Canine geriatrics

Continued from last week

After having spent some time last week discussing canine chronology and positing that the ‘7 human years = 1 dog year’ opinion should not be taken as gospel, let us now have a more serious look at the physical and psychological (behavioural) changes in the elderly dog as well as those things that influence his wellbeing and longevity. Before we go any further allow me to make some general remarks.

Clearly, before any medical symptoms become apparent, behavioural changes can serve as important indicators that something is changing in an older pet, which may be due to medical or other reasons.

As your pet’s owner, you serve a critical role in detecting early signs of disease, because you interact and care for your pet on a daily basis and are familiar with your pet’s behaviour and routines. If your pet is showing any change in behaviour or other warning signs of disease, contact your veterinarian and provide him/her with a list of the changes you have observed in your pet. Sometimes, the changes may seem contradictory – such as an older pet that has symptoms of hearing loss but which also seems more sensitive to strange sounds.

pet corner A progressive and irreversible deterioration of cellular and organ function occurs in the tissues of all animals with the passage of time. Although its effects are familiar to everyone, the exact mechanism by which organic systems eventually run out of protoplasmic vitality is an unsolved mystery at least for now.

I don’t know what percentage of Guyana’s dog population is 7-10 years. It is estimated that about 10 per cent of the dog population of the US of A is over the age of 10 years. But all dogs do not age at the same rate. A dog’s biologic age depends upon many things: his genetic background, his nutritional status, the presence of diseases, and environmental stresses, etc. Of importance is the care the dog has received throughout his life. Well cared for pets suffer fewer infirmities as they grow older. But when illness or injury is not taken seriously and is neglected by the owner, the aging process is accelerated.

Large dogs, seem to age more rapidly than smaller ones. St Bernards, German Shepherds, Great Danes and other breeds reach old age at 10 to 12 years. Toy breeds are considered old at 14 to 16 years.

Although aging is inevitable and irreversible, some of the infirmities attributed to old age may be due to a disease and therefore, correctable or at least treatable.

Geriatric pets can develop many of the same problems seen in older people, such as:

 

  1. Cancer
  2. Heart disease
  3. Kidney/urinary tract disease
  4. Liver disease
  5. Diabetes
  6. Joint or bone disease
  7. Senility
  8. Sores that do not heal
  9. Bleeding from any orifice (body opening)

The care of the older dog is directed at preventing premature aging, avoiding physical and emotional stress, and meeting special nutritional needs. Dogs older than six years of age should have a complete physical examination every six months. Usually it will include a urinalysis, stool exam and complete blood count. At times, liver and kidney function tests, chest X-ray, and electrocardiogram are indicated. Any disease or abnormal condition which may be present can be dealt with before it leads to a more serious infirmity. Cataracts, strictures, bone deposits, and other causes of incipient disability are often amenable to surgical correction or medical management. Heart medications, analgesics, enzymes, and hormones can relieve discomfort and improve organ performance.

Finally (for today) this tidbit might be of interest: The oldest recorded age of a cat is 34 years. The oldest recorded age of a dog is 29 years.