Ageing or is it more serious?
My 10-year-old crossbreed dog is showing his age but is still active. What are the common problems in old age and what do I need to look out for? Do you have any tips to keep him healthy for longer?
QI took my 10-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier for a check-up at the vet because I thought he was showing his age. He had slowed down, lost some hair on his sides and was drinking more than usual. My vet suspected a disease called Cushing’s and sent off some blood. Is this a common disease?
ACushing’s disease is a common problem, often dismissed as “old age”, but old age is not a disease in itself.
It occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. Most cases (80-85%) are caused by very small tumours in the pituitary gland of the brain, resulting in an excess of the hormone that controls output of cortisol.
The tumours themselves don’t usually cause problems – it is the excess of cortisol that produces symptoms. A smaller percentage of cases are caused by tumours of the adrenal glands.
Cortisol has wide-ranging effects on metabolism, reflected in the many clinical symptoms that are possible. These include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite and weight increase, lethargy, panting, hair loss, skin thinning and a potbellied appearance.
In a recent survey, 77% of owners of dogs with confirmed Cushing’s initially thought these signs were normal for old age, which delayed getting veterinary advice.
If the blood results confirm Cushing’s, there is a veterinary licensed drug that controls the disease in many cases for an extended time, with a good quality of life. Regular checks are necessary once treatment starts with repeat blood tests.
AThere are many problems that are possible as dogs get older. At the top of the list are dental disease and arthritis. Most 10-year-old dogs will have both these problems.
Arthritis is an inevitable consequence of wear and tear, and an important underlying factor is another very common problem of old age – obesity.
A recent survey estimated that 50% of UK dogs are obese.
Chronic kidney failure is another common problem and there are a number of cancers that tend to crop up as dogs age. The rest of the list consists of specific diseases such as diabetes mellitus, liver and pancreatic diseases, Cushing’s disease (see left) and hypothyroidism.
Cognitive dysfunction is also seen, particularly in dogs that survive to an advanced age. Sleep disturbances and disorientation, such as not recognising their owners, may occur. What will help you recognise abnormal signs is being aware of what is normal for your dog.
Abnormal signs to look out for, which should prompt a trip to the vet, include weight loss, increased drinking and urination, poor exercise tolerance, reduced appetite, and mobility issues.
For keeping your dog healthy I suggest regular veterinary health checks and weight recording (your vet will advise regarding frequency). Avoiding obesity, giving good quality veterinary advised food, regular exercise and plenty of TLC are all important – much as they are for us.