Use our Animal Care Library for quick, easy access to our most common animal care problems. Use our Animal Care Library for quick, easy access to our most common animal care problems. Use our Animal Care Library for quick, easy access to our most common animal care problems.
As we humans get older, we all know the golden rules for living longer - regular health check-ups, sensible diet and moderate exercise. The same applies to our pets, in particular dogs and cats, if they also are to enjoy a longer life.
First and foremost, our pets need a diet tailored to their age to maintain good kidney and cardiac health. It must have reduced salt and phosphorus content and the correct level of protiens and other nutrients. The best way to ensure this is to feed them good quality prepared dried food labelled 'for senior animals'.
Dogs with arthritis exhibita stiff, stilted gait and show an exaggerated swinging of their hips as they walk, some will yelp in pain when touched. Cats have problems grooming themselves and look untidy. They walk with stilted, stiff back leg movements and often have difficulty using their litter tray accuratley as thye cannot squat when toileting.
Your veterinarian is likely to use medication to reduce the pain and to give your pet back some quality of life. For dogs, combine this with careful, moderate exercise such as swimming and walking and keep your pet's weight in check.
Early diagnostic is critical. Not all cancers are dangerous. Benign cancers are usually not life-threatening, don't spread and can usually be removed safely and easily. Other cancers can be treated by surgical means, with chemotherapy or with radiation.
There are three dieases that can cause the majority of illnesses in older cats - hyperthyroidism, diabetes and kidney disease.
Occurs when the thyroid gland of cats enlarges and produces excess thyroid hormone. Amongst the most common abnormalities are a gradual reduction in weight and an increase in water intake and, therefore, in urine output. Vomiting is seen quite often, as is lethargy. However, some cats are hyperactive and annoyingly restless. Some cats wit Hyperthyroidism eat excessively but still lose weight. Your veterinarian will advise on the treatment needed.
Is cause either by a failure of the pancreas to produce insulin or by the body not responding in the normal way to insulin that is present. As well as increased urine output, and weight loss, affected cats also become lethargic and depressed and they can develop and unusual gait. Your veterinarian is likely to advise the feeding of a perscription diet food to help regulate glucose production. In advanced cases, the cat can collapse. This is due to a condition called ketoacidosis and occurs when the cat is digesting its own fat reserves. The blood becomes acidic and this threatens the cat's life. This is an emergency and your veterinarian should be consulted without delay.
Specifically chronic renal failure, is quite common in older cats. Cats with this condition will lose weight, will drink increased amounts of water and will produce large amounts of urine. These signs are similar to hyperthyroidism and diabetes but your veterinarian will be able to diagnose the condition with a thorough examination and blood tests. The golden rule for good health and long life for both ourselves and our pets is to have regular veterinary check-ups. For senior pets (around seven years of age) it is recommended to have 6 monthly health checks.
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Vet Cross Bundaberg Hospital
2 Inglis Court
Svensson Heights 4670
(07) 4151 5044
info@vetcross.com.au
Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 3pm
Available for emergencies 24/7
Vet Cross Gin Gin
48 Mulgrave Street
Gin Gin 4671
(07) 4157 3991
gingin@vetcross.com.au
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: 9am - 12pm (nurse only)
Vet Cross Bargara
Bargara Central Shopping Centre,
Shop 19/699 Bargara Rd
Bargara 4670
(07) 4130 5003
bargara@vetcross.com.au
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: 9am - 12pm (nurse only)
Vet Cross Pet Store
Shop 2/2 Inglis Court
Svensson Heights 4670
(07) 4152 5939
petstore@vetcross.com.au
Mon-Fri: 8am - 5:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 3pm