Geriatric Animals
Have you ever noticed that both cats and dogs are living longer than
ever before? They are, and this is partially due to the great strides in veterinary
medicine over the last 10 - 15 years. Preventive medicine, or "keeping pets
well", has become a major part of today's veterinary practice rather than simply
focusing on curing illnesses as they arise.
Tremendous advances in technology have contributed to early
diagnoses as well as better cure rates for pets of all ages. It is very common now for
general practitioners to be able to perform ultrasound, radiology, endoscopy,
electrocardiography, and dentistry in their clinics without sending patients to a
specialist or referral practice. Laser technology is now available to individual
practitioners as are various types of on-site diagnostic tests. Additionally, we have
great local referral practices where MRI's, radiation and chemotherapies, endoscopic joint
surgery, hip and knee replacements and kidney transplants are being performed. The
utilization of all of these great capabilities is the key to extending a pet's life.
Now we can detect disorders early enough that they can be medically
and/or surgically managed. If these disorders can at least be controlled so that their
progression is long term, this can lead to a great extended quality of life for your pet.
The actual "aging process" occurs when multiple body
systems undergo progressive and sometimes irreversible changes. This process varies by
species, breed, environment and lifestyle. Therefore, the proper age to begin a geriatric
wellness program is recommended as:
| Small dogs under 20 lbs |
9 - 13 yrs. |
| Medium dogs 21 - 50 lbs |
9 - 11.5 yrs. |
| Large dogs 51 - 90 lbs |
7.5 - 10.5 yrs. |
| Giant dogs over 90 lbs |
6 - 9 yrs. |
| Most cat breeds |
8 - 10 yrs. |
A starting point, is a complete history and physical
exam. The geriatric exam consists of evaluating laboratory tests such as a chemistry
profile, complete blood cell count and urinalysis. A more in-depth level of testing should
include an electrocardiogram, radiographs and possible ultrasonography if indicated.
Full attention should be given to detecting the problems pets are
prone to such as:
- Obesity or severe weight loss
- Cancer
- Periodontal/gingival disease
- Skin, hair and coat changes
- Degenerative joint disease
- Vision and hearing losses
- Heart murmurs leading to congestive heart failure
- Progressive kidney failure
- Chronic pulmonary diseases
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Loss of house training
- Diabetes, adrenal or thyroid diseases
Every animal should have an annual physical exam. The animal's
overall health will determine the appropriate level of geriatric care needed. After the
recommended ages shown, all animals should also have lab work and urinalysis performed
annually. These initial levels of testing will indicate whether more in-depth testing is
warranted. Taking advantage of these recommended diagnostics can delay or minimize the
progressive deterioration of the animal's body systems due to the inevitable aging
process.
Starting in January, and running through Feb. 28, we will be
offering introductory packages for Geriatric patients. Check one of the packages you
would like and bring it with you on your next visit for the discount.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year from our family at Acre View Pet Hospital!!! -- Dr.
Margaret King.
When thinking of the holidays, many things come to
mind, including family gatherings around a home-cooked meal, with beautifully decorated
Christmas trees, and poinsettias. What we don't think about is all the things that can be
harmful to our four-legged friends.
Table scraps are unhealthy for pets. Fatty foods can
cause pancreatitis, bones can splinter and perforate the intestinal tract, spoiled meat
can cause food poisoning, and chocolate can be toxic. If you can't resist those puppy eyes
begging at the dinner table, keep treats specifically made for pets at the table and give
those instead of scraps.
Consideration should be taken on how you decorate your
home for the holidays. Cats are attracted to shiny, glittery objects such as tinsel.
Ingestion of these foreign objects may call for surgical intervention. Pets are also
attracted to plants. If eaten, many can be toxic, including poinsettias. See the following
list for a few of the more common "safe" and "unsafe" plants:
Pet
"Safe" Plants
African Violets - Basil - Catnip - Chives - Lettuce -
Oregano - Parsley - Rosemary - Sage - Thyme
Pet
"Unsafe" Plants
Poinsettias
Aloe Vera - Calla Lily - Easter Lily - Elephant Ears - English Ivy - Eucalyptus -
Mistletoe - Tomato Plants
Courtesy of ASPCA, Compiled by: Sandra
Morgan, DVM |
