How Old is your Pet?
Senior Pet Awareness

Growing old is difficult for everyone, and the constant reminders are everywhere; that gray hair that wasn't there yesterday, the increasing strength of your eye prescription, the number of prescription bottles you have in your medicine cabinet, and the fact that the president doesn't look as old as what you think he should. These are all reminders. Every year we celebrate another candle on our birthday cake, and that's one year closer to being "old". But what if, instead of every birthday bringing us 1 year closer to that golden age, it brings us 4,5, even 7 years closer. That is the life of your pet. "Trixie" your 78 pound golden retriever may only be 6 years old to us, but to her body she is 45 years old, and now is the time to prepare as "Trixie" enters her senior years.

Where to begin? The first step is to figure out how old your pet is. The chart below will help. Use the age and weight of your pet to find out how old they are.  As you can see the larger your pet is the sooner they reach that senor age.

Pet's age	Cat	Dogs 0-20 lbs	Dogs 21-50 lbs	Dogs 51-90 lbs	Dogs >90 lbs
5	36	36	37	40	42
6	40	40	42	45	49
7	44	44	47	50	56
8	48	48	51	55	64
9	52	52	56	61	71
10	56	56	60	66	78
11	60	60	65	72	86
12	64	64	69	77	93
13	68	68	74	82	101
14	72	72	78	88	108
15	76	76	83	93	115
16	80	80	87	99	123
17	84	84	92	104
18	88	88	96	109
19	92	92	101	115
20	96	96	105	120

Senior

Geriatric

So, how old is your pet? Are they considered senior? Geriatric? or is your pet about to transition from his/her adult years to their senior years? No matter what the age of your pet proper diet, vitamins, regular exercise and routine medical checkups should be a basic part of their lives.

The fact that our pets age more rapidly than we do allows diseases and other health problems to develop more rapidly also. Our best defense against these health problems are awareness and prevention. If we can spot the warning signs early on, we can help ensure our pet a smooth transition from their adult years to their senior years.

Some warning signs that may indicate your pet is beginning to suffer from age related problems are:

 The good news is that most of these problems are controllable IF caught early on.  Although you can't turn back the clock, there are things you can do to keep your older pets healthy and YOUNG-AT-HEART. A Senior Pet Wellness Exam and Senior Blood work is one step you and your pet can take on the road to a comfortable old age.

So what is "Senior blood work"? Senior blood work can help us detect hidden issues that may not be observable in your furry family members. It can be used to establish a baseline for comparison to blood work that was previously performed or may be performed at a future visit.  The blood work is either sent out to a lab or run in hospital, and we can usually provide you the results within a day or two.  We recommend senior blood work once a year for all senior pets.

Senior blood work tests include a CBC, (Complete Blood Count) Blood Chemistry, and a T4 (Thyroid Profile).  We also recommend a urine sample for a urinalysis.  All of these tests work harmoniously to see just how well your pet's body is functioning. 

Here is what we are checking in your pet…

 CBC – This provides information on the red and white blood cell counts, as well as platelet counts.  A CBC helps us to detect such issues as anemia, infection, or potential bleeding disorders.

Blood Chemistry – This checks various enzymes, liver and kidney values, and a blood glucose level as well.  The following are checked in the Blood Chemistry: 
 

• Albumin (ALB) – Protein produced by the liver.  Lowered levels may suggest chronic liver, kidney, or intestinal disease.
  
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) – Elevated levels of this enzyme can coexist with liver disease or injury.
  
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP) – Enzyme found in liver and bone tissues.  Liver disease, Cushing’s syndrome, or steroid therapy can be indicated from elevated levels.
  
• Amylase (AMYL)– Pancreatic enzyme which aids in digestion.  Higher levels may point to pancreatic disease.
  
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)– Produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys.  If elevated, it can indicate kidney disease or dehydration.  If low, it could suggest liver disease.
  
• Calcium – Elevated levels can be associated with kidney or parathyroid diseases, or even be a sign of certain types of tumors.
  
• Cholesterol (CHOL) – High levels are seen in a number of disorders, which could be liver or kidney disease or hypothyroidism.
  
• Creatinine (CREA) – Muscle metabolism by-product, and is excreted by kidneys.  If these levels are high, it could mean kidney disease, dehydration, or urinary tract obstruction.
  
• Blood Glucose (GLU) Most often a sign of diabetes when high (but could also just be stress!), however; could also suggest liver disease, infection, or even certain tumors if the levels are low.
  
• Phosphorus (PHOS) – Could point to kidney disease if elevated.
  
• Total Bilirubin (TBIL) – These levels are useful in indicating liver disease and may even lend a hand in characterizing anemia.  Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin, and is also a component of bile.
  
• Total Protein (TP) – This can indicate an assortment of conditions, including diseases of the kidney, liver, or intestine, or dehydration.

Urinalysis – Urine contains by-products from many organs filtered through the kidneys.  Abnormal levels can indicate diabetes, urinary tract disease, kidney or liver diseases.

 
T4 – A thyroid profile is very important for if left untreated, thyroid disease can have a severe impact on your cat or dog’s health.  We need to be sure that thyroid function is normal.

If your pet is a senior or geriatric pet, it is very important to ensure that their entire body is working in harmony by being devoted to the care of your pet, and the prevention of serious illnesses. It is important to perform this exceptionally key blood work for ensuring your pet’s good health. 

Senior blood work results may lead to other tests such as:

• EKG- to check heart function
• Radiographs (x-ray)
  - Chest films to check the heart and lungs.
  - Abdominal films to evaluate liver, kidneys, bladder,
     Intestinal tract and check for masses.
  - Pelvic/Spinal films to check for arthritis or some forms
    of cancer.
• Fecal- Checking stool for the presence of parasites.

Still unsure? Try our Senior Checklist. If you answer yes to any of these questions than your pet should have a Wellness Exam done.

With some extra TLC from you and our staff, your pet can be on his/her way to many happy and healthy senior years.

If you're are interested in starting your pet in the Senior Pet Wellness Program
give us a call at 301-733-7579 or for more information e-mail your questions to seniorpets@funkstownvet.com