As pets age, stress upon vital internal organs is likely to become
more serious. Vitamin requirements
generally increase, and nutritional needs differ greatly from those of
younger pets. Sources of chronic infection, such as tooth and gum disease,
can
adversely affect internal organs and contribute to failing health.
Aging also increases the risks of arthritis, disk disease, and other
skeletal problems. Many of these problems are readily detectable and can be controlled if diagnosed early
and treated properly.
As pets approach the “Senior Years,” it is the time to become more
concerned with the early diagnosis and detection of internal problems that
are not readily apparent on routine physical examination. As an example, without appropriate screening, we
would not be able to diagnose diabetes, liver or kidney
disease, bladder problems, or other
serious problems like heart disease. Unfortunately, these problems are in
the very advanced stages before clinical signs can be observed. Much damage is already done.
Just as there is a major emphasis on human wellness programs, veterinary medicine now offers the same for our pet family members. We care about your pet’s quality of life as much as you do, and we want your pet to live as long as possible without unnecessary suffering or illness. We also recognize that it is much less costly for owners when problems are detected early and treatment instituted then rather than waiting for many of these aging problems to cause severe, irreversible damage.
Your pet has reached its “senior years” once it has reached the following ages:
Physical examination can only detect diseases that produce clinical signs.
However, recent advances in diagnostic blood screening, EKG screening, and
glaucoma screening now make it possible to detect many “aging
conditions” long before clinical signs are present. When problems such
as kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, thyroid abnormalities,
anemia, diabetes, and glaucoma can be caught early, the appropriate steps
can be taken (such as dietary changes or medications) to either reverse
the problem or at least slow it down. We can now become PROACTIVE rather
than reactive to make recommendations to provide the best life possible
for your pet.
Is to make pets feel their best and have the longest, productive and useful life. There is nothing that can prevent “aging,” but there are many things that can be done to slow down the process and/or make the pet much more comfortable. Our senior wellness program will stress:
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DOGS |
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CATS |
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Depending on specific findings from above testing, additional screening procedures may be indicated:
These senior pet wellness tests helps establish baseline values and identify problems early, thus increase the safety by reducing the risks of “unknowns” if and when any future anesthesia is required.
We feel this senior pet wellness screening is essential for your pet’s best quality of life. Each year of a pet’s life represents 5-10% of it’s total life span. Performing these procedures once each year is the same as once every 5-7 years for a senior adult person.
The older pet requires far fewer calories, lower fat, higher fiber, and controlled levels of calcium, sodium, and phosphorous. Being overweight is a real problem for the older, less active pet. It greatly increases stress on joints, heart & lungs, and other internal organs. Increased fiber and proper amounts of calcium, sodium, and phosphorous aid in digestion and prevent heart, bone, and kidney disease.
The natural resistance to disease is significantly reduced in the older pet. It is very important that all vaccinations, internal parasite exams, and comprehensive physical exams be done promptly. Mouth infections and periodontal disease are quite common in the older pet. Regular dental exams and cleanings when needed help to maintain strong, healthy teeth and prevent mouth infections from spreading to the kidney and heart.
Since pets can’t tell us when something is wrong,
many problems go undetected in the early stages because the changes are so subtle no
outward physical signs are visible. Routine
comprehensive physical exams, laboratory screening procedures, and ECG
screening can often pick up these changes early when they are much easier
to treat and manage.
As pets age many parts of the body begins to show “wear and tear.” The
aging process brings many changes that affect a pet’s ability to take
part in normal daily activities. This can result in internal organs that
no longer function at peak capacity and pain as bones begin to thin and
arthritis sets in. Pets have nerve feelings too! Any condition that causes
pain in humans also causes pain in animals.
Not only does pain hurt, it also can further debilitate older pets potentially resulting in further injury or other problems. Pain also can affect the pet’s behavior. Behavioral changes can range from depression to aggression. Chronic pain can lead to inappropriate elimination problems (“loss of housetraining”), as well as changes in frequency of urination and defecation. Pain often times decreases activity compounding problems that come from a lack of exercise.
Certain drugs are available that are building blocks for the
production of joint fluid and the cartilage lining of all bones. The “articular cartilage”
provides a smooth, low friction surface between bone ends providing a “cushion” as the physical weight
is transferred from one bone to the next. These
drugs are available in an injectable form (Adequan™)
and in capsule form (Cosequinn™). Initially we use an injection once / week for 6 weeks and then work
toward once / month injections. If capsules are used, they must be used daily.
These new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are useful for relieving
the pain of arthritis. They are in the same category of drug as ibuprofen, BUT do not have the
potential bad side effects seen with aspirin, Tylenol™, and ibuprofen known to
cause frequent stomach ulcers and bleeding in pets. They are drug given by
mouth strictly for pain. They do nothing to minimize the factors causing the pain
as the other choices above do.
This eases muscle mass, which begins to deteriorate with aging. The drug
also reduces the workload of the kidneys by maximizing the use of body protein to
build & maintain muscles. When muscles start to deteriorate, the protein must then be
excreted through the kidneys often leading to kidney failure. Appetite is improved and
vitality is increased. A marked improvement in the senior pet’s appearance, attitude,
and activity is common. Increasing muscle mass is desirable to maximize the support of body
structures decreasing the friction on the joints. Many pets with early degeneration of the
spinal nerves also benefit from this drug. The protocol for use begins with weekly injections
for 8 weeks. After the desired effect has been obtained, the dose is reduced to semi-weekly
and hopefully then monthly. Tablets are available and may be used for the long-term
maintenance. Injections are required to get the initial response.
Most pet owners fail to realize that pet’s age more rapidly than humans, and the appearance of aging problems may be both unexpected and distressing. The GOAL of our SENIOR PET WELLNESS PROGRAM is to make the pets FEEL BETTER and HAVE THE LONGEST PRODUCTIVE, USEFUL LIFE possible. Although there are no “cures” for aging, there are many problems that can be prevented, minimized, or at least slowed down if they are caught early.
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Pet’s Age |
= |
People Years |
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1 Year |
= |
15 Years |
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2 Years |
= |
23 Years |
|
3 Years |
= |
27 Years |
|
4 Years |
= |
31 Years |
|
5 Years |
= |
35 Years |
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6 Years |
= |
39 Years |
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8 Years |
= |
47 Years |
|
10 Years |
= |
56 Years |
|
12 Years |
= |
65 Years |
|
14 Years |
= |
75 Years |
|
16 Years |
= |
86 Years |
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18 Years |
= |
98 Years |
OUR MISSION:
"We embrace the art of healing and the science of medicine to enrich the lives of our animal companions.
We support you in making informed decisions that allow your pet to enjoy wellness as long as possible.
Our hospital team inspires an atmosphere of compassion and respect for our patients, our clients, and for one another."
Brought to you by:
Maxine R. Gilvey, D.V.M.
Diona L. Krahn, D.V.M.
Janine Sagris, DVM
Naomi B. Barnea, D.V.M.
(919) 460-1296 Fax
1610 Old Apex Road
Cary, North Carolina 27513
Hours of Operation:
Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Wed
7:30 a.m. - 1:30 pm
2:30 pm - 7:00 p.m.
Sat
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Phone:
(919) 460 - 0741
Fax:
(919) 460 - 1296
After Hours Emergencies:
Contact our after hours emergency clinic at:
The Animal Emergency Clinic of Cary
220 High House Rd
Cary, NC
(919) 462 - 8989
