Geriatric Care for Pets

Typical Health Problems

Our companion cats and dogs are living much longer today than they have in the past, thanks to better veterinary care and improved dietary options. 

While we can certainly celebrate this, pet parents and their veterinarians are now also facing more age-related conditions than they have in the past. 

Senior pets are usually prone to these conditions:

• Joint or bone disorders

  Geriatric Dogs

  As your dog enters their golden years, they may experience numerous bone or joint disorders that can cause pain and discomfort. Some common bone and joint disorders in geriatric pets that our veterinarians see often include reduction in spinal flexibility, growth plate disorders, hip dysplasia, arthritis and osteochondrosis. 

  It's essential to address these issues early so your dog can remain comfortable as they continue to age. Treatment for joint and bone issues in senior dogs ranges from simple measures such as reducing exercise levels to using anti-inflammatory drugs or analgesics. Surgery may be recommended to reduce pain, stabilize joints or remove diseased tissue.

  Geriatric Cats

  While we commonly see dogs with osteoarthritis, this painful condition can also impact your senior cat's joints. 

  Signs of osteoarthritis are more subtle than those in dogs. While cats can experience a decrease in range of motion, the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis in geriatric cats include poor grooming habits, urination or defecation outside the litter pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, inability to jump on and off objects, depression and change in general attitude. While lameness is usually seen in dogs, this is not commonly reported by cat owners. 

• Cancer

  It is believed that approximately 50% of all pets in the US die from cancers. That's why it's important for your senior pet to visit the vet for routine wellness exams as they age.

  Bringing your geriatric pet in for routine checkups even when they seem healthy allows your veterinarian to examine them for early signs of cancer and other diseases which respond better to treatment when caught in their earliest stages. 

• Heart Disease

  Like people, heart disease can be a problem for geriatric pets.

  Senior dogs commonly suffer from congestive heart failure, which occurs when the heart isn't pumping blood efficiently, causing fluid to back up in the heart, lungs, and chest cavity.

  While heart disease is seen less in cats than in dogs, Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is relatively common. This condition causes the walls of a cat’s heart to thicken, decreasing the heart’s ability to function efficiently.  

• Blindness and hearing loss

  Degeneration in the eyes and ears can lead to varying degrees of deafness and blindness in older pets, although this is more common in dogs than in cats.

  When these conditions are age-related they may come on slowly, allowing geriatric pets to adjust their behavior and making it difficult for pet owners to notice. 

• Liver disease

  In senior cats, liver disease is common and may be the result of high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of liver disease in cats include loss of appetite, jaundice, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst.

  Liver disease in dogs can cause a number of serious symptoms including seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, jaundice, abdominal fluid buildup, and weight loss.

  If your geriatric dog or cat is displaying any of the symptoms of liver disease, veterinary care is essential.

• Diabetes

  Although dogs and cats can develop diabetes at any age, most dogs are diagnosed at approximately 7-10 years of age and the majority of cats diagnosed with diabetes are over 6 years of age.

  Symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats include excessive thirst, increased appetite accompanied by weight loss, cloudy eyes, and chronic or recurring infections.

  Obesity is a risk factor for diabetes in both cats and dogs.  

• Kidney disease

  As pets age, their kidneys tend to lose their function. In some cases, kidney disease can be caused by medications used to treat other common conditions seen in geriatric pets.

  While chronic kidney disease cannot be cured, it can be managed with a combination of diet and medications.  

• Urinary tract disease

  Our Sacramento vets often see geriatric cats and dogs with urinary tract conditions and incontinence issues. Elderly pets can be prone to accidents as the muscles controlling the bladder weaken, but it's important to note that incontinence could be a sign of a bigger health issue such as a urinary tract infection or dementia.

  If your senior pet experiences incontinence issues it's important to take your geriatric dog or cat to the vet for a thorough examination.

Veterinary Care for Seniors

Your senior pet will be thoroughly examined by our vets. We'll ask about their home life in detail and conduct any testing that may be needed to gain additional insight into his or her general physical health and condition. 

We will then recommend a treatment plan based on the findings. This plan may include activities, medications and dietary changes to help improve your senior pet's health, comfort and well-being.