What is Senior Wellness?
Senior wellness refers to the regular examination and screening of patients to detect disease early, and provide companion animals with a long, happy, and pain-free existence. Most pets are considered a senior once they reach the age of seven, although some giant breed dogs may be considered a senior as early as the age of five. Dogs and cats often hide the early signs of disease, so twice-a-year examinations by a veterinarian are critical.
What are some early signs of problems in my pet?
Early indicators of disease in cats may include a poor hair coat or reluctance to groom, weight loss, or a change in appetite, thirst or urination. Other more serious problems may include anorexia, vomiting, blood in the urine, coughing, or difficulty breathing. In dogs, one may see weight loss or a change in weight distribution in the body, lethargy, a decreased appetite, or increased thirst or urination during early stages of disease. More serious problems may include vomiting, coughing, trouble breathing, exercise intolerance, or anorexia. In addition, subtle changes such as difficulty standing from a resting position or reluctance to go up stairs may be early indicators of orthopedic conditions such as osteoarthritis.
What is checked during my senior wellness exam?
Every pet will receive a complete physical exam, checking the eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, lymph nodes, and musculoskeletal system. Most pets receive blood screenings including a complete blood count (CBC), a chemistry profile, urinalysis, and maybe a thyroid level. This bloodwork screens for kidney conditions, diabetes, liver changes, and anemia. Some pets may receive blood pressure monitoring as a regular part of their exam. In other cases, radiographs may be recommended.
If abnormalities are found, is there anything that can be done for my pet?
Many diseases can best be managed when detected early. Kidney disease can often be managed with diet, slowing the progression of the disease and extending the life of the patient. Thyroid problems can often be managed with oral medications. Diabetes is easier to control when detected early. Osteoarthritis, a painful condition in dogs, can be managed with anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medication, and supplements.
Senior wellness is important in all pets. It is important to remember that pets age much more quickly than people and that semi-annual visits to the veterinarian are critical for a long, happy life for your pet. Our goal at the Raritan Animal Hospital is to provide the best medical care for our patients in order to give them a good quality of life. Please speak to our staff to learn more about senior wellness.
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Kennels, dog parks, doggy daycare, and puppy training classes are a fun way to socialize your dog; however it can also increase their exposure to some contagious illnesses. One such illness is canine influenza. The presence of canine influenza was first noted in 2003 among the racing greyhound population in Florida and has since been seen throughout the United States. Because canine influenza (H3N8) is a newly emerging virus, all dogs are susceptible regardless of age or breed. Routes of infection include direct contact with an infected dog and exposure to surfaces or clothing that have become contaminated with the virus.
Canine influenza is difficult to diagnose as it presents with similar symptoms to the bacterium Bordatella bronchisceptica (kennel cough.) In fact laboratory samples must be submitted for analysis to truly verify viral contamination versus bacterial infection. Dogs who have been at shelters, rescue organizations, pet stores, boarding facilities, and those who frequent dog parks, training classes, and groomers are all at higher risk for exposure to the virus.
There are currently no specific treatments for canine influenza. The symptoms caused by the virus must be managed to prevent secondary bacterial infections from occurring. To prevent such infections, patients are placed on antibiotics as part of their treatment protocol. For severe cases, hospitalization and specialized nursing care may be necessary.
Regular vet visits and proper nutrition provide a good basis for ensuring your pet’s immune system is strong. Recently a new vaccine for canine influenza has emerged. Studies have shown it to be well tolerated in over 700 dogs. The initial vaccine must be administered in 2 doses three weeks apart. Dogs are then vaccinated annually for the virus. If you feel your pet’s frequency of exposure to other dogs makes them a high risk candidate, talk to our veterinarians about incorporating the canine influenza vaccine into their yearly vaccine schedule.
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Diabetes mellitus is caused by either a deficiency in insulin secretion by the cells of the pancreas, or insulin resistance in other tissues of the body. Insulin is required by cells to uptake and use glucose (sugar) for energy. Diabetes usually occurs in middle-aged cats and dogs. Age and obesity can predispose a pet to diabetes. Other factors such as long term use of corticosteroids can also increase the dangers of development as well.
Patients suspected of having diabetes exhibit symptoms such as increased thirst and appetite, increased urination, lethargy, and weight loss. In some cases, patients are also afflicted by other complicating conditions such as urinary tract infections, pancreatitis, and a neuropathy brought about by the disease.
Diabetes is diagnosed when patients display persistently elevated glucose levels in conjunction with glucose in the urine. Diabetic patients who are recently diagnosed are often in a state of dehydration and as such may exhibit electrolyte imbalances as well as elevated kidney and liver values. Early detection of diabetes can make treatment and maintenance of the disease less complicated for both the pet owner and the veterinarian.
Treatment of diabetes is something that must be tailored to each individual patient. It is often initiated by performing an analysis called a glucose curve. This process involves hospitalization of the diagnosed patient so that insulin therapy can be initiated and monitored closely in order to determine a safe dose for the patient. Insulin therapy for pets has improved with the introduction of Vetsulin an insulin manufactured specifically for the veterinary field. Once treatment is initiated, it is important for the pet owner to understand that diabetes may take several weeks to regulate. Even well-controlled diabetics may need periodic adjustments to their daily dosing.
Just as important is making sure diabetic patients are on a timed and regulated feeding schedule in conjunction with the administration of their insulin. When insulin is administered to a pet without a meal it can elicit a hypoglycemic response by the body. Hypoglycemia is defined as low blood glucose. Hypoglycemia can be severe and as such must be treated as a medical emergency. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include weakness, disorientation, acute collapse, and even seizures. Should your diabetic pet experience a hypoglycemic episode call your veterinarian immediately.
When poorly managed or left unregulated, diabetes can develop into a life threatening condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Symptoms of DKA include vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy. Patients in DKA require hospitalization and fluid therapy to flush the bloodstream of these excess levels as well as to combat dehydration. When stable the patient can then begin to re-establish a regulated state of diabetes.
Diabetes is a disease that requires commitment by the pet owner. Proper care and management can allow for diabetic pets to live a full life. Talk to our veterinarians today if you think your pet may be exhibiting signs of diabetes and discuss what steps you can take to prevent the risk of your pet from developing this condition.
This November is Pet Diabetes Month. For further information on this disease click on the icon below:
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