As pets age, geriatric health care becomes a major part veterinary practice. The primary goal in the geriatric pet is to promote their quality of life (QOL) and manage rather than cure their diseases. Determining the QOL in animal patients relies on the observations and reports from the pet owners and examination by a veterinarian. Healthy pets are alert and responsive, they move freely, eat and drink normally, keep themselves well-groomed, and want to socialize with their owner and house-mates.

 

There are signs that accurately indicate a decrease in QOL. During aging, pets will develop geriatric diseases that cause pain and altered behaviors. Older pets often have multiple problems such as chronic infections, kidney, heart and liver disease, musculoskeletal disease, cancer and others. Pain and poor appetite with weight loss are primary considerations in determining the QOL for most pet owners. Osteoarthritis can cause pain, muscle atrophy, weakness and mobility issues. Many owners report their pet seems lethargic and won't go for a walk any longer. Behavioral changes indicating decreased cognitive ability (e.g circling, restlessness or insomnia at night, staring into space, getting stuck in corners or under furniture) and irritability are good indicators of decreased quality of life. Many aging pets have a decline in hearing and vision, and often develop urinary or fecal incontinence.

 

Examination and diagnostic testing will help indicate what treatment or combinations of treatment will work best for a particular pet.  The treatment protocols may include conventional drugs, acupuncture, herbal medicine, chiropractic, laser, an exercise program, home massage, physical therapy, or nutritional therapy. Geriatric animals typically present with multiple abnormalities that can be diagnosed and treated with Chinese herbal medicine. In many cases they can be safely combined with conventional medications to lower their dosage and frequency and in some case's replace them altogether. Experienced Chinese veterinary practitioners know how to prescribe herbs safely and when to use extra precautions especially in pets that are taking multiple medications. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medications are often used for the treatment of geriatric pets. Chinese medicine has been shown to be gentle, safe and effective, improve mobility, strengthen immune function and stabilize aging organ systems.

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Dr Beebe can give practical advice on managing all aspects of veterinary care for your aging pet. She takes a gentle integrative approach to the geriatric patient, from the management of chronic diseases and pain management to hospice care to help ensure good quality of life for older pets. She can help provide guidance on the optimal choice of medications and therapies for your aging pet.