Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, pets are living longer than ever before.
With this increased lifespan comes an increase in the types of ailments that can afflict senior pets. Senior pets undergo aging changes in organs and tissues the same as do elderly humans. Just as the health care needs of humans change as we age, the same applies to pets. It is well known that senior pets have a higher incidence of such conditions as major organ failure, benign and malignant tumors, arthritis, and loss of special senses (especially hearing and vision). Older animals also develop more severe dental disease as they increase in age.
So how do you know if your pet is a senior?
Typically, smaller breeds of dogs live longer than larger breeds, and cats live longer than dogs. Beyond that, the life span will vary with each individual, and we can help you determine what stage of life your pet is in. Generally, most pets are considered senior at 7 years of age.
A comprehensive evaluation is clearly the best way to detect subclinical diseases or to find increased risk factors of diseases in senior patients. It has been repeatedly documented that many of the chronic disorders and disease processes seen in senior pets can be either cured or at least medically controlled if they are detected early enough. Earlier detection and prompt treatment of medical conditions improves the chances that senior pets will live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
However, detecting many diseases are very difficult by exams alone. Many animals mask signs of illness from the owners until it is considered chronic. Early detection of any disease process is vital in our attempts to cure or manage the disease so your pets' high quality of life may continue. It is important to remember that age is NOT a disease; it is a manifestation of the body's diminished repair response. If your pet is losing weight, having difficulty chewing, getting up slower, not jumping any more, not as playful, not eating well, drinking more water, or any other change in behavior, there likely a reason for this other than age.
Since our pets cannot always tell us when they feel ill, scheduling regular veterinary examinations is one of the most important steps pet owners can take to keep their pets in good health. When dogs and cats enter their senior years, examinations are more important than ever. We recommend that healthy senior pets visit the veterinarian every six months for a complete exam and undergo laboratory testing annually. With this in mind, it is important to remember that every year for a dog or cat is equivalent to 5-7 human years.
Please contact us for more information about a senior evaluation for your pet.
