According to Health for Animals pets life expectancy has risen 230% in some nations.  Veterinarian medicine has grown so much in the last 20 years.  They are specializing in all the specialties that people have such as cardiology.  It’s no longer bringing your pet in for a check-up where they take their temperature, listen to their heart and ask a few questions.  Now if you think there is something wrong there are more tests your veterinarian can order.  They have more options for treatment plans that have been developed from the advancements.

Let’s take  orthopedics for instance.  If your pet jumps off of a couch or high place and breaks their leg of course you take them to the veterinarian.  Before you might get an x-ray, cast, and told to keep your pet quiet for a specified amount of time.  Now you may get an x-ray or CT scan to find out the extent of the break. Your veterinarian will have a better understanding of what needs to be done to get your pet back to their physical activity.  If surgery is needed you can rest assured that there will be a specialist who will take great care of your pet.  Then your pet will have the cast and orders to rest for a specific amount of time.  After that the veterinarian may suggest physical therapy or give you instructions on how to get your pet up and running, literally.  

What does this have to do with you and your pet?  Pets may be getting diseases that they didn’t get before due to the fact that they are living longer.  The good thing is that we have veterinarians in place to work on cures for these diseases.  There are veterinary schools that work on cures and aftercare for all types of pets and diseases. One such school is the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in Grafton, MA, among other diseases they are working on a cure for lymphoma cancer.  Their research is not only helping pets but also people.  See the link below to an article regarding this study.

Having our pets around longer is a great thing and having veterinarians on top of their health is such a comfort. Just like us, eating healthy, keeping a healthy weight, exercise and getting regular check-ups is the best way to keep them around and healthy.  Do some research and speak with your vet about food recommendations for your pet.  

Give your pet an extra hug,  throw that ball one more time, or an extra play session.  They are going to be around for a while and you will never regret the time you spend with them.

Article on lymphoma: https://now.tufts.edu/2026/03/25/simple-blood-tests-may-predict-response-lymphoma-treatment

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