Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital Newsletters::August 2008

August 2008 News Letter

I hope everyone is having a safe and enjoyable summer. We here at PLVH have been taking vacations and working hard. Be safe and enjoy the rest of the summer.

Your Senior Pet

Tips to make the most of the golden years
      Hearing Loss; Sleeps soundly, no longer awakens to noises
          1. teach your dog hand signals
          2. train him to respond to a vibrating collar
          3. don't startle your dog with sudden movements or surprise him from behind, especially when he is sleeping

       Failing Eye Sight; Clumsiness, bumping into things
          1. provide navigation cues, install a carpet runner leading to the doggie door or outside, leave a radio on in a consistent location and don't move furniture too often
          2. announce yourself with your voice or footsteps when approaching your dog.
          3. eliminate unsafe objects and conditions such as a coffee table with sharp corners or a deep hole in the pavement or the garden
          4. Introduce your dog to new environments

       Dental Disease; tartar, loose teeth, inflammation of the gums, trouble eating, pawing at the mouth
          1. Don't let the fear of anesthetizing get in the way of veterinary attention. Most older dogs can be anesthetized safely. The risk is greater in leaving dental disease untreated. We do, however recommend that pre-anesthetic blood work and an EKG be done prior to the dental to diagnose any underlying issues.

       Incontinence; Sudden onset of urinary or bowel incontinence that lasts more than a couple of days needs veterinary attention. A gradual onset which shows up when your dog sleeps or in small amounts of leaking through out the day is probably normal aging. This too can be treated by your veterinarian after testing shows no underlying conditions present.
          1. doggie diapers
          2. disposable puppy pads
          3. medicine as prescribed by your veterinarian
          4. give your dog access to areas that won't suffer damage
          5. trim hair from areas that tend to get soiled and rinse with warm water

      Mental Aging; CDS (cognitive dysfunction syndrome) responds to treatment, pacing, aimless wandering, whining, confusing night and day, disorientation, refusing food, inappropriate elimination, changes in interaction with the family.
          1. Feed your dog an antioxidant and nutrient rich foods
          2. keep your dog's active
          3. keep dog's life calm
          4. limit exposure to confusing or potentially upsetting situations
          5. medication prescribed by the veterinarian

       Arthritis; difficulty in sitting down, getting up from the floor, climbing stairs, jumping in or out of the car, or onto furniture - lameness, limping, slipping on wood or linoleum floors, stiffness upon wakening, whimpering or aggression when touched on the back or hips
          1. raised eating platforms
          2. harnesses and belts that assist in lifting the hind quarters
          3. ramps and steps
          4. non skid mats
          5. non slip booties
          6. orthopedic warming beds
          7. coats and sweaters for cold damp days
          8. buggies and strollers
          9. exercise and diet control
         10. medication from your veterinarian

All of the above issues should be discussed with your veterinarian. They will be able to advise you of the tests available to diagnose these problems, signs to look for and any medications that can be prescribed to make your senior pet as comfortable as possible.

10 Common Disorders of Senior Cats

Someone once said that cats don't age; they grow more refined. Either way, as time progresses certain illnesses can develop. By being aware of some concerns regarding older cats, you can be a more educated and prepared guardian for your aging companion. It's important that your elderly cat receive routine veterinary care and periodic exams, preferably every 6 months. Here are some of the most commonly diagnosed illnesses known to afflict older cats:

Nutritional Concerns. Obesity is a very common and serious concern in the older cat. It directly correlates to a decreased longevity, and may contribute to other problems. Overweight cats are more likely to become diabetic, suffer from liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) or feline lower urinary tract disease. Proper nutrition management is an important part of the care for your senior cat, especially since it is something that you can control. Ask your veterinarian which food he would recommend.
Dental Disease. Dental disease and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) are common findings in the elderly cat. Untreated dental disease leads to tooth loss, and may serve as a reservoir of infection for the rest of the body, posing a risk to other body systems
Kidney Disease. Kidney disease is a very common finding in the older cat. With early detection, special diet and treatment, many cats can do well. Kidney disease is one of the primary reasons veterinarians recommend regular screening blood tests in older cats.
Hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is another common disease of older cats. The thyroid gland becomes overactive, often due to a tumor, and the cat becomes quite ill. There are several treatment options available that can help your cat regain his health and live longer. Ask your veterinarian about testing for this disease and the treatments available.
Diabetes. Unlike people, most diabetic cats cannot be maintained on diet changes alone. Daily insulin injections are typically necessary. Occasionally, oral medications and diet can improve the blood sugar level, without the need for injections.
Hypertension. Cats with untreated hypertension (high blood pressure) can develop serious signs of illness such as sudden blindness or heart disease. Sometimes, underlying kidney disease or hyperthyroidism is the cause of the hypertension. Treatment is available and can help improve your cat's health.
Heart Disease. The most common heart disease in the senior cat is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle). This is often associated with hyperthyroidism or hypertension. Early detection of heart disease, treating underlying disorders and proper therapy may slow the progression of the heart disease.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with vomiting and diarrhea. Sometimes IBD is associated with liver inflammation or inflammation of the pancreas. Treatment is available and most cats can do well on proper diet and medication.
Skin Tumors. Lumps and bumps are common findings on the elderly cat. On the basis of the size, location and aspiration results, your veterinarian may recommend removal of one or many skin masses. If not removed, the lumps should be monitored closely for any changes in size, shape or texture.
Cancer. Unfortunately, cancer is a significant problem facing the senior cat. Lymphosarcoma is the most common type of cancer in the cat. Not all cancer needs to be fatal. Surgery, and other options are available that can significantly extend your cat's quality time, or produce a cure. The prognosis depends on the type and location of the cancer.
Other Concerns. As cats age, their organs also age and do not function as well as they once did. Various liver diseases are common in aging cats, including fatty liver syndrome and cirrhosis. Another concern with elderly cats is the potential to develop anemia. Whether associated with kidney disease, cancer, chronic disease or primary bone marrow disorders, anemia can cause your cat to be profoundly weak and, without treatment, may even become so severe that emergency medical help is needed.

If your pet is showing any signs of distress or you suspect your pet is seriously ill, CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY. If it is after hours, contact an emergency veterinary clinic in your area.