This November Cavan Hills Veterinary Services wants to raise awareness of senior health care for your pet.  We would like to take the time to educate you on all your senior health questions or concerns and give you an affordable option for wellness screening.

Throughout the month of November we will be bundling senior health screening and dental cleanings so you can offer your pet superior veterinary care.  Please feel free to ask any of our knowledgeable staff as to what may be the best option for you and your best friend.


         
Aging of your pet is influenced by many factors some of which include:

Common health concernsOlder pets are prone to some common diseases and problems, including:

Obesity. Long-term weight problems are the No. 1 risk of old age, because excess weight can lead to severe arthritis and impaired mobility. Once a medical cause such as hypothyroidism has been ruled out, the solution is simple: less food, more exercise.

Arthritis. This common joint problem isn't just painful; it's a frequent cause of euthanasia, because it impairs the dog's ability to get around. Keeping a dog trim and well-exercised is key. Vets can recommend supplements such as glucosamine chondroitin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, although the latter can affect liver function.

Dental disease. The mouth has a tremendous blood supply, and there is information that suggests if there is a lot of bacteria along the gum line, it can seed to other parts of the body. Regular cleanings need to be weighed against the risk of anesthesia for an older dog. Daily brushing and dental chews can help.


                                                                

Cancer. As dogs age, their immune systems grow weaker, leaving them vulnerable to cancers. Some, such as lymphoma, respond well to treatments; others, like osteosarcoma, are more aggressive and have a less optimistic prognosis. Regardless of the type of cancer, the veterinary goal is not to cure the disease, but to keep the cancer under control for as long as possible.

As with anything, the earlier you catch a problem, the better. The thing to watch for is rapid growth. If a lump grows over the course of weeks, it definitely has to be addressed.

Incontinence. Loss of bladder control is common in old age, but the causes can vary widely, from a simple infection to the onset of dog Alzheimer's. Consult your veterinarian to pin down the culprit. For chronic "leakers," there are absorbent wraps and diapers to wear indoors.

Cognitive dysfunction. It takes "quite a bit of detective work" to determine whether a dog's changing behavior is due to dementia or some other cause. An owner's input is crucial because "they are very tuned in to signs that something is wrong, such as not recognizing family members."

Deprenyl treats cognitive dysfunction by increasing brain concentrations of dopamine, which helps improve mental awareness.

Renal disease. After a lifetime of exertion, a dog's organs inevitably slow down. "Dogs can lose 70 percent of their kidney function, and the kidneys can continue to do their job [only] until the teeter-totter tips too far,". Even though impaired kidney function can't be reversed, early treatment can help stabilize the kidneys.

Heart problems. Like the kidneys, the heart can falter after a lifetime of hard effort. Depending on the specific problem, veterinarians can prescribe medication to manage some cardiac abnormalities. And, following in the footsteps of human medicine, today's canine cardiologists can even implant pacemakers to keep your dog's ticker tocking.

Diabetes. Usually occurring between ages 7 and 9, diabetes is a deficiency of insulin, the hormone the body needs to absorb blood sugar. Diet changes and daily injections are needed to manage this disease.

Hearing and vision loss. These sensory deficits require owners to change the way they approach their dogs sometimes literally. Coming up to a hearing-impaired dog from behind will startle him, and trying a new configuration of the living-room furniture will likely upset a senior canine whose eyesight is dwindling.

Think outside the box: Use vibration such as a foot stomp instead of your voice to get the attention of a hearing-impaired oldster.

Celebrate the yearsThe fact that a dog has reached an age where these inevitable problems occur is something to celebrate itself.

"As dogs are living longer, we are seeing more ailments that we tend to associate with older humans,"  A strong focus on preventive care, an emphasis on dogs as family members, improved nutrition, and spaying and neutering have all contributed to canine longevity.

• What your animals disease status is (this would include diseases such as heart, lung, liver, kidney) these are more common in the older pet.
• Size of pet
• Breed of your pet
• Is your animal a free roaming outside pet or and indoor animal?
• Nutritional status (obese pets have increased health risks)

Quite often changes in your pets health are subtle, this is why we recommend a physical exam and senior wellness profile.  Early detection and prompt treatment of disease can impact the quality of your pet's life.  When you have a wellness profile and physical exam done throughout the month Medi-Cal/Royal Canin will supply you with a complementary bag of food that best suits your animal's needs.  

                      Cavan Hills Veterinary Services is here to help care for your pets needs through all stages of life

To book your pets wellness profile today or obtain more information on this program please speak to a member of our support staff or call: 1-705-944-5776