Aging is nothing more than a reduction in the reserve capacity, regeneration and compensation of the organs. It is a complex biological process that can give rise to diseases, considered typical of the geriatric phase. Thus, aging affects various systems of the body and can produce a reduction in immune capacity, development of autoantibodies and immune-mediated diseases, higher percentage of body fat, hyperpigmentation and loss of skin elasticity, loss of muscle mass, periodontal problems, loss of of teeth, fibrosis and atrophy of the gastric mucosa, decreased ability of the liver to function, loss of lung elasticity, loss of the filtration capacity of the kidneys, development of urinary incontinence, etc.
The old age of dogs should not be seen as a problem, but as a phase of greater attention, where the furry ones will need more care. If you also have a four-legged friend who is elderly or is reaching old age, be sure to read this article on our site in which we tell you about the most common he alth problems and illnesses in older dogs
Heart problems
The prevalence of cardiac problems in elderly dogs is considered high, the main symptoms being cough, tiredness, weakness, lethargy, syncope and pale mucous membranes(gums and ocular conjunctiva). Heart diseases that affect older dogs include dilated cardiomyopathy and myxomatous mitral valve disease (mitral valve degeneration).
When noticing some of these symptoms, the guardian should take his dog to an evaluation with a veterinarian specialized in the subject, so that diagnostic tests (such as X-rays, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram) are performed and the correct treatment immediately.
Treatment
Some heart diseases have no cure, since they are a consequence of the aging of the animal's body, but there may be treatments that stop this process of organ wear, prolonging the life of your friend. These treatments will vary depending on the pathology.
Waterfalls
Like humans, dogs also develop cataracts with age, being one of the most frequent causes of vision loss in this species. The progressive opacification of the lens interferes with the absorption of light that will reach the retina, significantly impairing vision.
The main symptoms of cataracts in dogs are:
- White eye.
- Difficulty moving.
- Collisions with household furniture (which may result in head injuries).
The dog should be taken to the veterinary ophthalmologist for evaluation of the cataract and its classification according to its development (incipient, immature, mature and hypermature).
Treatment
The treatment will be chosen according to the stage of the disease, since we must remember that the cataract is a progressive condition, being surgery the only definitive treatment.
Osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis
When it comes to diseases of old dogs, joint diseases are among the most common. Among them, degenerative joint disease, also called osteoarthritis, is a chronic, slowly evolving, non-infectious disease that affects the synovial joints It is classified as primary when it results from the natural aging of the body, without a defined cause, and secondary when it is a response to some joint instability, such as bone fractures, patellar dislocation and knee ligament rupture.
The main symptoms are:
- Claudication after exercise.
- Dificulty to walk.
- Stance change.
- Difficulty in locomotion.
- Joint pain.
- Joint inflammation.
- Muscular atrophy, in the most severe cases.
Treatment
There is no cure, so treatment is aimed at relieving the animal's pain and discomfort, preventing or delaying further changes degenerative and restore affected joints. Rest and weight reduction of the animal are indicated, being of great value the practice of light walks and swimming.
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease, or chronic kidney failure, is the most common degenerative disease in older dogs, being progressive and irreversibleSome animals live a few months after diagnosis, while others can achieve a certain quality of life for several years. The most common symptoms are:
- Very thirsty.
- Decrease or increase in the volume of urine (depending on the stage of the disease).
- Vomiting.
- Weakness (due to anemia).
- Fever.
- Bad breath.
Treatment
As we have mentioned, this disease of older dogs has no cure The objective of treatment is to delay the evolution of the disease and provide comfort to the sick dog, increasing its life expectancy. Changing the animal's diet is a fundamental part of kidney disease therapy, requiring the reduction of phosphorus, sodium and the amount of protein and the addition of fatty acids and B complex vitamins. There are several specific commercial diets for patients with kidney problems, although you can also prepare a homemade diet following the advice of a veterinarian specialized in nutrition.
An important point in the treatment of the dog is the commitment of the guardian, who must take him to the veterinarian frequently to monitor the condition and adjust the therapy.
Discover in this other article more Kidney problems that affect dogs.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is the most common cause of oral infections and tooth loss in older dogs. There is inflammation and destruction of the periodontal tissues, which support and protect the teeth. The main cause is the accumulation of bacterial plaque (due to food debris, bacteria, defense cells of the body and desquamation of the mouth), which mineralize and form dental calculus, also known as "tartar".
The clinical signs will depend on the stage of the disease, the most common being:
- Bad breath.
- Pain when chewing.
- Swollen and red gums.
- Cavities.
- Brown stain on teeth.
- Don't eat because of the pain.
- Teeth loss.
Treatment
Treatment should be started as soon as possible to provide relief and comfort to the animal. It is usually based on the administration of antibiotics, although this will depend on the severity of the clinical condition.
It is recommended to brush your dog's teeth at least once a week and have your teeth cleaned (performed by a specialized veterinarian, under general anesthesia) whenever dental calculi begin to appear, as well as restoration of affected teeth or extraction.
Neoplasms
Neoplasms are one of the most common skin diseases in older dogs. They are skin tumors that can be benign or malignant, so it is essential to go to the veterinary center to have it analyzed and determine what it is. Likewise, there are different types of skin cancer in dogs, such as carcinoma, melanoma or sarcoma.
The most common symptom is the appearance of a lump, an abnormal mass of tissue under the skin. It is also possible to see hardened wounds, moles or warts.
Treatment
The most effective treatment is often removal of the tumor, so surgery is necessary. Depending on the type of tumor, whether it is benign or malignant, the veterinarian may decide to establish a treatment of chemotherapy or radiotherapyIn addition, it will be necessary to follow a series of home care, such as ensuring that the dog is at rest, avoiding stress, etc.
What can I do to improve my dog's quality of life?
Although we have seen that almost all diseases of older dogs are degenerative and have no cure, there are treatments that help slow down development and improve the quality of life of the animal. In addition, the care we apply at home can also make a difference in the life of an elderly dog. The first, and most important of all, is Knowing how to deal with old age as a natural process of life and not as a disease. The dog, which has spent its entire life giving love and companionship to its human family, cannot be abandoned precisely at the stage that will most need care.
With that in mind, here are some tips on how to improve your senior dog's quality of life:
- Provide a warm, dry place to sleep, preferably padded.
- Leave the food and water bowls as close as possible to facilitate access, especially if it is a dog with mobility problems.
- Pay attention if the dog can still chew dry food to adapt her diet. If not, give him moist and tender foods If you want to start a homemade diet, it is important to do it in the hands of a veterinarian specialized in nutrition.
- Do not force him to take long walks or intense exercise.
- Remove furniture or objects that could pose a danger to your dog if they no longer see well.
- Give him love and let him enjoy your presence, as he always did when he was young.
Now that you know the most common diseases in older dogs, don't miss the following video in which we talk about the most common behavioral problems during this stage:
