Geriatric Care by Iain Fitch, D.V.M.

Just as in human medicine, veterinary medicine is continuing to realize the importance of Geriatric care for patients.  Being aware of your pet's age is very important in allowing you to make the correct decisions for their welfare.  Your veterinarian should be advising you of potential issues surrounding your pet's health as they age.  It may not be clear that once a dog or a cat reaches seven to eight years old, changes can occur in the metabolism and muscular/skeletal system which need to be addressed (particularly large breeds who's life span is often only nine to twelve years old).

Veterinary hospitals should establish protocols for geriatric care and educate their clients appropriately to allow an extended life span without the consequences of serious illness or pain.  Listed below are considerations concerning your pet's health, concentrating on geriatric

care:

1.  Metabolic Diseases (including):

a.  Diabetes Mellitus- involving glucose metabolism which if unchecked will ultimately      lead to       a condition called Keto-Acidosis and possibly death.

b.  Hyperthyroidism - a lack of thyroid hormone which can cause weight gain, lethargy,       poor        hair coat and skin, a weak immune system response, excessive water      consumption, and       other secondary problems.

c.  Cushings Disease - (Hyperadrenocorticism)  A progressive hormonal disease                             which will eventually cause weight gain, excessive water and food consumption,                           excessive urination, hair loss, a bloated abdomen, and affect the function of the liver,                   kidneys and immune system.

d.  Kidney Disease - which in older animals is often progressive and will lead to excess                   urination and water consumption, the build up of metabolic toxins in the bloodstream                    causing nausea, stomach ulceration, anorexia, anemia, and eventual death.

2.  Physical Problems (including):

e.  Numerous breed related problems which often don't manifest themselves until the animal            ages, such as:

i.  Hip Displasia - Particularly larger dogs, i.e., German Shepherds, etc.

ii.  Patella Luxation - Dislocation of the knee cap to the inside - often in small breed dogs such        as terriers, toy poodles, etc.

iii.  Disc disease - often causing severe back pain and sometimes partial or complete                      paralysis - common breeds would include dachshunds, toy poodles, bassets, etc.

iv.  Osteosarcoma - an aggressive cancer in the long bones found most often in large or giant          breeds.

These are just some of the problems which can be encountered in your pets as they age.  Many of these and other problems are detectable, and if not curable at least controllable, with appropriate physical exams and screening tests.  It is recommended to perform semi annual exams (every six months) on older patients to allow prompt and timely detection if problems arise and allow important client-doctor dialogue to occur to identify problems of concern to the owner.

Blood work should be considered at least annually once a certain age is reached to detect any metabolic problems early enough to allow treatment or management prior to serious side effects.  Also to allow further diagnostic testing if necessary such as ultrasound, blood pressure checks, radiographs, or even surgical biopsy or repair.

As veterinary medicine continues to improve and expand we find it increasingly important to educate our clients of care which is available for their loved companions.  Geriatric care is just one of the important aspects of veterinary medicine which we are striving to perform well, to allow your continued relationship with your pets as they age.

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