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"Would
You Wait A Lifetime To Brush Your
Teeth?"
Health care of animals has come a
long way in recent years and many health problems
once considered an inevitable part of aging can be
managed successfully. Many small breed dogs can
live to 17 or 18 years, and cats can survive into
their early twenties, enjoying longer and happier
twilight
years.
1. Diet
Dogs and
cats are considered 'geriatric' beyond 5 to 7
years of age. As the body ages, organs become less
effective and easily stressed by dietary
imbalances. Excess protein can stress the kidneys
while excess sodium (salt) will stress the heart.
A diet too high in fat will lead to obesity, as
older animals tend to be less active. Obesity will
strain the heart, and place pressure on limbs and
joints leading to
arthritis.
Senior pet food has
balanced levels of fibre, sodium, phosphorus,
protein and fat. It is highly palatable and easily
digestible. Palatability is important as older
animals often have a reduced sense of taste
and smell. High
digestibility is crucial to help the
aging digestive tract use food more efficiently.
The clinic stocks premium
senior food for both dogs
and cats.
2.
Dental care
Although senior dry food is
softer, it is essential that chewing is encouraged
to maintain the health of the gums and jaw.
Geriatric animals unable to chew should have
Maxiguard gel applied to their teeth and gums
daily to maintain oral health, or Aquadent added
to their drinking water.
3. Parasite control
Older dogs and cats should be
wormed against intestinal worms regularly every
three months and be on a monthly heartworm
preventative programme (dogs may be given an
annual heartworm injection). Flea control should
be provided year-round with a non toxic product
such as Program, Sentinel Spectrum, Advantage,
Frontline Plus or Revolution. Any younger
animals in the household must also be
treated.
4. Veterinary visits
for the Older Pet
Twice yearly
checks are advised for all dogs and cats over the
age of 6 to 8 years to allow the early detection
of problems. Your vet will also advise on
vaccinations. Remember the old saying "a year is
seven years in the life of a dog". Screening blood
tests can be used to expose underlying
disorders.
Common age-related
disorders
1. Heart disease
Many
older dogs and cats suffer deterioration of the
heart muscle or weakening of the heart valves.
Initial signs of heart disease include lethargy,
reluctance to exercise and a cough developing at
night. Heart disease can be caused by, or
complicated by, the presence of heartworm. Often
heart disease can be managed by medication and
dietary
adjustments.
2. Renal disease
Kidney
failure
is particularly common in older cats. The most
common signs are increased drinking and urination,
although these signs may not be noticed in the
outside cat. Depending on the cause, many cats can
be managed medically in compensated renal failure.
Dental disease and mouth infections predispose
older cats to renal
failure.
3. Arthritis
Dogs in particular can suffer from
osteoarthritis, which may be secondary to an
injury or hip dysplasia. If one limb or joint is
significantly worse than others, it is important
to rule out other causes, such as bone cancer.
Generally, the signs of arthritis appear gradually
and are often dismissed as 'simply old age';
usually the symptoms are stiffness and reduction
in activity which is worse in cold or wet weather.
After a
thorough clinical examination, possibly including
x-rays, one or both of the following medications
may be prescribed: Rimadyl this
non-steroidal medication has an excellent safety
profile and is effective in relieving the clinical
signs of pain and inflammation associated with
arthritis in dogs; Cartrophen
given as a series of weekly injections
followed by boosters every 3 to 6 months, this
drug inhibits enzymes causing cartilage breakdown,
stimulates the production of lubricant and
cartilage molecules and improves the
microcirculation of the joints.The use of newer drugs such as Rimadyl
and Cartrophen have markedly improved the quality
of life of many older dogs, some of which would
otherwise have been euthanased.
4. Senility
Prescription medication such
as Vivitonin
and Fitergol
are available to improve the clinical
signs related to the aging
process by improving blood flow and circulation
in dogs.
Improvements include: improved appetite, better
breathing, less senile behaviour, reduced
incontinence, decreased stiffness,
shinier
coat and increased exercise. Hills Prescription
b/d diet has been shown to eleviate many of the
signs associated with brain ageing such as
noctural wanderings, reduced interaction with the
family and loss of toilet
training.
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