Common Diseases of Geriatric Cats

Is he/she just getting old?

Because of better pet care, medical advances, and better nutrition, more cats are living to an older age than in past generations. Veterinarians are now commonly treating cats in their teens and occasionally cats in their early twenties. And just like in our human geriatric population, there are diseases which more commonly affect cats as they reach "old age", which in cats is considered 10 years or older. "Old age" is NOT a disease in itself, however as the body ages, time and use (wear and tear) causes organs and tissues to slowly deteriorate and function less efficiently. This article will discuss some of the more common diseases in geriatric cats, their symptoms, and treatment options.

The most common disease of older cats seen by veterinarians is kidney disease, often referred to as chronic renal failure (CRF). Some of the symptoms seen can include weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, increased water consumption, and increased urination. The disease is chronic, which means the symptoms take a long time to develop and the changes are subtle Often by the time the animal is brought to a veterinarian for treatment, the disease has reached the final stages and the cat is extremely ill. Early recognition of the symptoms to allow proper diagnosis and treatment is very important. Cats can live with CRF for years if diagnosed and treated early. Your veterinarian can prescribe a special diet to help decrease further stress on the kidneys, and provide medication to help treat any accompanying problems. Humans in kidney failure often are on dialysis to help the body remove toxins. Blood dialysis is not readily available in cats, but we can provide a very crude form of dialysis by giving fluids to help "flush out" the kidneys and temporarily help improve their function. Fluids can be given intravenously in the hospital, or subcutaneously (under the skin) as an outpatient. And for cats that require fluids on a long- term basis, I have even taught owners how to give their cats fluids under the skin at home.

Another common disease of older cats is diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). This is caused when the body stops making insulin, which controls the body’s sugar level. Usually the first symptom seen by owners is a large increase in water consumption, and more frequent trips to the litter box. With time, weight loss, lethargy, and vomiting can also be seen. Again, early diagnosis and treatment are very important to save the cat’s life. But diabetes can be treated. Some types of diabetes can be treated with a special diet and pills, while other cases require daily insulin injections. If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, you will work closely with your veterinarian to design a treatment protocol that is right for your cat. And despite what you may think, the insulin shots DON’T cause severe discomfort to the cat. Overcoming the owner’s fear of giving the shot is often the biggest hurdle. The cats usually don’t mind at all, and getting their shot becomes part of daily life.

Hyperthyroidism is a disease caused by an overactive thyroid gland, which produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone regulates the body’s metabolism, so cats with too much of this hormone have a "fast" metabolism. Symptoms include severe weight loss, increased appetite and thirst, and can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart disease. Once diagnosed, there are three treatment options for hyperthyroidism. Medication can control the disease in some cats. The pills are inexpensive, but the cat must be given a pill twice daily, every day. This may be difficult in some cases because of owner lifestyle or "patient compliance". Thyroid surgery and radioactive iodine therapy are more effective treatment options, but both are more costly. Your veterinarian can give you price estimates for these procedures.

Cancer is another serious disease encountered in older cats. As most of you already know, cancer comes in many forms and can affect any part of the body. Some types of cancer are benign, and some are malignant, which means it can spread to other parts of the body. There are some symptoms you will see, such as weight loss and decreased appetite, no matter what type of cancer your pet has. Once properly diagnosed, your veterinarian can suggest the best treatment options for you and your cat.

In reviewing some of the more common diseases found in older cats, you may have noticed that all of these conditions can result in weight loss and a decreased appetite. That’s not to say that if your cat is losing weight or has less of an appetite that he/she has one of these serious conditions, but I would recommend if you notice these symptoms in your cat, you should have it examined by your veterinarian soon. Don’t wait. Most conditions can be treated if caught in time, and may be nothing serious at all. But the old adage "better safe than sorry" is true in this case. Your cat is not "just getting old". If you see physical signs of change, take him/her for an examination.

Presented by Dr. Andrew King, Cat Hospital of Sarasota - 941-921-4040.