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:
- To provide the warmest, softest bedding particularly in winter (mattress, trampoline beds, blankets and/or your household furniture).
- Keep your pet’s weight under control.
- Keep up your animals exercise regime without being excessive – lying around all day does nothing for good mobility.
- If these measures are being taken and discomfort persists then your vet can prescribe anti-inflammatories or similar drugs which can safely and easily be used usually with dramatic effect.
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:
- the lump grows or changes shape rapidly
- the animal chews or scratches at a lump or is aware of its presence
- the lump is in a compromising position eg. Eye, anus or armpits
- 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.
