Medical & behavioral issues

Medical and Behavioral Problems as Your Pet Gets Older

Certain behavioral and medical problems are seen more commonly as pets become older.  Although not all problems can be completely cured, just as with humans, many of them can be successfully managed to keep your pet happy and comfortable – especially if these problems are discovered early.  The following list has been compiled to help you observe your pet closely.  If you note any of the symptoms listed below, please call us for a complete examination and appropriate diagnostic testing.  We are happy to discuss any of these problems in more detail with you.

• Dental Disease – see separate sheet
• Arthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
Symptoms may include: Dogs: slow to lie down and get up, reluctant to jump into the car, stiffness (which may go away as your dog moves around more), reluctance to exercise or go on walks, limping. Cats: stiffness, weakness, reluctance to move around or jump up on things, irritability; signs may be subtle and unrecognizable.

• Kidney Disease (especially common in older cats, but also seen in dogs)
Symptoms may include: Weight loss, increased drinking and urination, decreased appetite, vomiting.

• Diabetes Mellitus
Symptoms may include: Weight loss, increased drinking and urination, increased appetite.

• Hyperthyroidism (seen more commonly in older cats)
Symptoms may include: Weight loss, increased appetite, increased drinking and/or urination, vomiting, changes in activity level or behavior.

• Hypertension (seen more commonly in dogs)
Symptoms are not commonly noted; if severe, sudden (and usually irreversible) vision loss.

• Cancer
Symptoms vary widely depending on the body area affected, but may include weight loss, decreased appetite and lethargy.

Behavior Changes
Behavior changes in older pets can occur on their own or secondary to medical conditions (including pain, dental disease, decreases in hearing and vision, mental deterioration, organ dysfunction).

Symptoms can include: Increased vocalization, increased fears or anxiety, elimination accidents in the house, confusion, decreased greeting or recognition of family members, abnormal sleep patterns or waking at night, destructive behavior, compulsive behaviors, aggression.