Age Isn't a Disease!!

As your pet ages, certain disease processes can take place. Like most things, early detection of disease is important for delaying complications.

Blood work is a great tool to help determine, or track, disease progression. Blood work looks at the two components of the blood. One portion of the blood looks at the cells, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.  The other portion of the blood looks at the chemistries of the major organs, indicating changes in organ function. Often urinalysis accompanies blood work, looking for signs of infection, organ function or any abnormalities. Annual and semi-annual veterinary examinations also play a role in maintaining health as your pet’s age. Your Veterinarian can recommend specific tests based on physical examinations and history of your individual pet.

A few things to consider with your aging pet:

Mobility- osteoarthritis, joint pain, often is the concern when your pet is starting to slow down or is not as active. This can be compounded by extra weight your pet carries around. The more overweight your pet is the more stress on joints and this can lead to joint concerns.

Dental- If dental concerns have not been addressed at the early stages then they can become severe as your pet ages. All dental procedures require general anesthetic.  Age is not the concern with anesthetic; it is organ function that helps to determine some of the anesthetic risks.

Hormonal- Hypothyroidism, diabetes and hyperadrenocorticism can affect all mature or senior dogs.  Blood work and sometimes a urinalysis can help to diagnose and monitor these disease processes. 

Cognitive Dysfunction (brain aging)-This can refer to some or all of these symptoms; spatial disorientation/ confusion, altered social habits, anxiety, changes in sleep/ wake cycles, vocalization, loss of housetraining, changes in activity and appetite changes.

Diet- Mature or senior pets can require specific nutrients for maintaining muscle mass, optimal digestion, dental support, joint care and even cognitive dysfunction.

The best people to consult regarding your pets health is your veterinary team. Your veterinary team members have intimate knowledge of your pet’s health history and can give accurate advice on nutrition specific for your pet as well as laboratory tests that would benefit your pet.

Lisa McGuigan - RVT, Bowmanville Veterinary Clinic