WHAT HEALTH SIGNS SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN YOUR ELDERLY DOG OR CAT
Heart Failure:
Coughing is often a first sign of heart problems and most frequently in dogs.
Reduced exercise tolerance and a swollen abdomen are often indicative of cardiac
problems also. A lot of smaller breeds of dogs have ongoing heart problems and
murmurs throughout their lives which should be closely monitored, particularly
in older age. Improving an animal’s heart function can dramatically alter the
quality of your pet’s life. This, of course, should include heartworm prevention
at any age in the case of dogs.
Arthritis:
All animals will be laboured by arthritic changes as the years go by,
particularly in larger breeds and overweight animals, and where there have been
accidents in the past. The basic principles of a comfortable musculo-skeletal
system are:
Bad Breath:
An ugly odour from your pet’s mouth will usually indicate poor dental health.
This can be prevented with regular tooth brushing and/or chewing, but
particularly with cats, tooth scaling and polishing, and extractions as
necessary, is required. Naturally extra precautions have to be taken but the
benefits of good oral hygiene will be evident to both you and your cat and dog.
Cloudy Eyes:
The most common old age eye problems are cataracts. These decrease your pet’s
sight and particularly night vision. These changes are generally irreversible
and progressive and appear as a milky change in the pupils. Where vision is
seriously compromised, surgery will be beneficial and will require referral to a
specialist.
Lumps and Bumps:
As the years go by, your pet may develop lumps and tumours which should be
checked. Many are harmless and to be expected with advancing age. In the
following circumstances, further investigation is recommended:
a) the lump grows or changes shape rapidly
b) the animal chews or scratches at a lump or is aware of its presence
c) the lump is in a compromising position eg. Eye, anus or armpits
d) the lump appears to be of a dangerous type
In a lot of cases, only microscopic examination can reveal the type and nature
of your pet’s bumps.
Drinking Excessively:
This is usually associated with increased urination, and can be an indicator of
many disease conditions, some quite serious. Kidney failure is a common cause of
this in older cats and is often associated with weight loss and poor appetite in
its later stages. However, kidney failure is only controllable when detected
earlier – a urine sample or blood tests are essential. Hyperthyroidism is
another condition common in elderly cats.
Weight Loss:
Loss of general body condition with or without a good appetite, particularly
over a short period is worrying at any time, but in older animals, consideration
must be given to dietary requirements, dental disease, kidney function, cancer
and thyroid conditions.
Long Toenails:
As an animal’s exercise vigour decreases, less wear to toe nails becomes a
worry, to the point where they cause lameness, disfigurement or grow back into
the toe. Toenails should be regularly trimmed, small amount at a time, to avoid
injury. In many cases, this can be challenging and may require veterinary
assistance or advice.