Senior Pets

Just as with people, pets tend to acquire more physical complaints as they age. From arthritis to heart disease to cancer, disease can creep up on your pet as they get older. But with animals, the time frame to “seniorhood” tends to be compressed, as unfortunately they do not live as long as we do. Dogs are considered senior as young as 6-7 years in giant breeds (Great Dane/Mastiff etc.), 8-9 years with large breeds (retrievers for example), and 10-11 years with the smaller breeds (Poodles/Yorkies etc.). Cats are considered senior after 10 years of age, although we occasionally see “senior” diseases (kidney failure) earlier in some cats.

Many of the age- related problems are noticed first by the owner’s observations at home. There is that difficulty getting up the stairs at night or into the car, drinking more water or having accidents in the house, loss of weight or appetite. We may also see cognitive changes such as pacing/barking, altered sleep patterns, and disorientation. Arthritis is one of the most common age-related issues, especially with older, large breed dogs. There are a variety of modalities to treat arthritis, ranging from diet changes to nutritional supplements to anti-inflammatories.

There is much debate as to the cause of cancer in pets and humans. As our animal friends live longer and longer due to excellent preventative care, cancer seems to be a more common finding in senior pets. The veterinarians at Becker Animal Hospital have a great deal of experience diagnosing and treating cancer. Just like humans, early detection and treatment can be a lifesaver with this disease. We are currently treating our receptionist Cindie's Bernese Mountain Dog Maya with chemotherapy as we recently diagnosed her with Lymphoma. She is doing quite well, with no side effects from her weekly chemotherapy treatments.

Please bring up any concerns during your annual visit, but feel free to call and have us take a look sooner if you notice any of the signs described above. Also, you can link to our extensive Pet Library on this website to learn more about specific medical and behavioral conditions.

Are you aware Cook County dog parks are now requiring a Leptospirosis Vaccine? Are you wondering:

What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is an infection, usually of the liver or kidneys, caused by bacteria of the genus Leptosira. There are over 200 species and subspecies of Leptospira. Different strains of the bacteria are more or less likely to infect a given species, including people and dogs. Cats can contract this disease, but it is extremely rare.

How is it contracted?

The bacteria are usually transmitted through infected urine or contaminated water. They can enter the body through a break in the skin or through oral contact. Rodents and racoons are the primary carriers of the bacteria, and your pet can transmit to humans in the same manner. When exposed to Leptospira, an animal or person may either spontaneously clear the infection, develop a subclinical infection, or develop clinical illness.

What are the signs?

Signs of leptospirosis are nonspecific and can include lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, and urinary symptoms.

Is it treatable?

Infection is treatable with antibiotics and supportive care. Treatment is usually successful when the illness is diagnosed before significant damage is done to the liver or kidneys.

Who is at risk?

As rodents and raccoons are the common carriers, dogs exposed to them or their urine are at higher risk as are dogs exposed to wet environments. Over 200 cases were reported in IL last year - 64% of which were diagnosed in the northeastern corner of the state. This may change as weather patterns and wildlife populations shift over time.

What is the vaccine?

The vaccine provides protection against 4 of the 6 strains that are the most likely to infect dogs. There is a small and uncommon risk of a dog having a reaction to the vaccine. Vaccination is recommended for dogs considered to be at risk of exposure to Leptospira. Please speak to one of our veterinarians regarding whether vaccination is appropriate for your dog.

Curious about your dog's family tree?

It's not only a curiosity, but often an important element in determining breed related illnesses and behavior. For example, Dr. Wagner's young Welsh Corgi, Pongo, was recently diagnosed with Von Willebrand's Disease – a blood clotting disorder. It is a rare disease, but more likely to be seen in the corgi breed. Many genetic diseases are rare and complex. Insights into a dog's DNA can help us develop a more customized wellness plan for your mixed breed. Had Pongo been a mixed breed, we may not have known to test for this rare disease when he presented with a bloody nose.

DNA testing also provides useful knowledge for formulating an effective training plan. Pongo is a herding breed that tends to nip and follow at anyone's heels. We worked with our trainer to sublimate this undesirable behavior. We also know this breed tends to put on the lbs., so we are careful about how much we feed, and plan appropriate exercise like chasing balls (though he doesn't return them like a retriever!), and activities like agility.

Becker Animal Hospital uses the Wisdom Panel test which requires a painless swab from the inside cheek. Within 3 weeks, an Ancestry Report revealing the dog's complete genetic background is provided. You are welcome to call one of our veterinarians to discuss the results as sometimes they can be surprising.

One recent discovery proved to be very interesting: Otis (see picture at right) was adopted from a shelter as a puppy and grew to strikingly resemble a combination of a tall Great Dane body, with the head shape and long ears of a Bloodhound. Everyone comments on and asks what kind of mix he is. He's a very handsome boy! The DNA results revealed a mix of Bloodhound, Rottweiler and a small percentage of Sheltie. Although we didn't see evidence of the Sheltie, it was mixed somewhere in his genetic background. Now our client has a better understanding of Otis for training and wellness purposes.

Please let us know if you'd like to schedule a DNA test to determine your dog's heritage.