Chronic Disease Management for Dogs and Cats in Gilford, NH
Supporting a pet through a chronic illness takes more than just medication—it takes understanding, collaboration, and steady guidance. Serving the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic partners with pet owners to help dogs and cats live well with long-term health conditions. From diabetes and kidney disease to hormonal and autoimmune disorders, we’re here to walk the journey with you, offering thoughtful, informed care at every step.
What Is Chronic Disease Management?
Chronic disease management involves ongoing care for pets with long-term medical conditions. These are typically illnesses that can’t be cured but can be managed to provide your pet with a comfortable, happy life. Early diagnosis, consistent monitoring, and supportive therapies are key parts of managing these conditions effectively.
Many families in Gilford and across the Lakes Region turn to our team for this type of sustained, attentive care. Whether your dog has recently been diagnosed with diabetes or your aging cat needs help managing chronic kidney disease, we’re equipped to help.
Common Chronic Conditions We Manage
Diabetes is increasingly common in middle-aged and senior pets, especially in overweight cats and and regular glucose monitoring, such as using the Freestyle Libre system. Signs like increased thirst, urination, or unexplained weight loss can point to this condition. We’ll work closely with you to create a treatment plan that may include insulin therapy, diet adjustments, and regular glucose monitoring. Our in-clinic testing makes it easy to get quick updates on how your pet is doing.
More common in senior cats, CKD is a progressive loss of kidney function that benefits greatly from early intervention. Routine lab work, supportive fluids, prescription diets, and medication can all help slow the progression and improve quality of life. We focus on helping your pet feel their best while keeping you involved and informed.
Both hypothyroidism in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats can cause serious disruptions to your pet’s health. Fortunately, both are highly manageable with early detection and appropriate medication. If you notice changes in energy, weight, or coat condition, we can perform quick thyroid panels in-house to guide next steps.
These adrenal gland disorders can cause a range of confusing symptoms, from lethargy and appetite changes to vomiting and collapse. Our team is experienced in diagnosing and managing both conditions. Treatment may involve long-term hormone therapy, regular blood monitoring, and check-ins to adjust dosing as needed.
Autoimmune diseases, where the body mistakenly attacks its own cells, can be difficult to detect and emotionally challenging. From immune-mediated anemia to joint inflammation, these cases require careful testing and long-term management. We provide compassionate guidance and will never leave you to sort through tough decisions alone.
Arthritis, including osteoarthritis, is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting senior dogs and cats. It causes joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, which can impact your pet’s happiness and quality of life. We’re here to help your pet stay comfortable through personalized pain management plans, joint-support supplements, weight control guidance, and, when needed, advanced therapies. Our goal is to keep your pet moving comfortably and enjoying their favorite activities as they age.
How We Support Long-Term Health
Helping your pet live with a chronic illness means looking at the full picture. At Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic, we take a collaborative approach with pet families, building treatment plans that consider lifestyle, financial needs, and your pet’s day-to-day comfort. Here’s how we help:
- In-House Diagnostics: On-site bloodwork, urinalysis, and ultrasound make it easier to monitor conditions regularly without long waits.
- Medication Management: We help you navigate prescriptions, understand side effects, and adjust treatments when needed.
- Nutritional Support: Diet plays a big role in managing many chronic diseases. We offer guidance on renal diets, diabetic-friendly options, and weight support plans.
- Follow-Up Care: Regular rechecks ensure treatments are working and allow us to adjust before problems develop.
- Open Communication: We prioritize conversations that are informative, supportive, and judgment-free.
Why Ongoing Management Matters
With proper management, many chronic conditions can become just another part of life—not a life sentence. Dogs with Cushing’s can still chase balls. Cats with kidney disease can still cuddle in windows. The key is consistency and a partnership between your family and ours.
Regular visits and lab monitoring help us catch changes early and fine-tune treatments. We’re here to help you understand what’s happening in your pet’s body, what to expect, and how you can help them feel their best.
Meet Our Team That Cares
You’ll find that our Birch Bark team isn’t just here to treat symptoms—we’re here to listen, plan, and care. Our staff brings years of experience and a whole lot of heart to each exam. We know many of our clients by name, and we treat their pets like our own. Whether it’s helping you learn how to give insulin or discussing options for a new diagnosis, we take the time to make sure you feel supported.
