Quality of Life for Aging Pets
By Barbara Lombardi
If your pet is getting along in years, and you haven't kept up with recent advances in veterinary medicine, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Within the past five to 10 years, veterinary medicine has seen some significant improvements in treatments for the maladies commonly faced by aging cats and dogs.
INCREASE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OLDER PETS
Owners should be aware that they now have options for treating problems that couldn't be treated very effectively as recently as five to ten years ago. Due to the advances in medicine and other treatments, an animal's quality of life can be improved immensely.
Sometimes, older pets suffer from senility or dementia. They may fail to recognize friends or family members or become confused even in their own homes or yards. Owners formerly attributed declining mental capacity to old age and presumed that nothing could be done to slow the ravages of time. Some newer medications have been developed that can help. Many dogs benefit from a drug called Anipryl, made by Pfizer Animal Health. It acts on one of the neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for nerve to nerve communication. The drug slows the natural destruction of the chemical compound dopamine in the brain. Because the problem is progressive, even if the drug works initially, ultimately it will stop being effective. But it helps many pets for some time.
Another disorder that causes problems for older pets is urinary incontinence. A veterinary consultation is necessary to determine the cause. Sometimes a tumor or mass blocks the urethra. Surgery can correct this problem. More often, the animal lacks muscle control around the urethra -- a weak sphincter -- and has trouble controlling urine output. This form of incontinence often responds to hormone replacement therapy, estrogen in females and testosterone in males. A drug called PPA may be prescribed and has been very effective, with few side effects.
Arthritis is another common malady of old age. Arthritic pets may have difficulty in rising, especially after sleep, climbing stairs, or jumping up into the car or onto the bed or sofa.
These problems have often been associated with old age and many owners opt not to seek veterinary advice. But there are options. Starting with NSAIDS -- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. They provide a more predictable response, a faster response, but unfortunately they have some side effects, primarily gastrointestinal upsets. The two drugs most commonly used in dogs are Rimadyl and Etogesic. Very, very rarely, Rimadyl can cause liver problems. A blood test for liver function is strongly recommended before treatment and then again after about a month of treatment. Fortunately, the liver problems are very rare and the side effects are reversible once the drug is stopped.
There have been remarkable advances in cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These modes of treatment can prolong an animal's life by six months to a year or more.
If your pet is rubbing its eye or showing other signs that the eye is irritated consult your veterinarian. It may be a sign of glaucoma or other eye problem. Today, glaucoma can be treated with medication. There have been many advances in ophthalmology, so veterinarians are better able to treat cataracts and other problems, too.
There are options...Together, clients and veterinarians can improve the quality of life for aging pets. By being aware of any changes in your pet's body or in her actions, you will provide key information to helping your pet live a long and healthy life.
About the Author:
After moving to Florida I decided to combine my love for writing with my knowledge of pets. For ten years I owned and operated a local pet sitting service and gained a wealth of information regarding pet care. In addition I have been an English teacher for several years as well as an aspiring writer. I recently completed a Masters Degree in Educational technology and I am looking forward to teaching college classes online. I am freelance writing and living happily in Florida with my husband and our Nikki, the most lovable golden retriever I know.
Article courtesy of Suite101.com.
