Senior Pets

As pets age, they can often have serious health problems that can be overlooked or dismissed as normal for an older pet. Due to an increase in awareness in the area of senior pet medicine, veterinarians are increasingly able to offer new diagnostics and treatment options for a variety of problems that are common in older animals. This often means that senior pets can live a longer, better quality life. The key to providing this life to your senior pet begins with early recognition of changes in your pet's health. Early recognition of problems can result in early diagnosis and prompt treatment and prevention of more serious conditions. The rest of this article will explore some of the more common signs that can be associated with diseases common in older animals. 

1. Stiffness, difficulty rising, reluctance to climb stairs, and limping are some of the most common signs of arthritis in older pets. Many arthritic pets are worse in cold and damp weather. In addition, arthritic pets are often more uncomfortable when they first wake up and appear to "work out" their discomfort as the day goes on. Arthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of treatment options. However, it is important to consider that the same signs can be an indication of other diseases such as bone cancer and neurologic illness. Thus, a proper diagnosis is necessary to provide the correct treatment.

2. Excessive thirst, excessive urination, and wetting accidents can signal a wide variety of serious conditions in older pets. In dogs and cats both, excessive thirst and urination should not be ignored. Diabetes, kidney failure, and Cushing's disease are three of the most common causes of increased thirst and urination in pets. Urinary tract infections, incontinence, and behavioral problems are other conditions that can be associated with wetting accidents. Regardless of the cause, any change in thirst and urination patterns should be carefully investigated so that the best possible 

treatment can be provided. 

3. Coughing, gagging, excessive panting, and shallow or labored breathing can be an indication of cardiac or respiratory disease. Many animals will develop heart murmurs as they age. A heart murmur can be one of the earliest signs of cardiac disease. In most cases, over time, animals with heart murmurs will develop congestive heart failure, which can result in a variety of respiratory signs. Early diagnosis and treatment of cardiac problems can extend the life of your pet. Similar signs can be the result of other conditions as well. These can include advanced cancers, inflammatory and allergic conditions, and parasitic (heartworm) diseases. Again, a proper diagnosis is necessary to determine the cause of these respiratory signs so that appropriate treatment can be instituted.

4. Bad breath, rubbing or pawing at the face, excessive salivation, dropping food, and difficulty eating can be an indication of dental disease, infection, and oral cancer. Without appropriate oral care, virtually all animals will have a significant dental disease as they age. In addition to tooth loss, untreated dental infections can result in infection of the liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs. Thus, oral care is vital for all pets. Oral tumors can often mimic the signs of advanced dental disease. Thus, animals with signs of dental problems should be evaluated carefully for other oral problems.

5. Lumps and bumps on the skin are very common in older animals. Fortunately, the majority of skin lesions are benign. However, the types of skin tumors that are malignant are typically very aggressive and should be taken care of promptly. Special attention should be given to masses on the eyelid margins, anus, and mammary glands, as masses in these areas tend to be more problematic. All new lumps and bumps in older pets should be examined by a veterinarian.

6. Disorientation, change in sleeping patterns, loss of house training, lack of interest in family members, and change in the normal routine can be the result of several different disorders and diseases, some of which have been discussed previously. If these other illnesses are ruled out, one possible explanation is cognitive dysfunction syndrome or CDS. CDS can be compared to Alzheimer's in people. Changes in the physical and chemical make-up of the brain result in altered behaviors. New medical treatments are available for CDS.

7. Blindness, bluish-colored or hazy eyes, and bulging eyes can be an indication of a wide variety of diseases.

Cataracts and nuclear sclerosis can mimic each other. Nuclear sclerosis is a normal aging process that occurs on most pets over 7 or 8 years old. Cataracts can occur independently or secondary to diabetes. Glaucoma results when the pressure in the eye becomes too high. Untreated glaucoma results in permanent blindness. Diseases such as kidney failure and hyperthyroidism can result in high blood pressure and sudden blindness. Any sudden change in vision or appearance of the eyes should be investigated immediately.

The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of your regular veterinarian. Please do not hesitate to contact your regular veterinarian if you have questions regarding your pet.