Geriatric Care
In parallel with the developments and advances in veterinary medicine, the life span of our pet friends is also increasing. Increasing the life span of our pets causes new problems. For example, obesity, osteoarthritis, kidney-heart-liver diseases, cancer, diabetes, thyroid insufficiency etc. …
The care of our geriatric pets is different as well as the care of the elderly people is different. Keeping pet owners close contact with veterinarians and planning a health program together will be the most appropriate step in establishing an ideal form of care for geriatric pets.
When does old age begin?
In general, small breeds have a longer life than larger breeds and cats live longer than dogs. The geriatric age of many small breeds generally starts at the age of 10-12. However, in some large breeds, geriatric age starts at the age of 6.
Regular medical examinations of our geriatric pet friends will be the most important step. This may become even more important, especially in elder pets. The primary purpose of health checks in old age is the early diagnosis of some problems (such as renal and liver failure, heart murmurs, problems of the pancreas and thyroid gland, osteoarthritis and tumors). In additionally, that gives the chance of early treatment.
The American Pet Hospitals Association recommends a checkup and laboratory analysis of a healthy cat or dog in every 6 months. Remember that, they are unable to express their problems, and in some cases they show symptoms when their illnesses progress goes too bad. In this cases, we are late to realize that they are sick. For this reason, regular health examinations are vital for our pets.
During the medical examination, our doctors asks a number of questions about your pet, especially changes in activity, behavior and habits, then a detailed physical examination and laboratory tests will be carried out.
Checkup content of Boğaziçi Veterinary Polyclinic:
• General examination
• Laboratory analysis
• Blood count
• Biochemical analysis
• Blood gas analysis
• Blood electrolyte values
• Biochemical and microscopic examination of urine
• Stool analysis
• Radiograph examination
• Ultrasonography
• Electrocardiography (ECG), Echocardiography, blood pressure measuring and additional analyzes required by the veterinarian.
Effects of Age on Pets
With increasing age, a general slowdown is observed in our pets. Sight, hearing, touch sensation, taste sensation and sense of smell are weakened. The response to external stimuli begins to slow down. With the passing of time, we begin to realize that they sleeps more and their body shape changes. Sometimes, they can’t hold urine, and they can’t do many things they used to do.
The best medicine of this weakening of the senses is to keep active by playing games with them and repeat some trainings.
Symptoms of Problems in Old Age;
• Sudden weight loss,
• Drinking excessive water and urinating a lot,
• Abnormal eating or lack of appetite,
• Long-term digestive system disorders,
• Halitosis and and salivation in the mouth.
• Less movement, more sleep,
• Abnormal breathing, breathiness,
• Blood in feces and urine,
• Neurological seizure,
• Frequently vomiting
• Pallor in mucosa,
• Difficulty while urination or defecation,
• Prolonged or recurring lameness,
• Thinning or thickening of the skin,
• Local or systemic hair loss,
• Distention,
• Difficulty while eating dry food,
• Chronic cough
