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
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325 SE MARLIN AVENUE, WARRENTON • 503-861-1621
www.bayshoreanimalcare.com
GOOD HEALTH 2016 • 33