As with humans, the older our pets get, the more susceptible they are to certain diseases. It is, however, prudent to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis for check-ups, as this will aid early detection and a better chance to treat the pet.

As they age, pets start developing diseases common to their senior human counterparts, such as cancer, diabetes, kidney problems, heart disease and thyroid problems. Dogs and cats are considered senior pets between the ages of 5 and 7 years, depending on size and breed.

Below is an outline of some of the diseases that affect ageing pets.

Dental:

85% of dogs and cats over the age of 6 have dental disease. Of the dental problems faced by ageing pets, the top three are periodontal disease, gingivitis and cancer. If left untreated, these can result in heart disease, tooth loss, kidney and liver disease and infections that affect the whole body. Most vets provide oral exams and teeth cleaning services.

Liver:

These can be classified as inflammatory, degenerative and cancerous liver diseases. Symptoms include decreased appetite, weight loss, diarrhoea , vomiting and increased thirst and urination. If this is not treated it can result in low protein levels, which in turn could cause oedema (fluid accumulation) in the chest and abdominal cavities. Clotting disorders can also result from liver failure. Tests to screen for this type of disease include physical examinations, blood tests and a urinalysis.

Kidney:

Kidney disease is the second most common cause of non-accidental death in cats and third in dogs. In both dogs and cats, diseases related to the functioning of the kidneys include kidney insufficiency, kidney failure, kidney stones and kidney infection. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, decreased appetite, back pain and vomiting. Kidney insufficiency is when 66% of the kidneys are lost and the body can no longer compensate. If left unattended it can lead to kidney failure. Kidney failure is defined as loss of > 75% of the functional kidney mass and a complete decomposition of the control mechanisms leading to build up of nitrogenous waste products in the body. (uraemia) Tests to screen for kidney diseases include physical exams, blood tests, and urinalysis.

Heart & Lungs:

Mitral valve and tricuspid valve insufficiency becomes more common in ageing dogs. A murmur can also be heard in pets with high blood pressure, thyroid problems, kidney problems and cardiac disease. Pneumonia, bronchitis and emphysema also become more common. Symptoms include decreased energy and stamina, coughing, difficulty in breathing, a potbelly appearance and weight loss. Cardiac and lung diseases can in turn lead to kidney and liver problems as well as poor vascular profusion and death. Tests include a physical exam with a stethoscope, but could also include an ECG and blood pressure checks.

Joints:

Although it is more common in dogs, cats can also be affected by arthritis, back disease and hip dysplasia. Symptoms include lameness, reluctance to walk or use stairs, stiff gait or trouble rising and whining or yelping in certain positions. 20% of senior dogs suffer from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is progressive and leads to a decrease in activity and possibly weight gain. It also leads to overall pain, discomfort and possibly aggression. Joint problems are usually identified during physical exams, but x-rays of joints or the back can also be done.

Endocrine system:

This category includes numerous diseases common to both dogs

and cats. The most common diseases include diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism rare in SA, but increasing (cats), hypothyroidism (dogs), hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease: dogs) and hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease: dogs). This category includes a large number of diseases therefore there are a large variety of symptoms. Diabetic animals show increased thirst and urination, ravenous appetites with weight loss and an unkempt hair coat.

Hyperthyroid cats have increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, despite a ravenous appetite, increased vocalisation and an unkempt coat.

Hypothyroid dogs will show weight gain despite no change in diet, reduced energy levels, hair loss, a slow heart rate and seeking out warm places.

Cushing's disease will show up as hair loss, potbelly appearance, increased thirst and urination. Addison's disease has vague symptoms, including lethargy, not eating well, vomiting and diarrhoea or even going into shock.

Tests to identify this category of illnesses include doing annual blood tests to check the liver, kidney values, blood sugar and cholesterol, electrolytes and red blood/white blood cell numbers. Should these diseases be left untreated they can lead to irreversible liver and kidney damage, and possible death.

Cancer:

Half of pets over the age of 10 will get cancer of one type or another. It

comes in many forms, with varying signs such as skin lumps (skin cancer), swollen belly (liver or spleen tumours), swollen lymph nodes (lymphoma), lameness (osteosarcoma), vomiting and diarrhoea (intestinal sarcomas), to name but a few. The symptoms include weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin nodules, bleeding, as well as some vague signs of not being well. Tests to identify cancer in pets include a physical exam, blood tests, urine tests and faecal tests. Ultrasound and x-rays are also used in some instances.

Ocular:

Both cats and dogs are susceptible to a variety of eye diseases.

Glaucoma, dry eye and cataracts are just a few. Cataracts will show as a hazy hue in the centre of the eye.

Glaucoma causes light sensitivity, painful and bulging eyes and the animal will be seen to rub at their eyes.

Dry eye presents as thick yellow or mucoid discharge accumulated in the corners of the eyes.

Glaucoma is identified through pressure checks, while annual ocular exams can pick up cataracts and dry eye. Should these diseases be left untreated they can lead to blindness or loss of the eye.

Gastrointestinal disease:

This is said to be one of the most common health problems in older cats and dogs. Common diseases include inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, pancreatitis and cancer. Symptoms vary and include vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss or fluid retention, decreased appetite and lethargy. If left untreated it can lead to further weight loss and a progressive decline in health, and ultimately death. It is prudent to have your pet weighed at each annual visit to the vet to determine if there is a problem. Other tests may include blood tests, faecal checks and urine tests or even x-rays, ultrasound and biopsies.

Cognitive function :

Older dogs (and possibly cats) can suffer from a form of Alzheimer's. The symptoms are behavioural changes including disorientation, changes in attention seeking, sleep patterns changed and house training is forgotten. Some of the signs can be very subtle but usually progressive. The diagnosis is made by ruling out other disease that could cause the same symptoms.

Early warning signs of potential illness in your older pet could include:

Should your older pet show any of the above symptoms it is best to have him or her checked out by your vet.

Visit www. petwise.co.za and read more about pet nutrition and pet care. You can also learn about reliable manufacturers in the pet food industry, who are also members of the Pet Food Industry (PFI) Association.