| Geriatric Dog Care | |
As your dog approaches its senior years--while it is still "middle-aged"--it is wise to take stock of its overall health and plan for the future. This is why Windhover has initiated an Older Pet Care plan. As we age, we become less resilient--ailments we would never have succumbed to in our youth we not only encounter, but find hard to shake. Our pets are the same way. In addition, as their bodies age, they are vulnerable to a whole new constellation of age-related diseases. For many of these diseases, early detection and early treatment are crucial to successful treatment.
To objectively assess the health of your dog before we would expect the onset of aging-related diseases. A thorough evaluation at this time gives us the opportunity to address and correct any underlying problems. Moreover, it gives us a chance to discuss special needs your dog has as s/he gets older. Just as you learned a gamut of information to raise your puppy into a good canine citizen, there are new things to learn to best care for your pet as s/he ages.
For dogs that have been basically healthy, we recommend they receive their initial exam at age seven. The exception is for the shorter-lived giant breeds, who should be evaluated at age five. If your dog has a significant pre-existing condition, (such as heart disease, seizure disorder, previous heatstroke, kidney or lever disease), we will decide with you when best to initiate geriatric monitoring.
A comprehensive exam gives us the most complete picture possible of your dog's health status.
Just as in previous years, we will evaluate and discuss with you your dog's eyes, ears, teeth and gums, heart, lungs, abdominal organs, muscles, bones, nervous system, and skin.
We will take extra time to discuss what to expect and what to watch for in each of these areas as your dog gets older. We will discuss nutritional requirements of aging and the importance of weight management. Finally, we will address the behavior changes anticipated to accompany aging.
This blood test measures the three types of blood cells--red, white, and platelets. The red blood cells are measured, screening for diseases such as anemia. The test also quantifies the different types of white blood cells, which are responsible for disease surveillance and reflect immune system status. Lastly, platelets, the cells responsible for blood clotting, are counted.
This blood test assesses liver and kidney function. Blood glucose level is evaluated, screening for diabetes mellitus. Electrolytes--charged particles essential to cellular function--are also measured.
This sensitive blood test acts to ensure the efficacy of the heartworm prevention medication.
A fresh sample of feces is evaluated for the eggs of commoon intestinal parasites. Please bring a fresh, plastic-wrapped fecal sample (1 tablespoon is sufficient). It may be refrigerated for up to twelve hours.
A urine sample provides the most information about kidney function. Please bring a fresh urine sample (1 tablespoon is sufficient). It may be refrigerated for up to twelve hours.
X-rays of the chest allow evaluation of the heart, lungs, and membranes lining the thoracic cavity. The overall size of the heart and its chambers is assessed. The lungs are screened for normal aging changes.
The combination of a thorough physical exam, blood, urine, and fecal testing, as well as X-rays of the chest, will allow us to formulate a complete picture of your dog's health status and to make well-informed, effective recommendations for your dog. If everything is normal, then we recommend continued annual physicals, with appropriate lab tests. The results of this evaluation will be useful for purposes of comparison in years to come. If any abnormalities are detected, of course they should be pursued expeditiously.
These are some of the most commonly encountered problems:
Poor dental hygiene leads to gingivitis, which can directly cause tooth, appetite, and weight loss. Indirectly, the spread of bacteria through the body may cause disease in the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Vigilant dental prophylaxis is the best preventive medicine.
Obesity is usually caused by decreased activity with no decrease in food consumption. This increases the stress on the heart, lungs, and arthritic joints. Weight management is critical to the well-being of older dogs.
Kidney cells do not have the ability to regenerate, thus due to normal cellular aging, more are lost with each passing day. Most elderly dogs have some degree of kidney disease. Early detection can allow us to institute treatment to slow progression.
Watch for: any increase in thirst or change in urination habits.
As joints age, the cartilage wears, and then does not facilitate the smooth function of joints. Most elderly dogs have some degree of arthritis. A multi-pronged approach involving weight loss, cartilage stimulating products, non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drugs, and acupuncture, as well as special bedding, allows us to keep most dogs quite comfortable.
Many dogs, especially smaller breeds, develop heart disease. We generally recommend evaluation by a cardiologist. Most of these dogs do well with modern heart medications.
Watch for: any shortness of breath, or coughing.
Many dogs have a changing sense of orientation to their environment as these windows to the world diminish. Being aware of this can help you to modify your dog's environment appropriately.
©1997, 1998 Leah R. Postman, DVM