In celebration of our senior patients, Paws of the Rockies will be offering discounts for senior pets 7 years and older.

During the entire month of October, Paws of the Rockies will be offering a 10% discount on all services for senior pets. This includes examinations, bloodwork panels, dental cleanings, surgeries and medications for your pet.

Although a thorough physical exam can often detect many age related problems, it may be equally important to determine the function of the internal organs such as the liver, kidneys and thyroid gland.

Testing to include thyroid levels, CBC (complete blood count), chemistry panels, urinalyses and even radiographs (x-rays) may be performed to detect problems with your pet’s health. Even apparently healthy animals can benefit by having baseline bloodwork performed. Early detection and medical intervention may prevent serious deterioration of your pet’s health. Call us for an appointment today.

Senior pets are likely to have one or more health problems, but with your help they can still lead quality lives.

As a rule of thumb, your pet can be classified as senior when he or she reaches seven years of age. A majority of cats and some small breed dogs will not really be senior until a little later, however some animals will exhibit signs of aging at a younger age.

Senior pets are in the stage of life in which the aging process is affecting every organ. Some organs wear out faster than others, so certain observations are especially important to make. As part of your pet’s annual health check we recommend an appointment for the following diagnostics. First and foremost, it is important for your pet to have a thorough physical exam. This exam will pay special attention to the eyes, ears, mouth, skin and coat. The exam will also focus on a thorough chest exam and abdominal palpation. We will also check your pet completely for any lumps or masses which could be a problem.

Although a thorough physical exam annually can often detect many age-related problems, it is equally important to determine the function of the internal organs with diagnostic blood testing. Many conditions, including disorders of the liver, kidneys, blood, thyroid, glucose metabolism and other vital organs can only be detected through blood testing. These problems can go undetected and untreated for an extended period of time before your pet’s physical condition and behavior are affected. Early detection and medical intervention may prevent serious deterioration of your pet’s general health. As part of your pet’s health check, we recommend laboratory testing on a regular basis. This may mean annually for some pets and more often for others.

We will perform and complete blood count (CBC), chemistry panel, thyroid level and urinalysis, to obtain the most information on your pet’s health status as a senior patient. Based on the results of a thorough physical exam, blood work results and urinalysis findings, the veterinarians at Paws of the Rockies Animal Hospital, will be able to recommend appropriate care and treatments for your pet.

The following is a list of key recommendations the veterinarians at Paws of the Rockies feel are important for older dogs and cats:

1.) Weight: It is important to monitor the weight of your pet. We recommend weighing every 60-90 days to keep an accurate measurement of your pet’s weight.

2.) Diet: Diet plays a very important role in keeping  your pet healthy throughout his or her lifetime. We may recommend a low protein, senior or prescription diet for your pet. Keep fresh water available at all times. Keep other pets from preventing your older pet free access to food and water.

3.) Vaccinations: We recommend keeping all vaccinations current.

4.) Hair coat: We recommend that you brush your pet’s hair coat frequently to prevent it from matting.

5.) Toenails: We recommend that your pet’s toenails are clipped regularly to prevent them from overgrowing.

6.) Housing: Keep older cats and dogs indoors at night during the winter and indoors during the day in the hot summer weather. It is best to keep older cats indoors at all times if possible.

7.) Bring your pet in for an examination if you notice any of the following:

• Sustained, significant increase in water consumption. Abnormal is approximately 1.5 cups (8 oz. cups) per day for a10 pound dog or cat.
• Sustained significant increase in urination for a dog or the amount of wet litter for a cat.
• Weight loss
• Significant decrease in appetite or failure to eat for more than 2 consecutive days
• Significant increase in appetite
• Repeated vomiting
• Diarrhea that lasts more than 2-3 days
• Difficulty in passing stool or urine
• Change in housebreaking. This means urinating outside the litter box as well.
• Lameness that lasts more than 3-5 days or a lameness in more than one leg
• Noticeable decrease in vision
• Masses, ulcerations or multiple scabs that persist on the skin for more than 1 week
• Foul mouth odor or drooling that lasts over 2 days
• Increasing size of the abdomen
• Excessive inactivity or excessive amount of sleeping
• Excessive panting
• Inability to chew or eat dry food
• Persistent gagging or coughing
• Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching
• Sudden collapse or bout of weakness. If your pet is slow or unable to complete a routine walk, this could indicate a problem as well.
• Seizure

It is very important to keep track of your pet’s behavior and general attitude so that you will be aware of any changes that take place. Remember that the observations you make of your pet’s health could mean early detection and treatment for common senior pet diseases.

Degenerative joint disease (commonly called arthritis) is a painful condition frequently seen in older pets. Degenerative joint disease is the number one cause of pain in the dog or cat. The condition itself is the result of long term stresses and instability of a joint either as a result of old injury or of natural deterioration of that joint. When there is injury or simply poor conformation as a result of poor genetics, the cartilage becomes roughened and can chip or even wear down. The joint capsule becomes inflamed and no longer functions normally. Inflammatory substances enter the joint, the lubricating fluid loses its natural properties and ultimately a progressively abnormal and painful joint is created. In providing treatment for patients with arthritis, the goal is to alleviate the pain and inflammation and provide the building blocks that allow the joint to heal itself. If your pet is having stiffness, poor range of motion or pain during movement, there are medications and therapies available to provide relief and improve quality of life.

Medications and treatments for Degenerative Arthritis:

1.) NSAIDs- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are important for two reasons. By reducing inflammation in the joint, the further destruction of cartilage is minimized. Also, by reducing inflammation, the pet’s pain is alleviated. When a pet is more comfortable, the more likely they are to move. When a pet is more active, they are able to maintain a healthy weight as well as maintain good muscle tone and body condition. Common NSAIDs that Paws of the Rockies prescribes to their patients include Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Metacam and Zubrin.

2.) Nutriceuticals- This category of supplements includes Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Adequan. Glucosamine and chondroitin products are cartilage components harvested chiefly from sea mollusks. By taking these components orally, the patient is able to have plenty of necessary building blocks needed to repair damaged cartilage. MSM stands for methyl sufonyl methane and provides a source of sulfur. MSM is present in most plant and animal tissues and represents another nutriceutical anti-inflammatory agent. Adequan is a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, which is also a cartilage component. Rather than coming from sea mollusk, adequan is derived from the trachea cartilage (windpipe) of cattle. Adequan has numerous beneficial effects for the arthritis patient including the inhibition of harmful enzymes involving joint cartilage destruction, stimulation of cartilage repair and increasing joint lubrication,. Nutriceuticals may be combined with each other as well as with NSAIDs to optimize results. Paws of the Rockies recommends Cosequin, Myristol and Adequan for their patients.

3.) Fatty Acids- Certain fats have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Historically, omega 3 fatty acids have been utilized in the treatment of allergic skin diseases in dogs and cats. However, many arthritic patients benefit from fatty acid supplementation. Paws of the Rockies recommend and carries 3V Caps and Myristol products.

4.) Steroids- These are strong anti-inflammatory medications but with chronic use can lead to suppression of the immune system, excessive weight gain, and impaired cartilage healing. These are generally used a a last resort in most cases.

5.) Acupuncture- An Eastern medicine modality which can have many beneficial effects for the arthritis patient. Small needles are inserted in specific areas on the body as well as the joint(s) of concern to alleviate pain through the release of endorphins, facilitate healing of joints and joint structures, improve muscle tone, decrease muscle tension and improve vitality. Paws of the Rockies can provide acupuncture services for your pet.

6.) Proper weight and exercise regimens are also important to the arthritic patient. Maintaining an optimum body weight is essential for reducing the progression of arthritis. Proper exercise is excellent physical therapy for the arthritic patient as it is important to maintain good muscle mass to support the abnormal joint. Massage, structured physical therapy, and gentle range of motion exercises may also help.

Remember, treatment for joint disease is likely to involve a combination of medications, supplements as well as specific physical activities. Degenerative joint disease cannot be completely reversed, but with specific therapies the process can be greatly slowed.

Periodontal disease is diagnosed very commonly in the older or senior pets. Periodontal disease is one of the most common health problems in our pets. In fact, it is estimated that 80 per cent of dogs and 70 per cent of cats older that 3 years of age suffer from one form of periodontal disease. The dental disease process begins with the accumulation of plaque, which is made of salivary proteins and bacteria. The bacteria irritate the gums, causing them to become inflamed, this is known as gingivitis.  If the plaque is removed by tooth brushing, the gingivitis resolves and the gums return to normal.  If the plaque is not removed, it hardens into “tartar” or “calculus.” The calculus  provides a rough surface for even more plaque to accumulate bad breath may be noted. The inflammation continues in the gums and can also affect the bone in the area, resulting in destruction of the bone around the tooth roots. Eventually, the teeth become loose and fall out.

In addition to tooth loss, periodontal disease has other, more serious, consequences. The millions of bacteria present in an unhealthy mouth can spread to other parts of the body such as the heart, lungs, kidney and liver and cause disease in these organs. In cats and  small breed dogs with small jawbones, the bone destruction caused by periodontal disease can weaken the jawbone enough to cause a fracture.

The good news is that periodontal disease is completely preventable! Removing the plaque reverses the inflammatory process in the gingiva and restores the gums to health. This can best be achieved by brushing your pet’s teeth daily. Once calculus has formed, a professional cleaning is required. Although the bone destruction caused by periodontal disease cannot be reversed, the inflammatory process can be stopped or slowed with proper treatment. You can provide your companion with healthy teeth and gingiva by scheduling him or her for a dental check up or professional dental cleaning. Remember, during the entire month of October we will be providing a 10% discount on all dental cleanings performed on senior pets. Take advantage of this great savings!