|
Here are some common conditions that affect seniors. If
your pet exhibits any of these physical or behavioral signs, consult your
veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
|
| Condition |
Apparent Signs |
| Kidney disease |
Increased thirst
and water intake, increased urination and accidents; weight, muscle and
appetite loss; lethargy and anemia; rough coat; vomiting; bad breath |
| Diabetes |
Increased food
and water intake; increased urination. |
| Gastrointestinal disorders |
Vomiting,
flatulence, diarrhea, vigorous straining to produce little or no stool. |
| Arthritis |
Stiffness,
reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump or play; limping; difficulty rising
from a resting position; lagging behind on walks; behavior changes,
irritability. |
| Hearing loss |
Sleeping more
soundly, apparent lack of awareness of loud noises; no response to calls;
increased vocalization. |
| Cataracts and vision loss |
Bumping into
furniture, doors and walls; easily disoriented; cloudy eyes;
irritability. |
| Cushing's disease |
Pot-bellied
appearance; increased water or food intake; frequent urination; hair loss;
muscle weakness; changes in activity level; decreased responsiveness to
attention. |
| Thyroid disease-Hypothyroidism (low) |
Reduced
activity, weight gain, hair loss, shivering and reduced cold tolerance;
possible irritability. |
| Thyroid disease-Hyperthyroidism (high) |
Weight loss;
increased appetite; diarrhea; vocalization |
| Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) |
Disorientation
(confusion), wandering aimlessly, staring off into space; decreased or
altered response to family members; abnormal sleep-wake patterns; loss of
housetraining; increased vocalization. |
| Heart disease |
Labored
breathing; coughing; sluggishness, fatigue, or lethargy; shortness of
breath; poor exercise tolerance; fainting or abdominal fluid. |
| Periodontal (dental) disease |
Bad breath,
buildup of plaque on teeth; red, inflamed, sensitive, or bleeding gums;
excessive drooling; reluctance to be touched on face or near mouth |
| Cancer |
Unusual growths
or abnormal lumps and bumps; sores that don't heal; unexplained weight loss;
loss of appetite; bleeding or discharge from a body opening; offensive odor;
difficulty eating or swallowing; loss of stamina; persistent lameness or
stiffness; difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating. |
| Obesity |
Pet weighs more
than 15% over ideal weight; joint problems; breathing difficulties. |
