Getting older is a fact of life; getting sick doesn't have to be. Over the last 30 years there has been a significant shift in how we view and care for our pets. Dogs and cats are no longer "just pets" but members of the family. Therefore, the medical care we provide has evolved, and advanced diagnostics and treatments in use by veterinarians now rivals that provided by human physicians.

The way we care for our senior pets has changed. Our goal is to promote early detection of disease in the apparently healthy senior pet and/or minimize the severity of an illness when possible. The focus of preventative veterinary care should be geared toward early recognition and intervention to maintain your pet's quality of life.

• Definition of a "senior pet"
• What is a "senior wellness plan?"
• Diagnosing a disease in your pet; common signs and symptoms
• Cancer and the senior pet
• Common diseases in senior dogs and cats
• The basics of a good senior wellness plan
• Nutrition and my senior pet
• Nutrition Recommendations

What is a "senior pet"?

So what is a "senior pet"? As a general rule, dogs and cats are considered to be "seniors" between 7 and 10 years of age. Small dogs and cats live into their mid-to late teens while larger dogs tend to live into their early teens. Therefore, the age at which pets are considered to be "seniors" varies. Giant breed dogs like Great Danes may be considered seniors at 5 years of age, while a miniature poodle might not become a senior until 10-12 years of age.

BACK TO TOP

Your pet's senior wellness plan

A senior wellness plan is created in partnership with your veterinarian to help with the early diagnosis and treatment of many common diseases. To screen for disease in our senior pets we now regularly utilize a variety of diagnostic tests. Patient needs vary quite a bit, as do the needs of the owner. At North Scottsdale Animal Hospital we believe that each patient should be treated as an individual, therefore the senior wellness programs we design meet your pet's individual needs.

The diagnostic testing of a senior pet often begins with bloodwork. The bloodwork acts as a screening tool to identify areas of concern, but does not always provide a definitive diagnosis. Additional testing is often required to provide an answer. Despite all of our diagnostic capabilities, the owners' observations and the physical exam are still the foundation for evaluating our veterinary patients.

BACK TO TOP

Common signs and symptoms of disease

To aid pet owners, the American Animal Hospital Association has compiled a list of signs to look for in your senior pet that may help identify disease in its earliest stages:

• Increased water consumption or increased frequency of urination
• Sudden change in weight
• Significant decrease in appetite
• Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
• Difficulty passing stool
• Inappropriately defecating or urinating in the house
• Lameness lasting more than 3-4 days or difficulty rising
• Decreased vision or observing that your dog or cat bumps into furniture
• Foul odor from the mouth or drooling
• Increase size of the abdomen
• Lethargy
• Hair loss
• Excessive panting
• Difficulty chewing hard food or a reluctance to chew on toys
• Blood in stool or urine
• Sudden collapse episodes or bouts of weakness
• Seizures
• Persistent coughing or gagging
• Prolonged heavy or rapid breathing
  

Cancer and the senior pet

Cancer is another form of disease seen in senior pets. The frequency with which we see cancer in senior patients has increased considerably, but the search for cancer begins with the same diagnostic tests that we utilize to evaluate senior pets.

Cancer specific tests do exist, but are most valuable as screening tools or for providing owners with a prognosis. Veterinary cancer treatment has advanced and now parallels the treatment of human cancer patients. However, dogs and cats have a greater tolerance for the side effects of cancer treatment and can enjoy a quality of life equal to other healthy senior pets.

BACK TO TOP

Diseases that we commonly screen for in Senior Dogs and Cats

Osteoarthritis: Arthritis occurs in both dogs and cats. As the cartilage and supporting structures of the joints begin to breakdown stiffness, difficulty walking/jumping and pain may result. This is a chronic disease that we can successfully manage with a HUGE variety of conventional medical and alternative therapies.

Periodontal Disease: Disease of the teeth and gums results in bad breath, infections of the mouth and tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the most common disease we see in our geriatric patients and one of the most treatable.

Cushing's disease: Cushing's disease or hyperadrenocorticism is a disease more commonly seen in middle aged to senior dogs that is caused by excessive steroid production by the adrenal glands. Hallmarks of the disease are excessive water consumption and an increased frequency of urination. Early recognition and treatment can minimize the potential for more severe complications like diabetes and life threatening blood clots.

Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes affects both dogs and cats. It is characterized by the body's inability to produce sufficient amounts of insulin. Insulin is needed to carry blood sugar form the bloodstream into cells to be used as a source of energy. Typically dogs and cats drink and urinate excessively and have greatly increased appetites. Diabetes can be managed successfully in dogs in cats with dietary changes and the use of insulin.

Cognitive Dysfunction: As dogs and cats age they become less aware of their surroundings. Early recognition of these changes will allow us to create a program to help slow the progression and even enhance a pet's perception of the world around them.

Cataracts/Retinal disease/Glaucoma: Cataracts, disease of the retina and glaucoma affect dogs and cats as they age. These diseases can cause pain and even a loss of vision. Difficulty jumping, catching/chasing toys, or bumping into furniture may be early signs.

Kidney failure: Kidney failure is one of the most common diseases we see in senior cats. The chronic forms of kidney disease we see in cats have the ability to affect all major organ systems, so early recognition allows us to slow the progression of the disease and minimize the impact of the secondary symptoms.

Heart Disease: Heart murmurs, irregular heart rhythms and congestive heart failure are not uncommon in veterinary patients. Often the first sign at home is nothing more than exercise intolerance and a slight cough. Regular bi-annual examinations can help screen dogs and cats for these abnormalities before they progress to heart failure.

Skin Tumors: Cats and dogs are just like people. Lumps and bumps begin to appear on the skin as pets' age. Many of these are quite benign, but some can be deadly. Bi-annual examinations can help identify these skin tumors before they become problematic.

Thyroid Disease: Hyperthyroidism (an "overactive" thyroid gland) is most commonly seen in older cats, while hypothyroidism (an "under active" thyroid gland) is most commonly seen in middle-aged to older dogs. Cats with hyperthyroidism have an accelerated metabolism that causes them to eat and drink ravenously and lose weight. Hypothyroidism can cause dogs to gain weight and become lethargic. Both diseases can be successfully treated with medication. In fact, hyperthyroidism in cats can actually be cured!

Pancreatitis: An inflamed pancreas or pancreatitis is one of the most challenging and frustrating diseases to diagnose and manage. The disease affects both dogs and cats, and has the potential to be mild or life threatening. This is one disease where quick recognition and treatment can make the difference between life and death. However, diagnostic tests now exist for accurate and rapid diagnosis.

Liver Disease: Dogs and cats get a variety of liver diseases. The severity and cause varies depending on a patient's breed, age and overall health status. Because of the many different causes, biopsies of the affected organ are often required in order to accurately diagnose and treat the disease.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: This is a broad term used to describe many different inflammatory conditions of the intestines. The cause is often related to a particular component of the diet or the activity of bacteria in the intestines. However the immune system also plays a critical role. Making the diagnosis and successfully treating the many forms of the disease requires a skilled diagnostician and patience.

Respiratory Disease: Inflammatory diseases of the lung are more commonly seen in older patients along with respiratory disease that occurs secondary to heart disease. Recognizing these diseases early facilitates treatment that can significantly control the rate of progression and disease severity.

Cancer: Cancer is the unrestrained growth of cells that occurs despite the body's anticancer defense mechanisms. Cancer can affect a single organ system or multiple organ systems. The type location and extant to which the body is affected by the cancer determine the choice of treatment. Caner may not be visible to the naked eye and may mimic the symptoms produced by a variety of other diseases.

BACK TO TOP

What tests might a senior wellness plan include?

History and Physical Exam: Despite the availability of sophisticated laboratory equipment and imaging devices, we still rely heavily on the owners' observations and perception as well as our subjective observations in the exam room. In order to narrow the list of possible explanations for a particular problem, or make a diagnosis we need to talk with owners to understand what they are seeing. The veterinarians' knowledge and experience along with owner observations are still one of the most valuable diagnostic tools that we have in clinical practice.

CBC: This test evaluates the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The information form this test can help identify infection/inflammation in the body as well as anemia and leukemia.

Chemistry Panel: Blood chemistry panels evaluate most of the major organ systems in the body. They help detect organ failure as well as monitor a patient's response to long-term use of medication. Serial evaluations help identify changes early in the course of the disease.

Urinalysis: The urine collected from the patient is analyzed chemically and for the types of cells present. Information about diseases of the kidneys, liver, immune system, adrenal glands can all be gained from the analysis.

Urine Protein: Creatinine Ratio: This test measures the amount of protein present in the urine. The test is of particular value when assessing patients with primary kidney disease to help determine the prognosis and treatment plan.

Radiographs (aka "X-rays"): Radiographs of the chest and abdomen provide us with a view of the organs in the chest and abdomen. Organ enlargements, fluid accumulation, cancer, respiratory disease and arthritis are evaluated with radiography

Abdominal Ultrasound/Echocardiography: Ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, chest, heart and extremities allow us to evaluate the anatomical structure of organs. From the structural changes that occur we can often identify the disease. The ultrasound also serves as a guide to facilitate the collection of biopsies from organs that would otherwise be accessible only with surgery.

ECG: An ECG or electrocardiogram evaluates the conduction of electricity through the heart. It can help identify changes in heart size, electrical conduction disturbances and electrolyte abnormalities. This test is often performed as an adjunct to an echocardiogram when heart disease is suspected.

Blood Pressure Evaluation: An elevation in systolic blood pressure is usually a consequence of another disease (e.g. kidney failure, hyperthyroidism or Cushing's disease). Hypertension can cause more aggressive organ damage and therefore should be assessed to minimize the impact on the patient.

Ophthalmologic Exam: Evaluation of the retina, lens, intraocular pressure and chambers of the eye allow for detection of a variety of systemic and infectious disease.

Orthopedic Exam: Manipulation of joints and assessment of muscle provide information that compliments an owner's history in order to devise a treatment plan to manage chronic orthopedic disease.

Urine Cortisol:Creatinine Ratio: This test which relies on a series of urine samples collected by the owner allows us to screen patients for Cushing's disease in a non-invasive fashion. A positive test in a patient with suspected disease indicates that further tests are warranted to confirm the presence of the disease.

Thyroid Testing: Testing of thyroid function is one of the most common blood tests performed on senior patients. We evaluate baseline thyroid levels, thyroid stimulating hormones and ancillary thyroid hormones to arrive at a diagnosis in a patient that has a suspicious history.

CT scan or MRI: These imaging technologies enable us to evaluate patients for a variety of diseases throughout the head and body. CT scans are particularly useful for identifying anatomical changes in bone, while an MRI has the ability to delineate the structure of soft tissues in great detail.

Vaccine Titers: Measure the amount of antibodies in circulation in response to previous vaccination or past disease. Currently antibody titers for distemper and parvo viruses are commonly available for dogs as an alternative to vaccination.

BACK TO TOP

How important is proper nutrition for my senior pet?

As well as the more obvious signs of aging there are a variety of metabolic changes that occur in dogs and cats that are not visible to the eye. Screening patients for these metabolic changes is just one part of a comprehensive senior wellness plan. Making changes in a patient's diet and exercise regimen are also necessary to maintain a patient's quality of life and slow the onset or progression of disease.

In older human populations firm links exist between nutritional status, quality of life and overall physical and cognitive health. Emerging evidence is demonstrating that the nutritional needs of our veterinary patients change with age and dietary changes early in life may postpone the onset or reduce the clinical impact of age-related diseases.

At this time little published data exists that demonstrates that specific nutrient combinations can increase longevity or delay the onset of disease. In fact there are no official guidelines published by the governing bodies in veterinary medicine regarding the recommendations for feeding senior pets. At North Scottsdale Animal Hospital we use the following guidelines to help us make recommendations regarding diets for senior pets:

• Patients who are obese are at higher risk for a variety of diseases. Any patient who has a body condition score >5 should be placed on a weight reduction program to minimize disease associated with their weight (The body condition scale we use is from 1 to 9; 1 = severe emaciation, 9 = severe obesity, 4-5 is ideal for dogs and cats). A notable study published in the journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2002 compared two related groups of dogs to determine what effect calorie restriction would have. They found that maintenance of a dog's ideal body condition by feeding a calorie restricted diet delayed the onset of disease and extended average lifespan by 15%. (Kealy RD, Lawler DF, Ballam JM, et al: Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. JAVMA 2002; 220(9): 1315-1320)
• As dogs and cats age their body composition changes. They tend to put on more weight in the form of fat. The changes in body composition may be due to changes in metabolic rate or a reduced requirement for energy due to their reduced activity level. Therefore we recommend changing the diet of senior pets to provide a reduced amount of energy but continue to feed a diet with a normal protein level of high quality.
• The benefits of added antioxidants in "senior diets" are still the subject of debate. Aging occurs due to changes at the cellular level, but genetics, nutrition and environmental factors are all likely involved in causing these changes. Oxidative stress also plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of many age-related diseases.
• Oxidative stress occurs when the body produces compounds known as "free radicals". Free radicals cause damage to the body's tissues at the cellular and molecular level. It is the job of anti-oxidants to "trap and eliminate" the free-radicals to prevent damage to the body.
• A study conducted by one of the leading pet food manufacturers evaluated whether antioxidants alone or in combination with other nutritional supplements could increase health and longevity in older cats. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, Vitamin E, beta-carotene were evaluated in this study. The researchers found that over the course of five years there was a significant difference in lifespan between cats fed the diet high in antioxidants and cats fed a nutritionally complete feline diet. (International Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine, Vol. 4, No. 1, 2006)
• Vitamin E, Selenium, Beta-Carotene Omega-3 fatty acids are examples of commonly used anti-oxidants in veterinary medicine. Inclusion of these compounds in veterinary diets may help slow the progression of disease. However, much debate still exists regarding the dose, bioavailability and potential long term benefits.
• Other Nutraceuticals such as Glucosamine/chondroitin, FOS (fructooligosaccharides) and weight loss aides such as L-carnitine have been advocated and used as additives in a variety of senior diets. The potential to help reduce the severity and rate of progression of arthritis with Glucosamine/chondroitin makes this a particularly attractive additive for pet food manufactures since it also has few if any side effects. However, the benefit provided and the dose required is still subject to debate.

What do we recommend?

There is no such thing as a "best" diet for adult or senior pets. In fact all pet food manufacturers must meet the same minimum standards when formulating pet foods. The real difference between foods has to do with the quality of the ingredients and/or the presence/ absence of food additives.

At North Scottsdale Animal Hospital we regularly use and recommend diets made by Royal Canin, www.royalcanin.us. This company formerly known as Innovative Veterinary Diets (IVD) has a demonstrated interest in advancing the science of veterinary nutrition and formulates diets that are not only exceptionally palatable, but take advantage of the latest advances in veterinary nutrition. Royal Canin produces prescription diets for pets that have medical conditions and for normal, active adult and senior pets.

Please feel free to discuss or e-mail any questions regarding your pet's diet to us at healthpet@nsvet.com or 480-368-1741.

BACK TO TOP