As our pets age, stress upon vital internal organs is likely to become more serious. Vitamin requirements generally increase, and nutritional needs differ greatly from those of younger animals. Sources of chronic infection, such as tooth and gum disease can adversely affect internal organs and contribute to failing health.

Aging also increases the risk of arthritis, disc disease and other skeletal problems. Many of these problems are readily detectable and can be controlled if diagnosed early and treated properly.

General Health Recommendations for Cats and Dogs

• Physical examination every 6 months.
• Fecal examination every 6 months.
• Heartworm, ehlichia, and lyme testing yearly.
• Keep vaccinations current.
• Brush frequently to keep hair coat from matting.
• Clip toenails as needed to prevent overgrowth.
• Keep fresh water available at all times and monitor consumption.
• Monitor for changes in urine volume or frequency.
• Keep other pet from preventing your senior pet from eating or drinking.
• Keep cats indoors. Keep dogs indoors during weather that is hot, cold, or rainy.
• Weigh on the same scale and record results at least every 2 months.

Always Bring your Senior Pet to See the Veterinarian If:

• Significant increase in water consumption.
• Significant increase in urination frequency.
• Weight loss
• Significant increase in appetite or failure to eat for more than 2 consecutive days.
• Significant increase in appetite
• Repeated vomiting.
• Diarrhea that lasts over 1 day.
• Difficulty in passing stool or urine or prolonged sitting in the litter box.
• Inappropriate urination or defecation occurs.
• Lameness that lasts more than 1 day, or lameness in more than one leg.
• Noticeable decrease in vision, especially if sudden in onset or pupils that do not constrict in bright light.
• Masses, ulcerations (open sores), or multiple scabs on the skin.
• Foul mouth odor or drooling.
• Increased size of the abdomen.
• Increasing inactivity or amount of time spent sleeping.
• Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching or if in specific areas of the body.
• Open mouth breathing
• Reluctance or inability to chew dry food.
• Persistent coughing or gagging.
• Sudden bouts of weakness or collapse.
• Seizures.

Comprehensive Physical Examinations:

Since pets age 5-7 times faster than humans, it can be estimated that one physical examination for a pet per year is equivalent to one exam every 5-7 geriatric years in humans. The office visit should include a detailed medical history along with a “nose to tail” physical examination. A comprehensive physical examination should be performed every 6 months or more often depending on any specific medical problems discovered in your pet.

Laboratory Screening for Diseases:

• Heartworm, lyme, ehlichia testing-(dogs only)
• Urinalysis
• Complete blood counts
• Internal parasite examination
• Blood chemistry screening
• Thyroid screening
• Feline leukemia/ Feline AIDS testing-(Cats only)

Nutrition:

Senior pets have differing nutritional needs according to their health status. Ask your veterinarian to a specific recommendation for your pet. DO NOT feed table scraps or snacks unless formulated for the senior pet. New pet treats are now available from the clinic that is very palatable as well as healthy for your pet.

As the pet gets older, water consumption becomes much more important. Increased water consumption is a very important clinical sign in several senior pet medical problems. Be sure to notify the clinic if you see changes in water consumption.

Prevent Obesity:

Extra pounds burden the heart, kidneys, muscles and joints, decreasing life expectancy 30-50%. It is much harder to lose weight than to prevent the weight gain. If your pet is prone to weight gains, feeding diets made to maintain weight and limited access to food is important for control.

Heartworm Prevention:

Heartworms are a serious and deadly problem. All pets should be on heartworm prevention all year long.

Dental Hygiene:

Periodontal disease is a very serous problem in senior pets. Tartar buildup is a result of bacterial infection in the mouth. Once these bacteria become attached to the teeth below the gum line, it becomes a “seed” of infection that spreads all over the body. Many respiratory, kidney, liver, and heart infections are a result of bacteria spreading from the mouth. It is important to note that the “real” problem is what you don’t see can certainly be slowly killing your pet.

Dental exams, routine use of dental hygiene products, and dental cleaning/polishing are important for a healthy mouth.

Medicating your Pet:

NEVER give human medications or medications prescribed for other pets to your senior pets. There can be very serious complications if a medication is given to a pet that has compromised internal organs.

Hyperthyroidism:

Hyperthyroidism is an increasing more common disease of older cats. In most cases, it is caused by a non-malignant growth of the thyroid gland that causes an increased production of thyroid hormone. The cause of this growth is unknown at this time. Excess thyroid hormone leads to very serious complications in other body organs, especially the heart and kidneys. Signs of hyperthyroidism include:

• Weight loss
• Enormous appetite
• Poor hair coat
• Hyperactivity
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea

Hyperthyroidism is a progressive disease. Signs, if untreated will continue to worsen until the cat dies. Any senior aged cat exhibiting the above signs should be blood tested for high levels of thyroid hormone to diagnose the problem. If the problem is diagnosed early, treatment is very successful.

Hopefully this will give you the knowledge to know what problems to look for to help your pet be with you for as long as possible.

It is time for Hope Animal Hospital to have another BBQ. It is going to be October 14, 2006. We will have a raffle with many GREAT PRIZES. We would love to see you there and bring your friends.