Old age is not a disease; however, your pet’s risk of developing a systemic disease increases as they age. Organs may begin to deteriorate and body functions may decline as your pet reaches senior status. Treatment is typically more successful when the disease is diagnosed early, so knowing which diseases your senior pet may develop, and the signs to watch for can be helpful. 

#1: Diabetes mellitus

Your pet’s pancreas secretes insulin, which helps move glucose from the bloodstream into their cells for energy production. Diabetes mellitus can develop if your pet’s pancreas secretes an insufficient amount of insulin, or if their cells do not respond appropriately to insulin, and glucose accumulates in the bloodstream. Diabetes develops most commonly in older, overweight cats, and clinical signs may include:

* Increased drinking

* Increased urination

* Lethargy

* Decreased appetite 

Diabetes treatment may involve a therapeutic diet, medications, and daily insulin injections. Pet owners may need to check their pets’ blood glucose at home to monitor their treatment progress.

#2: Osteoarthritis

Joint degeneration is extremely common in senior pets and affects up to 90% of older cats and a likely similar percentage of older dogs. Any joint can develop chronic inflammation, but, typically, dogs have arthritis in their hip joints, and cats in their lower backs. Large-breed dogs, pets with joint-related conditions, and overweight pets are more likely to be affected. Arthritis signs include:

* Limping

* Reluctance to jump onto furniture or walk up or down stairs

* Avoiding being petted

* Irritability, snapping, or biting

A number of treatments can help keep arthritic pets comfortable, including anti-inflammatory medications, supplements, laser therapy, and therapeutic exercises. 

#3: Cancer

Although any pet can develop cancer, older pets are more likely to be affected. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), almost half of dogs older than 10 will develop cancer. Many cancer types affect pets, with lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and oral and skin cancer among the most common types. Cancer can be limited to a local area or can spread (i.e., metastasize) throughout a pet’s body. Cancer signs vary, depending on the type, severity, and body parts affected. General signs may include:

* Decreased appetite

* Lethargy

* An abnormal lump or mass

* Difficulty breathing

* Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

* A non-healing wound

* Abdominal swelling

Many cancer types can be treated with therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

#4: Cognitive dysfunction

As your pet’s brain ages, cognitive decline can set in. More than half of geriatric dogs and cats are estimated to have some degree of cognitive dysfunction. The condition is characterized mainly by behavioral changes, such as:

* Disorientation and confusion

* Irritability

* Altered sleep/wake cycles, with night restlessness

* Anxiety

* House soiling

Unfortunately, cognitive dysfunction often goes undiagnosed because people assume the behavior changes they observe are because of their pet’s normal aging process. Speak to your family veterinarian if you think your pet may have cognitive dysfunction, as many therapies are available that can improve their quality of life. 

#5: Chronic kidney disease

Your pet’s kidneys help maintain their internal balance by eliminating metabolic waste products. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by a progressive decline in kidney function, which allows wastes to accumulate in a pet’s body. Because pets have reserved kidney function, CKD typically does not cause clinical signs until the disease advances, which can delay a diagnosis. CKD signs include:

* Lethargy

* Decreased appetite

* Vomiting

* Increased or decreased urination

* Increased drinking

Since kidney disease does not become apparent until most kidney function has been lost, regular wellness exams, including disease screening, are critical. 

#6: Heart disease

Although pets do not develop atherosclerosis and heart attacks like people, heart disease is common in dogs and cats. Valvular disease, which leads to abnormal blood flow through the heart, most commonly affects dogs. Cats most commonly develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which causes thickening of the heart wall, with resulting in decreased chamber size. Any heart disease type can progress to congestive heart failure, which causes fluid accumulation in the lungs. Heart disease signs can include:

* Lethargy

* Tiring easily

* Decreased appetite

* Coughing

* Difficulty breathing

* Passing out

Most heart disease types can be treated with medications to control signs and allow pets to live a good quality life.

If your pet has advanced chronic disease, you may choose to support them with veterinary hospice care and in-home euthanasia. We are here to help you and your pet through their final journey.