Senior Wellness

Senior Pets need extra care and attention and often have special needs as humans do when we get older.  But, they can be great companions when cared for correctly.  Its common knowledge that dogs and cats age differently than we do.  Your pet is considered senior after the age of 7.   Its difficult to pinpoint exactly because so many things contribute to the age and life expectancy of your pet.  Typically the larger the animal the shorter the life span, but there are things we can do to ensure a long and healthy life for our friends.  Check the age chart below to see roughly how old your pet is in human years. 

What to look for

Common Diseases & Conditions

• Arthritis  -  Degenerative joint disease is the number one cause of chronic pain in dogs and cats.  The condition is a result of long-term stresses on a joint, either resulting from an old injury or from natural development of a poorly conformed joint.  In some situations surgery may be an option, but in most cases the degeneration of the joint cannot be reversed and treatment focuses on preventing the progression of damage.  There are many products available to treat pain and inflammation, as well as joint supplements that after long term use will repair damaged cartilage.  Some of these supplements include: Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate, Omega Three Fatty Acids and MSM.  Adequan is an injectable cartilage component called polysulfated glycosaminoglycan derived from the windpipe cartilage of cattle.  Adequan has numerous beneficial effects for arthritis including the inhibition of harmful enzymes involving joint cartilage destruction, stimulation of cartilage repair, and increasing joint lubrication. 
• Diabetes -  Increased thirst or more frequent urination can be signs of diabetes for your canine or feline friend.  When diagnosed and treated appropriately your friend can have a long and happy life despite his or her condition.  With regular glucose monitoring and alot of love, your senior pet can be maintained with a good diet and insulin administration as directed by your Veterinarian.   
• Cancer  -  Senior dogs are prone to cancer, so have any lumps or bumps checked promptly.  If caught early enough, in most cases many cancers can be managed.  Sometimes treatment can provide a normal lifespan by relieving pain and other symptoms.  Atleast long enough to say good-bye.  Regardless, you need to know as early in the course as possible. 
• Cataracts  -  Can be congenital (born with it), age related, or genetic origin (the most common cause), caused by trauma, by dietary deficiency (some kitten milk replacement formulas have been implicated), by electric shock, or by toxin.  The patient with a cataract is not able to see through the opacity.  If the entire lens is involved, the eye will be blind.  Diabetic dogs are prone to cataracts due to Diabetes Mellitus, no matter how good their insulin regulation is.  In this condition the blood sugar soars as does the sugar level of the eye fluids.  The fluid of the eye's anterior chamber is the fluid that normally nurtures the lens but there is only so much glucose that the lens is able to consume.  The excess sugar is absorbed by the lens and transformed into sorbitol.  Sorbitol within the lens unfortunately draws water into the lens, causing an irreversible cataract in each eye.  Diabetic cats have alternative sugar metabolism in their eyes and do not get cataracts from diabetes.   
• Cognitive Dysfunction
• Eye Defects  -  Eye defects that progress over time may reach the point of blindness.  If untreatable, dogs can cope well, adjusting to the change.  Although its important to make sure your pet isnt in pain. 
• Glaucoma  -  Is a multifactorial disease characterized by an elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) which is compatible with the health of the eye.  In addition to direct damage from elevated IOP, neurotoxic and ischemic insults occuring with glaucoma eventually result in permanent vision loss through progrssive death of retinal ganglion cells and their axons in the optic nerve.
• Heart Disease
• High Blood Pressure
• Hip Dysplasia  -  Depending on the dosage and other factors, medication will likely help and surgery may be an option.  You can restructure the dogs environment and daily routine to eliminate the need to walk on slick floors, jump up to vehicles or furniture, or climb steps.  Joint supplements are helpful along with prescription diets. 
• Hyperthyroidism - Undetected in younger years can cause serious problems in the geriatric dogs.  A quick and easy test can diagnose hyperthyroidism in your senior pet, and medication can be prescribed to safely regulate thyroid levels.  Rechecking thyroid levels preiodically ensures the medication is working correctly and does not need adjusting.
• Incontinence
• KCS  -  Canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or dry eye is a common opthalmic condition resulting from inadequate production of the aqueous portion of the tear film by the lacrimal gland and/or gland of the nictitating membrane.  The disease results in desiccation of the ocular surface with resulting corneoconjuntival inflammation and ocular pain.  Secondary conjunctival bacterial overgrowth is common.  Corneal complication including ulceration, vascularization, scarring, and pigmentation often result in reduced vision and severe corneal ulceration related to KCS can lead to perforation and loss of the eye.  Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and timely follow-up are essential for the successful management of this painful and potentially blinding disease.  
• Kidney Disease
• Liver Failure
• Loss of Hearing
• Loss of Vision

Laboratory Testing

During the senior years, laboratory tests are recommended every 6 months for healthy dogs and cats.  At a minimum, the following tests are recommended:

• CBC (Complete Blood Count)  Measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in a given sample of blood.  The The numbers and types of these cells give the veterinarian information needed to help diagnose anemia, infections and leukemia.  A complete blood count also helps your veterinarian monitor your pet's response to some treatments. 
• Urinalysis  Laboratory analysis of urine is a tool used to detect the presence of one or more specific substances that normally do not appear in urine, such as protein, sugar, white blood cells or blood.  Checking for these things can assist in the diagnosis of urinary-tract infections, diabetes, dehydration, kidney problems and many other conditions.
• General Health Profile  Blood-chemistry panels measure electrolytes, enzymes and chemical elements such as calcium and phosphorous.  This information helps your veterinarian determine how various organs, such as the kidneys, pancreas, and liver, are currently functioning.  The results help your veterinarian formulate an accurate diagnosis, prescribe proper therapy, and monitor the response to treatment.  Further testing may be recommended based on the results of these tests.
• Total T4  Measure's the concentration of Thyroxine in the serum.  Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland.  Checking thyroid levels once yearly ensures normal thyroid function.  
• Parasite Evaluation (Fecal or Stool Check) Microscopic examination of your pet's feces can provide information about many different kinds of diseases, such as difficulties with digestion, internal bleeding, and disorders of the pancreas.  Most importantly, though, this test confirms the presence of intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms and giardia.
• Blood Pressure Evaluation
• Tono-Pen (Glaucoma Screen)
• Digital Radiographs  Determine heart size, lung condition & arthritis.

Diet & Exercise

Coping Skills