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (March 30, 2016)
Q: How common is cancer in older pets? A: In pets, the rate of cancer increases with age. Cancer is responsible for approximately half the deaths of pets over 10 years of age. Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, while cats tend to have lower rates of cancer. A diagnosis of cancer may be based on X-rays, ultrasound, blood tests, physical appearance of a tumor or other physical signs. The ultimate test for cancer is through confirmation via a biopsy. Cancer treatments in pets are varied. Some examples of treatment include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Receiving senior wellness exams from your veterinarian every six months and close monitoring of your pet at home will likely allow for an early diagnosis. The success rate of cancer treatment is higher when diagnosed early. Q: What can I do to keep my pet comfortable as he ages? A: Senior pets don’t regulate their body temperatures well and are much more susceptible to the effects of both cold and warm temperatures. Keep senior pets warm and dry and don’t leave them outdoors for extended periods of time. Most senior pets lose some mobility as they age. Be certain food and water bowls, as well as litter boxes for cats are easily accessible to your pet. Ramps can be used to allow the senior pet easier access to the car or prevent their need to traverse stairs. Many senior pets have difficulty walking on smooth flooring. Strategically placed rugs can give your pet more traction and allow for easier movement around the home. INDIVIDUAL VETERINARIAN PROFILES SHEILA KILPONEN, DVM Veterinary Medicine • VETERINARY SCHOOL: Colorado State University • AFFILIATIONS WITH: • AFFILIATIONS WITH: • AFFILIATIONS: American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, Oregon Veterinary Medical Association Oregon Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, American Veterinary Medical Association Oregon Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association • AREAS OF MEDICAL INTEREST: • AREAS OF MEDICAL INTEREST: • AREAS OF MEDICAL INTEREST: Internal medicine, soft-tissue surgery, emergency and critical care medicine Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Soft-tissue Surgery, Cardiac Ultrasound Yoga, camping and family time Veterinary Medicine Purdue University Washington State University • LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES: BRAD POPE, DVM Veterinary Medicine • EDUCATION: • VETERINARY SCHOOL: 325 SE MARLIN AV. WARRENTON, OR 503-861-1621 LISA LEWIS, DVM Orthopedic and soft-tissue surgery, preventative healthcare • LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES: 325 MARLIN AVE. WARRENTON, OR 503-861-1621 Hiking, horseback riding, travel 325 MARLIN AVE. WARRENTON, OR 503-861-1621 • LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES: Fly fishing, gardening, and spending time with family and pets HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY YOUR SOURCE FOR VETERINARY CARE OPTIONS ON THE NORTH COAST AND LONG BEACH PENINSULA PUBLISHED ANNUALLY BY THE DAILY ASTORIAN AND CHINOOK OBSERVER NOW OFFERING: Digital Ultrasound Surgical Laser Digital Dental X-ray Therapeutic Laser 325 SE MARLIN AVENUE, WARRENTON • 503-861-1621 www.bayshoreanimalcare.com GOOD HEALTH 2016 • 33
