Geriatric Pet Care

The Most Common Disease of ALL – Dental Disease

We want your senior pet to live forever, but you know time is marching on. You can measure it in years and the slowing of steps, the graying of fur. We spend a lot of time discussing preventative diagnostics (bloodwork to diagnose kidney and liver disease, hyperthyroidism and more – an EKG and chest x-rays to slow congestive heart failure). We suggest senior nutrition, joint and skin supplements, weight control and pain relief medications. However, what can we over look (the most obvious and easiest to control?) – good mouth care!

It’s difficult to keep your pet’s teeth clean, so oral health problems are very common. Problems start with a build-up of sticky plaque that hardens to form tartar. If not removed, this leads to gingivitis, a painful condition of inflamed gums and infections. Bacteria spreads by the blood to the kidneys and valves of the heart. Before long, your pet has multiple problems, and it all could have been avoided by simply looking in the mouth.

The first thing you’ll notice is bad breath. You may also notice difficulty eating, rubbing at the mouth, blood along the lip margins, excessive drooling. Dental disease is more common in older pets, in smaller dogs (because of crowded or misaligned teeth) and with pets fed soft food.

When we examine an older pet, we pay close attention to their teeth. Dental disease significantly decreases the quality and length of their life. We may suggest a cleaning to scale and polish the teeth. Sometimes antibiotics and pain relief medications are necessary when extractions are done. After the dental cleaning we can offer many at home products to avoid another dental cleaning. Brushing the teeth twice weekly is ideal but not always possible! Healthy mouth? Longer life!

Geriatric Pet Wellness Program

Aging, is not an illness, it's a fact of life. Help your pet age healthfully.
We want your pet to live forever. Realistically we know that isn’t possible but we can work very hard with you to make these senior years truly golden. Our program includes the following:

A minimum of twice-annual visits. Here we can focus on:

• Behavior-based history taking.  Many age related illnesses present themselves as behavior changes at home
• Diagnostic tests (such as: blood work, urine, x-rays, blood pressure, etc)
• Discussion of pain and osteoarthritis
• Utilizing diet, exercise and enrichment to combat dementia (identity theft)

So, what’s it all about?
An aging pet’s organs gradually deteriorate and may lose their ability to function properly. We use senior testing to promote early detection and treatment of disease, thus, allowing us to begin more effective and less costly treatment options. This is a time to become proactive against the gradual decline of our pets due to the aging process.

Is my pet a senior?
If your pet is over 7 years old, then we consider him a “senior”. Your pet may seem healthy for its senior years. However, our dogs and cats are masters at disguising illness or pain (an instinct called the “survival of the fittest”). Senior testing and careful questioning helps us to identify problems early enough to begin preventive healthcare measures.

What’s involved?
Besides thorough diagnostic testing (e.g., blood work, X-rays, blood and eye pressures, EKG, fecal testing, Feline Leukemia/FIV testing) we begin a dialogue about the management of pain, arthritis, dementia, diet and exercise. We consider this a beginning. With our follow-up and your compliance to our recommendations, we want your pet to live as long, as healthy and as happy a life as possible.

How do I start?
We are offering this Senior Wellness on 2 days – Tuesday and Wednesday.

We will arrange an appointment to have your pet seen by Dr. Holly Woltz our Geriatric Specialist.  During your appointment Dr. Woltz will do a full and complete check up.  She will then gather detailed information about your pet's behavior, diet, habits or any concerns you may have.   Based on the information obtained she will discuss with you the tests recommended.  Your pet will then stay with us for a few hours.  We’ll schedule a checkout appointment between 4 pm and 6 pm the same day.

What will be discussed at the appointment?
Upon discharge Dr. Woltz will review test results, explain any prescribed medications (if needed), exercise plans, plus recommendations on diet and dietary supplements. All findings and suggestions will be summarized in a report card, accompanied by free samples of Senior Care Products and a $40 Hill’s Prescription Diet rebate coupon.

Together, we can make the senior years the most rewarding you and your pet have ever shared.

9 Common Signs that your Pet is Getting Older

You (AND your pet) are not getting older, you are getting better!

Adopting a positive mentality is the best way to approach the senior years.  It allows you to educate yourself about the best ways to stay healthy and fit!  The same goes for our pets except they depend on us to make the right health choices for them. 

Like people, all pets age differently but do share some common changes that can occur, as the body gets older.  Recognizing these early signs of aging will allow you to quickly address these issues before they become life threatening. 

Here are 9 of the most common:                                                      

1.  Does your pet have difficulty with mobility? Arthritis affects one in five pets over the age of seven.  Muscle, bone and cartilage decrease with age making mobility painful.  This condition may affect the joints and can occur in your pet’s neck, hips, shoulders, elbows and back. 

During an examination we will palpate the neck, spine, and limbs and do range of motion tests that differentiate between ligament disease, old injuries, and arthritis. We will look for signs of inflammation, fever, changes in gait and posture. Blood work will be discussed to see if the stiffness might be due to something more serious. Blood tests will also make anesthesia for the x-ray safer, and they will give us a base line for your dog to compare with later to make sure the arthritis medicines we choose aren't affecting vital organs. An x-ray will help us confirm arthritis and the extent of the damage.   This information will help us decide on the best treatment for your pet. There are a quite a few proactive medications that we now use to decrease the pain/inflammation and increase the mobility of our arthritis aging pets.  Joint supplements (creatine, glucosamine e.g.) oxidative enzymes and fatty acids, Hill's j/d Prescription Diet, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (Rimadyl, Metacam), Adequan injections, physical therapy and even more therapies are available.

2.  Does your pet have bad breath? An unusually foul breath, accompanied by lack of appetite and lethargy could indicate a serious problem: dental disease.  Dental disease is a common and often overlooked problem in dogs and cats. Tartar accumulation begins to build up and leads to irritation of the gums around the base of the teeth, ultimately causing bad breath and leading to painful exposure of the roots. Potential outcomes of this tooth root exposure include gum infections, root abscesses, tooth loss and pain.  

In most cases, a dentistry (while the pet is under anesthesia) will be required.  Proper cleaning of the teeth will allow plaque and tartar to be removed.

Many times an owner is reluctant to put their geriatric dog under anesthesia; however, if there is significant dental disease present, delaying proper dental care may ultimately compromise the pet's heart and kidneys.  It is not uncommon for an owner to comment on how much better their pet feels after a dental, when they were not even aware that their dog or cat may have been ill prior to the dental.

Once the teeth have been cleaned, a regimen of proper dental care will be discussed.  We carry many products designed to prevent further degeneration of the teeth and gums:  Greenies – chewable treats, Hill’s t/d Prescription diet, finger brushes with poultry flavored toothpaste and CET chews (enzyme treated rawhides). 

3. Does your pet seem lost or confused?Loss of memory or identity theft is common in elderly pets (as it is in humans). Over time, the cells within the brain and certain neurotransmitters slowly decrease. The most common complaints of owners with senile pets are loss of house training, wandering during normal sleep time and not recognizing family members.

The result is a loss of brain function, and often, the appearance of behavioral changes that were not present in the pet's younger years.  Studies have shown that feeding a diet scientifically formulated for senior pets can help add year’s to your pet’s life, and can help delay, even prevent, many memory problems.  New Hill’s Prescription Diet b/d is shown to improve alertness, increase attentiveness to problem-solving tasks, reduce house-soiling accidents and improve enthusiasm when greeting family members.

 4.  Does your pet bump into things or not come when you call ? As pets age, the eyes become cloudy with age. Cataracts and glaucoma may develop. The nerve cells in the hearing apparatus also degenerate, resulting in a slow loss of hearing.  A thorough examination with blood and eye pressure testing will allow us to discover any tumors or debilitating illnesses

5. Is your pet gaining/losing weight even though there is no change in its diet? 

Weight gain - Elderly pets require 30 to 40 percent fewer calories. Continuing to eat a normal maintenance diet combined with lack of exercise will develop obesity.  Just like in people, obesity will cause problems with the heart, kidneys and joints.

An examination and blood work will allow us to rule out any major health problems that could be causing weight gain.  Once that is determined, an exercise program along with a reduced calorie diet like Hill’s Prescription r/d or Science Diet Light will be suggested. Slentrol, a new medication to decrease weight, may also be prescribed.

Weight loss - Are your pet’s teeth strong and mouth and gums healthy? Is the neck arthritic? Your pet won't eat if it's a painful process. Age can reduce the senses of smell and taste, which, of course, decreases appetite. Metabolic disorders and heart or liver trouble can cause weight loss, regardless of how much your pet eats. 

An examination, blood work and x-rays will help determine the cause of weight loss.  A dentistry to alleviate possible mouth pain can be performed.  A recommended diet of Science Diet Mature Adult/Senior will help your senior dog keep his zest for life. It has an essential balance of nutrients, softer textures and a controlled blend of vitamins and minerals to help your pet stay stronger, longer.

6. Does your pet seem to be getting sick more often or having difficulty recuperating?  As the body ages, the immune system weakens, the body's ability to repair itself decreases making it harder for your pet to ward off infections.  When the immune system is functioning properly, built in energy is flowing freely, our pets (and ourselves) have an awesome ability to resist disease. But when the immune system's energy is blocked or unbalanced due to such things as old age, poor nutrition, stress or injuries, our pets become vulnerable to illness. Once they get sick, the energy becomes even more unbalanced, making it much harder for them to recover.

Blood work will allow us to identify potential infections or abnormalities.  Diet supplements, a well-balanced diet like Science Diet Mature Adult/Senior has a superior antioxidant formula that supports overall health by promoting strong, natural immunity.  A boost to the immune system will not only help reduce the signs and effects of aging but give your pet the ability to fight infections in the most natural way.

7.  Is your pet having “accidents” around the house or straining to go? As your pet ages, soiling the house becomes more common. Weak bladders, failing kidneys or an inflamed bowel are possible causes. The kidney function and control over the urinary bladder sphincter slowly lessens, resulting in an increased incidence of urine leakage. Diabetis is also a possibility.  The most common signs of Diabetes are increased thirst and increased urination. In un-neutered males, the prostate often enlarges and causes some constriction of the urethra. 

A urine sample helps in diagnosing kidney problems, urinary infections or diabetes. Medications as well as special diets like Hill’s Prescription k/d can help reduce accidents as well as help prevent serious health complications.

8.  Does your pet suffer from constipation or stomach upset ? Over time, the stomach lining begins to deteriorate, and the level of digestive enzymes from the pancreas falls. The result can be nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite and/or diarrhea.  Just as dangerous as diarrhea is constipation when the colon has trouble moving fecal matter. 

You may need to change your pet's diet and feed smaller meals more frequently. Eating more fiber like Hill’s Prescription r/d will help move food through the intestines as well as keep your pet’s weight in check.

Staying away from table scraps will prevent stomach upsets.   Hill’s Prescription i/d for sensitive stomachs can give your pet the formidable diet it needs while providing the nutrients and enzymes for a healthy digestive system.

Fecal examination for parasites is equally important. Since gastrointestinal parasites may be more debilitating in geriatric animals, a yearly fecal exam is recommended.

9.  Does your pet’s coat seem dull? Do you notice bad odor? In senior pets, the skin becomes dry, thick, scaly and loses elasticity.  The fur loses luster and looks dull and brittle.  The advance of years also causes hair to lose its normal pigment, turning white and falling out.  You may also notice changes in the feet and nails. Footpads begin to thicken and the nails become very long, brittle, making it harder to walk and stay active. 

Grooming is an important aspect of your pet's health care throughout its life. As your pet ages, grooming becomes even more important. Older pets often groom less, may have trouble cleaning those "hard to reach places," or may develop skin conditions that require extra attention. If your pet has long hair, keeping the face free of long hair that can irritate the eyes will make him feel more comfortable and prevent eye problems. The area around the rear end needs to be clipped short. Feces often mat in the hair causing skin irritations and unpleasant odors.

You may begin to notice lumps or bumps both on and underneath the surface of the skin. All new skin growths should be evaluated to determine if any further attention is needed. 

Regular grooming will also keep fleas and ticks at bay.  Not only can they be extremely uncomfortable for your older pet but can also cause tapeworms, skin conditions and even Lyme disease. 

By scheduling a “pamper day” for your senior pet we can bathe, groom, clip hair, clip nails, apply a topical flea & tick killer and make your pet feel years younger!

Oh! My Aching Bones!

Thankfully, our pets are living longer and longer. However, one in five adult dogs begin to suffer from arthritis as they age. This tends to be in the bigger breeds (Labs and Golden Retrievers) and overweight dogs. It also is seen more often in the colder, wetter months. If you notice your pet is slow to get up, slow to sit down, reticent to go up stairs or jump onto furniture, pacing a lot, has decreased enthusiasm for exercise – consider arthritis as the cause. We have a number of ways to address this malady, including fortified diets, dog-specific painkillers, and a broad array of complementary therapies.

Nutrition is number one on our list. If a pet is just 10% over optimum weight, he’ll experience exaggerated joint pain. You should be able to feel ribs without much finger pressure and to see a waist (an indentation behind the ribs) when viewing your pet from above. The type of food also has an impact. Commercial foods containing glucosamine can help some dogs but the amount is usually not enough to be therapeutic. However, prescription foods, such as Hill’s Science J/D, do work! Nutritional supplements that possess medicinal effects are called nutraceuticals. Glucosamine, chondroitin, Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E) are supplements that block effects of damaging enzymes and neutralize free radicals to improve joint motility.

Pain management has come a long and safe way for our arthritic pets. We used to only use aspirin and steroids – both fraught with side effects. We now use medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as: Rimadyl, Metacam and Deramaxx. Most dogs tolerate them well, but we need to carefully watch for loss of appetite, vomiting or blood in the stool.

There are quite a few alternative treatment modalities that can tremendously help your pet (sometimes by themselves or in addition to the already mentioned). Chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture and electrical stimulation are examples. We can refer you to several certified veterinarians who offer these treatments. Physical therapy plays a supportive role. Regular massage, hot and cold packs, gentle and consistent exercise, swimming and water walking are all excellent for our arthritic pets.

There is no reason an arthritic dog should suffer in silence. If you suspect arthritis, see us and get the diagnosis confirmed. Then you can start on a program to help your friend cope with his disease and get on with his happy life