As it is with so many other things in life, the prevention of problems, such as preventative medicine, is by far the preferred and more effective path to follow. This axiom applies to the world of veterinary medicine (all species excluding humans) as well. In the older patient, preventative medicine may mean special diets, dietary supplementation, weight maintenance or reduction, prophylactic dentistry and the identification of chronic disease processes before they become severe and/or affect other organ systems. Veterinary medicine cannot stop the aging process or some of the consequences that it brings, but it can lessen the severity of some of those consequences, prolong life, and increase the quality of life, if health problems are identified at an early stage. This statement is especially true of the feline species.
Cats, as companion animals, have been achieving longer lives in greater numbers than they ever have in the past. These advances in longevity may be credited toward several factors including a better understanding of nutritional needs, improved vaccination compliance, the evolution of veterinary medicine, and the heightened awareness of owners for the needs of their companion pets. Because cats are achieving these advanced ages, they are being presented to veterinarians at an increasing frequency with a variety of older-cat medical problems.
Older cats can develop a myriad of medical problems, but there are three common problems that veterinarians see in the geriatric patient…diabetes, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism. All three diseases affect other organ systems over time and are, if left untreated at an early stage, fatal. If these chronic disease processes are detected soon after they start, they may be very treatable or controllable through the use of diet, medicine, and/or surgery. The cornerstone of disease detection and health maintenance is the annual physical exam.
All cats – old, young, or ancient – should be seen annually by their veterinarian for a complete physical examination and appropriate vaccinations. Even an individual indoor cat should be vaccinated on a regular basis to prevent specific disease processes. All cats will eventually have a problem, and our goal is preventative medicine. It is during an annual physical examination that a veterinarian can detect potential or existing health problems. Some problems may not be completely apparent during an exam, but a detailed history of behavior, eating habits, and water consumption may make a catís health suspect and lead to additional diagnostic testing.
Generally, we recommend that cats over the age of eight years have blood sample drawn and checked on a regular basis – usually annually. Diagnostic tests might include a complete blood count, blood chemistries (to check things such as kidney and liver function, and blood sugar levels), and a thyroid level. Remember the three common diseases – thyroid, kidney, and blood sugar. It is in this way that we are able to detect the problem before it creates any serious changes in the cat’s outward appearance, and before it becomes a major disaster.
We all get older and hope that we have the good fortune of great health. When something seems amiss with our health we seek the advice of a health professional. Animals, conversely, often try to hide the fact that they feel poorly. They compensate for their illness and rarely complain. It is only through careful observation and regular health exams that we can ensure their health and, with some good fortune, help them to live to be ancient companions.
Michael S. Samuels, D.V.M.
Central Animal Hospital
