Geriatric Care for Pets

Typical Health Problems

Because of the better veterinary care and improved dietary options companion dogs and cats are living a-lot longer today than they ever did before. 

This is definitely something to celebrate! However, veterinarians and pet owners are now currently facing more age-related conditions than they used to in the past.

Senior cats and dogs are usually prone to the health conditions listed below:

• Joint or bone disorders

  Geriatric Dogs

  As your dog enters their golden years, there is a variety of bone or joint disorders that could cause your pup pain and discomfort.  Our veterinarians often see a handful of joint and bone disorders in geriatric pets, the most common ones include arthritis, hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, reduction in spinal flexibility, and growth plate disorders.

  It's important to address these conditions in their early stages to help keep your dog comfortable as they continue to age. Treatment options for joint and bone issues in senior dogs can include reducing their level of exercise, using analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, surgery to remove diseased tissue, stabilizing the joints and pain reduction.

  Geriatric Cats

  While osteoarthritis is generally a condition we associate with older dogs, this painful condition can also impact your senior cat's joints.

  The symptoms of osteoarthritis in cats are usually more subtle than those in dogs. While cats can experience a decrease in their range of motion the symptoms we most often see in geriatric cats include weight loss, loss of appetite, depression, change in general attitude, poor grooming habits, urination or defecation outside the litter pan, and inability to jump on and off objects. Lameness commonly seen in dogs is not often reported by cat owners. 

• Cancer

  It is believed that approximately 50% of all pets in the US die from some form of cancer. Which is why it's extremely important for your senior cat or dog  to see the vet for routine wellness exams as they age.

  Bringing your senior pet in for regular checkups (even when they look healthy) gives your veterinarian the opportunity to examine them for early signs of cancer and other diseases that respond better to treatment in their earliest stages. 

• Heart Disease

  Heart disease can be a problem for geriatric pets (as it is with people).

  Senior dogs often suffer from congestive heart failure, which happens when the heart isn't pumping blood efficiently, causing fluid to back up in the heart, lungs, and chest cavity.

  Even though heart disease is seen less in cats than in dogs, Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is fairly common. This issue causes the walls of a cat’s heart to thicken, decreasing the heart’s ability to function efficiently.  

• Blindness and hearing loss

  Degeneration in the eyes and ears of your pets can lead to varying degrees of deafness and blindness, happening more often in dogs than in cats.

  When these issues are age-related they could come on slowly, giving senior pets time to adjust their behavior, making it hard or pet owners to notice. 

• Liver disease

  Liver disease is common and may be the result of high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism in senior cats. Symptoms of liver disease in felines can include loss of appetite, jaundice, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst.

  Liver disease in dogs can create a variety of serious symptoms including seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, jaundice, abdominal fluid buildup, and weight loss.

  If your geriatric pet is showing any liver disease symptoms, veterinary care is essential.

• Diabetes

  Even though cats and dogs can develop diabetes at any stage of their lives, most dogs are diagnosed at approximately 7-10 years of age and the majority of cats diagnosed with diabetes are over 6 years of age.

  The symptoms of diabetes in cats and dogs include excessive thirst, increased appetite accompanied by weight loss, cloudy eyes, and chronic or recurring infections.

  Obesity is a diabetes risk factor in both cats and dogs.  

• Kidney disease

  As pets get older, their kidneys tend to lose their function. Sometimes, kidney disease can be caused by the medications used to treat other common conditions seen in geriatric cats and dogs.

  While chronic kidney disease can't be cured, it can be managed with a combination of medications and diet.  

• Urinary tract disease

  Our vets in Novato often see geriatric cats and dogs with urinary tract conditions and incontinence issues. Elderly pets could be prone to accidents as their muscles controlling the bladder weaken, although it's important to note that incontinence could be a sign of bigger health issues including urinary tract infections or dementia.

  If your senior pet is experiencing incontinence issues it's important to take them to the vet for a comprehensive examination.

Veterinary Care for Seniors

The vets at South Novato Animal Hospital will completely examine your senior cat or dog, ask about their home life in detail and perform any tests that might be required to receive more detailed insight into their general physical health and condition. 

Depending on the findings, we will recommend a customized treatment plan which could include medications, activities and dietary changes that may help improve your senior pet's comfort, well-being and health.