Clinics
Cat Professional achieves a UK first during June 2009 with the launch of specialist geriatric cat clinics. The clinics, which will be held at the Royal Dick Small Animal Hospital in Edinburgh on Saturday mornings, aim to provide senior cats and their owners with a full report following a detailed ‘MOT’. Dr Sarah Caney is keen that cat owners maintain the relationship with their existing vet, therefore appointments are by referral only and a copy of each report will also be sent to the referring vet to ensure continuity of treatment.
Cats who attend the clinics will be assessed with the following tests:
- Detailed history taking: Dr Caney will collect information on your cat and any symptoms of ill health they may have. The history is a vital part of the assessment and in complicated cases this can take 30 minutes to collect.
- Clinical examination: Your cat will be examined from top to toe paying particular attention to areas that can be affected by geriatric illnesses. For example, a detailed eye examination may reveal evidence of high blood pressure (systemic hypertension) - often referred to as ‘the silent killer’ since many affected patients show no external signs of illness.
- Blood pressure assessment: High blood pressure (systemic hypertension) is common in older cats and is a cause of serious complications such as blindness, stroke and even death. Blood pressure measurement involves similar techniques to those used in people and this is a procedure which only takes a few minutes to perform in the consulting room. High blood pressure is treatable with oral medications.
- Urine analysis: Illnesses such as kidney failure and diabetes mellitus (‘sugar diabetes’) are common in older cats and can be identified via urine testing. Samples can be collected with the cat at home or in the clinic and for many tests, the results are available instantly.
Each appointment will last between 30 and 45 minutes and is charged at £69 if paid on the day at the University, or only £60 if booked and paid for online beforehand (see foot of this page). These appointments are relevant for any cats aged 10 or over. Most health problems experienced by senior cats can be promptly identified and effectively treated, thus giving cat-owners longer with their much-loved pet as well as an enhanced quality of life for the cat in question.
Common problems experienced by older cats include kidney disease, thyroid problems, arthritis, dental disease and high blood pressure. Statistics show that over one third of cats over the age of 15 have kidney disease, however recent treatment advances mean that many cats are able to live for YEARS following diagnosis and successful treatment
Clinic appointments are by referral only, however owners who are interested can download a referral form here which they can take to their vet for completion. For further information on the clinics please email info@catprofessional.com or phone 0131 208 0298.
To reserve an appointment (at a cost of £60.00 if paid online), click here:
| Reserve an appointment |
All appointments will take place on a Saturday morning – we will contact you to arrange a mutually convenient time and date.)
* Additional tests such as blood and detailed urine tests will carry additional charges. Additional tests will only be carried out when necessary and with full consent from the owner after discussion.
