Q&A with MAH: Senior Care

Q&A with MAH: Senior Care

Q. How can I prepare for my pet's senior years? 

A. We recommend laboratory testing during our senior exams. This can be invaluable in revealing additional information concerning your pet’s overall health above and beyond what can be detected by physical examination and your personal observation.

Diagnostic screening can prevent your pet from serious medical problems. We highly recommend that your “best friend” have a complete physical exam twice a year once he is 7 years old. By establishing a baseline of normal values before the senior years, we can detect any changes that might indicate health problems.

Data from senior health screening exams shows that more than 22% of senior dogs, and 17% of cats that appear healthy, have been found to have significant subclinical disease.

If you are a cat owner, there are a few things you should know:  

• According to the AVMA, cats are brought to the veterinarian only about HALF as often as dogs. 
• Cats hide illness better than dogs, and many times owners may not realize there is a problem. 
• Behavioral changes can be early signs of illness in both cats and dogs. These changes are often less obvious in cats. 
• Cat owners may not notice subtle changes in appetite, elimination, or other behavior until an illness is advanced. 
• The risk of cancer, periodontal disease, obesity, kidney disease, thyroid disease, and diabetes increases with age in cats.

Q. What can I expect during my pet's senior years? 

A. As your pet grows older, his nutritional needs change; intestines lose the ability to absorb nutrients, and the liver and kidneys process waste products less efficiently.  Feeding special diets designed for your pet’s needs can be very helpful.

Dental disease is common as your pet ages. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and weaken the liver, kidneys, and heart. It is important to practice good dental care, especially in your pet’s old age. 
As your pet ages you’ll notice subtle changes. It’s important to understand normal aging versus abnormal changes in your pet’s health.

·       Sleeping more

·       Graying coat, especially around the mouth

·       Dental & gum disease    (veterinary care required)

·       Deterioration of hearing & vision

·       Joint inflammation & discomfort (arthritis)

·       Muscle shrinkage and body weakness

·       Decrease in skin elasticity

Arthritis in pets is very similar to the disease in humans. It is a condition where the joints become inflamed and become swollen; this results in pain, stiffness, and immobility.  Don’t attribute initial arthritis signs to “old age”. We have advanced arthritis medication and treatments to keep your pet happy and healthy.

~Your friends at MAH