Arthritis
Atopy (Inhalant Allergy)
Bufo Toad Poisoning
Cat Home Safety Tips
Collar Hazards
Common Things to Watch for
Dental Disease in Pets
Diabetes
Dog Safety Tips
Feline Heartworm Disease
Mallassezia (yeast) Dermatitis
Reasons to Neuter
Noise Phobia in Dogs
Weight Problems in Pets
Otitis (Ear Infections)
Parvo Virus
Pruritis (Itchiness)
Rabies
Seizures and Epilepsy
Senior Pets
Reasons to Spay
Toxoplasmosis, Cats and Women
Nikki. She was an injured stray that was brought in to the Veterinary
Teaching Hospital at Cornell University where I was a senior veterinary
student in 1993. She was at least a year old when she adopted me. Now she
is over 12 years old. Like many other pet owners I am faced with the aging of
my pet.
What happens when our pets age? Dogs and cats undergo the same changes
that humans experience as they age. Organ function decreases, and eyesight
and hearing deteriorate. Muscle mass decreases causing weakness, and joints
become arthritic. The animal may become easily stressed and less adaptable
to changes in its routine. The immune system is not as efficient. The body’s
ability to defend against cancerous cells is diminished and allows for tumors
to grow and damage organs.
With advances in veterinary medicine our pets are living much longer than
before and geriatrics or senior pet medicine has become greatly emphasized
in the last decade. The good news is that many older dogs and cats are being
treated successfully for diseases that would have resulted in euthanasia not
too long ago.
Since nothing can be done to stop aging, senior pet medicine is a "quality of
life" issue. Unfortunately, because many pet owners are unaware of the
aging process and unfamiliar with age related diseases, many animals
endure pain or illnesses that could be effectively treated.
In the past, veterinarians would just treat diseases as they occurred. Now,
progressive practitioners are stressing the importance of preventative
medicine. In a recent column I discussed the benefits of a Senior Wellness
Exam which consists of a thorough physical exam, laboratory testing, and
other diagnostics such as radiographs (x-rays) and an EKG. The purpose is
to look for disease before the pet starts to show any clinical signs. Early
detection and treatment are one of the main keys to a successful outcome and
may save your pet’s life.
All pet owners, especially those with senior pets, should become familiar
with the common signs of disease which include changes in weight or
appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, drinking excessive amounts of water, increased
urination, limping or difficulty in getting up or climbing stairs, coughing,
and lethargy.
We know that animals do feel pain. Over 20% of older dogs suffer from
osteoarthritis and those that are not treated for it are in constant pain.
Common areas involved are the hips, knees and spine. Signs that your pet
may be suffering from arthritis pain are panting excessively, limping,
holding the hind legs close together, difficulty rising, reluctance to run or
jump, and trying to bite if a painful area is touched. There are now some
excellent medications such as Rimadyl [R], Deramaxx [R] and Adequan [R]
that can relieve arthritis pain. Older pets should have liver and kidney
function evaluated before starting such medications.
Dental disease is extremely common in older pets. Cats and small breed
dogs especially are affected by gingivitis and periodontal disease. Left
untreated, dental disease results in bad breath, gum recession and tooth
loss. It is also one of the most common causes of degenerative (heart) valve
disease as bacteria from infected teeth and gums enters the blood stream and
travels to the heart. Regular dental cleanings are the best way to prevent
dental disease from occurring.
If your pet will allow it, gently lift its lips back to expose the teeth and gums.
Look for large chunks of tartar, red gums right above the teeth, gum
recession or broken or loose teeth. If you see any of these your pet should be
examined by your veterinarian.
Many older pets have altered sleep patterns which can be very disturbing to
their owners. The pet may sleep only for short periods of time, pant
excessively, pace around the house as if unable to get comfortable, bark or
meow for no apparent reason, and continually wake it’s owner or ask to be
let outside.
Causes for altered sleep include arthritis pain, anxiety or fear of the dark
related to deteriorating vision, and being chilled from reduced body fat
stores (less insulation). Things that owners can do to help their senior pet
sleep better include a small snack or brief walk before bedtime, getting the
pet a warm bed or a doggy sweater, using night lights, and a pain medicine
trial (under veterinarian supervision) to look for hidden pain.
Older dogs may suffer from deteriorating mental function similar to
Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Signs include confusion, loss of house
training, pacing or getting stuck behind furniture or in corners, not
recognizing or greeting family members and a decreased interest in its
surroundings. Anipryl [R], a new medication recently approved for use in
"Canine Cognitive Dysfunction" syndrome may help dogs with this
condition.
None of us like to see our pets grow old, but unfortunately aging is an
inescapable fact of life. Just because a pet is old doesn’t mean that it has to
be unhealthy. Owner education of what to look for along with regular
checkups can help identify problems as soon as possible and allow for the
earliest possible treatment and help senior pets live healthy, comfortable
lives.