John T. Kristy VMD
Wendy B. Harris DVM
181 Kings Highway
Fairfield, CT 06825
203-367-4475 Phone
203-336-0878 Fax
Advances in
medicine, nutrition, and diagnostics have led to longer
life spans and, in response, veterinary medicine has
broadened its scope from just treating disease to
emphasizing preventative health care. By the time a dog
or cat is 7-8 years old, it is technically "middle
aged" and body functions can begin to deteriorate.
Common health problems of middle aged and older pets are:
obesity, kidney disease, heart disease, and most commonly
periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is present in 80%
of dogs 6 years or older and in more than 55% of cats in
the same age range. The Animal Hospital staff will assist
in controlling or preventing these problems by various
methods such as management changes or treatments like
scaling and polishing teeth. There is more to good health
care then the absence of disease; preventative health
maintenance can help avoid illness..
