Common health conditions in adult cats and dogs
It can be difficult to watch our pets aging and especially hard when they develop age-related conditions. It is however unavoidable and as time passes and they become ‘senior pets’ they will be facing various challenges.
Because our pets can’t talk to us or tell us how they are feeling, it is important to become really ‘tuned into’ them and their behaviours. Perhaps they have become slower, changed weight, or you may have noticed a general stiffness or changes in their appetite or thirst? If we can understand what’s going on under the surface, we will be able to help them live longer, healthier and happier lives. Whilst some age-related changes are to be expected, others can indicate more serious underlying conditions, so it’s important to get your older pet into a clinic for regular check-ups. We consider an annual check-up for an older cat or dog essential, this is because many conditions, if detected and treated early can lead to much more successful management and see our pets living longer, more comfortable lives. Studies have found that up to 80% of senior pets seen in practice had at least one unrecognised medical condition. When you visit Tauranga Te Puna Katikati Papamoa Village Vets, an adult checkup will include blood tests which will enable vets to screen for early detection of a range of diseases, giving a baseline that can be used for future monitoring. Blood tests are quick and pain free and allow for valuable information about what’s going inside before outward signs may be noticeable. Adult check-ups and blood tests give your pet the best chance to have disease diagnosed early and for a treatment plan to be implemented early! Below, we outline some common conditions of older cats and older dogs. If you recognise any of these conditions, it might be time for an check-up at your vets.
Common conditions in older cats: Arthritis - Is your cat no longer jumping as much, or is he sleeping more? Has your cat stopped grooming properly? 1 in 3 cats are affected by arthritis. Whilst it is a lifelong condition, there are great options available to manage arthritis and improve your cats’ comfort. Hyperthyroidism - Has your cat been losing weight while still eating ravenously? Hyperthyroidism is a very treatable condition with good results in terms of management.
Kidney disease - Is your cat drinking more or losing weight? Chronic kidney disease is one of the main causes of death in cats. By the time obvious clinical signs appear, an estimated 75% of kidney function has been lost. Renal, or Kidney disease occurs in approximately 10% of cats 10 years and older and about 30% of cats older than 15. A blood test can help detect kidney disease before symptoms are seen.
Dental disease - Has your cat got smelly breath? Do they have trouble eating biscuits? Dental disease is present in most senior animals. This can have a significant impact on their overall health. High Blood pressure – Hypertension or High Blood Pressure can be serious if left untreated. It can affect your cat’s organs and cause seizures, blindness, and other debilitating conditions. It often accompanies other diseases so getting at the source is important after which your vet may recommend medication or a diet change or both.
Diabetes - Is your cat drinking more and losing weight? Diabetes is treatable with both dietary management and insulin just like in people.
Common conditions in older dogs:
Arthritis - Is your dog unable to jump into the car anymore? Is your dog slower on the walk than he used to be? There are plenty of great options available to help treat arthritis and make your dog more comfortable with a better quality of life.
Dental disease - Because dogs do not brush their teeth, dental disease is present in the majority of senior animals. Dental disease can have a significant impact on your dog’s overall health. Heart disease - Does your dog lag behind on his walks? Have you noticed your dog coughing? These are a few symptoms of heart disease but equally in the early stages there can be no symptoms. This is something that can be detected during a physical examination.
Lumps, bumps, skin issues – Skin changes and hair loss is common in older dogs. Skin may be dry, flaky, and less elastic. A change in food or tests may be recommended to discover if there is an underlying cause of the skin changes. Thinning or hair loss needs to be brought to your vet’s attention. Lumps and bumps are also common. Many are benign, however some may be more serious, so all should be checked. Diabetes - Increased drinking, weight loss and a change in coat condition can indicate diabetes. Diabetes is treatable with both dietary management and insulin just like in people.
Our Adult Wellness Check Promotion is now on!
The check-up (valued at over $200) includes a comprehensive all over exam (including teeth), diagnostic blood test and worming treatment. It is priced at $125. Our teams will work together with you to decide what is best for your individual situation, so that you and your pet can enjoy their senior years comfortably. If you have questions or would like to book, please call us at Tauranga, Katikati, Te Puna and Papamoa Village Vets on 0800 838 7267. You can also book your Adult Wellness Check online through our website.