Osteoarthritis Pain Checklist
Click on this link to see if your cat is showing signs of Osteoarthritis-related pain.
COMMON DISEASES OF OLDER CATS
Cats get many of the same diseases as humans. In fact, there are more than 60 inherited disorders that humans share with cats. By early detection and intervention we can proplong a high quality of life for most pets. It's not just about life span, it's about health span.
Periodontal disease: Infection of the teeth and gums affects more than 40 percent of all older cats. Poor oral health can decrease your cat's life expectancy by two to four years. In addition, loose teeth, swollen gums, and cervical neck lesions are painful. Dental scaling and polishing, pulsatile antibiotic therapy, and brushing can help to combat periodontal disease in older cats.
Obesity: Nearly 5 percent of all cats are overweight, and about 15 percent are obese (15 to 20 percent above their optimal weight). The average cat weighs only 8-10 lbs. Being overweight increases your cat's chanves of developing diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and more. We will calculate your cat's weight and design a nutritional regimen to suit your cat's lifestyle.
Hyperthyroidism: This condition, caused by an overactive thyroid gland, is increasing in North America and can only be diagnosed through blood tests. Hyperthyroidism often causes irreversible heart, liver, and kidney damage, so early detection is critical. Several safe and effective treatments are available.
Periodontal disease: Infection of the teeth and gums affects more than 40 percent of all older cats. Poor oral health can decrease your cat's life expectancy by two to four years. In addition, loose teeth, swollen gums, and cervical neck lesions are painful. Dental scaling and polishing, pulsatile antibiotic therapy, and brushing can help to combat periodontal disease in older cats.
Obesity: Nearly 5 percent of all cats are overweight, and about 15 percent are obese (15 to 20 percent above their optimal weight). The average cat weighs only 8-10 lbs. Being overweight increases your cat's chanves of developing diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and more. We will calculate your cat's weight and design a nutritional regimen to suit your cat's lifestyle.
Hyperthyroidism: This condition, caused by an overactive thyroid gland, is increasing in North America and can only be diagnosed through blood tests. Hyperthyroidism often causes irreversible heart, liver, and kidney damage, so early detection is critical. Several safe and effective treatments are available.
Cats with the following symptoms should be tested for thyroid disease:
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Kidney disease: This disease is one of the leading causes of death in cats. If it's detected early through blood and urine tests, we oftern can prolong life expectancy and maintain a high quality of life. Treatment varies from dietary changes to home fluid therapy.
Diabetes: Cats get diabetes just like people. Signs include drinking more water and urinating more frequently, losing weight, a dull hair coat, and vomiting. We use blood and urine tests that detect high "blood sugar" or glucose levels to diagnose diabetes. In most cases, treatment is simple. Left untreated, diabetes progresses quickly and often causes irreversible organ damage.
Heart disease: Cats can develop several types of heart disease. Signs include difficulty breathing, vomiting, and weight loss. Physical exams, heart and lung radiographs, and ECGs help detect heart disease early. Several safe medications can slow the progression of heart disease and improve a cat's quality of life.
Cancer: Cats get many of the same types of cancer as humans, and frequent physical exams and diagnostic tests help detect cancer before it's too late for treatment. Many of today'scancer treatments cause few side effects and greatly increase a cat's health span.
Nutritional needs of senior cats
We recommend a specially formulated senior diet for all patients 8 years or older. This diet helps meet a senior cat's special dietary needs by offering optimal protein and fiber content, reduced fat, and fewer calories than regular adult food. A good diet is essential for health and longevity.
We recommend a specially formulated senior diet for all patients 8 years or older. This diet helps meet a senior cat's special dietary needs by offering optimal protein and fiber content, reduced fat, and fewer calories than regular adult food. A good diet is essential for health and longevity.
Emotional needs of senior cats
Older cats need more interaction and affection then adult cats. They also must be closely monitored for behavioral changes. Older cats are at risk for developing many forms of behavioral disorders, including phobias, loss of litter box training, and more. If your older cat experiences any of these problems, contact the clinic to learn how we can help. Together, we can make your cat's senior years the best years.
Older cats need more interaction and affection then adult cats. They also must be closely monitored for behavioral changes. Older cats are at risk for developing many forms of behavioral disorders, including phobias, loss of litter box training, and more. If your older cat experiences any of these problems, contact the clinic to learn how we can help. Together, we can make your cat's senior years the best years.