A phrase we often hear when we see older pets, is ‘we just put it down to old age.’ Whether they are slowing down on walks, not eating as much, drinking a bit more or losing weight. As they can’t tell us, it can be difficult to notice when our pets have a problem, until they become quite unwell.
Common problems we can see in older pets include arthritis (which often becomes worse in the colder months), dental disease, kidney problems, heart disease and infections.
Most of these can be diagnosed from examining a pet and talking through a recent history, however sometimes we need to do further tests such as urine and blood tests and ultrasound/x-ray exams.
To help your older pet there are a variety of tools we have. We can slow down the progress of the disease with medication, such as in the case of arthritis and heart disease. We can cure some ailments such as removing rotten/broken teeth – it is always rewarding for us to see how ‘well’ pets can become after dental treatment. We can also prevent problems occurring by continuing to vaccinate older pets – contrary to popular belief older pets are more at risk just like people.
Pets are living a lot longer than ever before and maintaining quality of life for our patients in their older years and allowing a dignified end when the time comes is such an important part of our role in veterinary practice.
Lucy Travers BVSc CertAVP MRCVS Highfields Vets