Veterinary Viewpoint: Don’t skip the check up

Even if your pet looks good and seems to feel good, don’t skip your annual check-up. This advice is given to alert you to your veterinarian finding any underlying serious problems that may not be evident on the surface.

Here are a few of the possible underlying conditions that can be discovered on an annual exam:

Thyroid conditions such as Hyperthyroidism can affect an older pet who suddenly begins acting hyper and racing around the house. Contrary to his appearance of being in good shape, he may be reacting to an excess of thyroid hormones that cause him to be overly active.

This hyperactivity is often accompanied by weight loss and an increased appetite. This condition can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, sudden blindness, and chronic vomiting and diarrhea and early death.

Hyperthyroidism is treatable for some pets and manageable for others with a daily pill and/or a special diet. This condition may also be treated with radioactive iodine treatments or surgical removal of the thyroid gland and replacement therapy.

The opposite thyroid condition is Hypothyroidism whose signs are sometimes vague. Dogs or cats may seem less energetic, become more susceptible to infections, and have a ratty-looking coat that seems dry, scaly, itchy, or greasy. Pets may gain weight, even if they are not eating much or are eating more than usual. Affected pets will also experience a slower heart rate.

For either of these thyroid conditions, pets may be diagnosed with a physical exam and a thyroid measurement from a blood test.

Kidney disease is common in aging cats. Accidents outside the litter box are a measurable sign. Your cat may be drinking more water than usual and peeing more often. Kidney disease can’t be cured, but it can be managed for months or even years with diet, medication, and subcutaneous fluids which can be given at home.

Behavior problems that seem to appear overnight, might have finally reached a stage where they are bothersome to the pet and not just to the owner. If a pet begins having “accidents” in the house, it’s time for a checkup as the problem may range from bladder stones, to infections, to kidney disease.

Cats and dogs can also suffer from heart disease with approximately 10% of affected dogs diagnosed with valvular disease. Dogs may also develop dilated cardiomyopathy a condition where the heart chambers (ventricles) stretch and become thin making it harder for the heart to pump blood.

Any aged pet can also develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) which manifests into an abnormally thick heart muscle. The symptoms are progressive and cause the heart to work harder to pump blood. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is rare in dogs and usually affects young male dogs under 3 years of age. However, mature Boston Terriers do tend to have a higher incidence of the disease.

A diagnosis for heart disease is made with the use of an echocardiogram and blood tests. An examination of the heart using an echocardiogaph (ultrasound of the heart) is the best diagnostic tool. Treatments for heart disease usually include vasodilators and diuretics.

Signs that indicate that a dog or cat may be experiencing heart issues include a heart murmur, gray or bluish gums, noisy breathing, coughing, and fluid buildup in the abdomen or lungs.

Pets suffering from heart disease will often display an intolerance to exercise. They may exhibit shortness of breath, a transient loss of consciousness and may even faint during a high level of exercise.

Heart disease is not curable but most conditions can be managed with medication especially if caught early. A pet may also suffer from a chronic cough of heart gallop.

Aches and pains come with the aging process however, dogs and cats may not show pain, even when arthritis, dental disease, cancer, and injuries cause pain. Pets try not to show pain, as they hark back to the wild where showing pain could be a death sentence when being immobile would exhibit weakness to predators.

Modern medicine can help relieve pain for arthritis and joint issues. There are many effective treatments to help keep pets comfortable and help them live longer.

Living with our pets, we may not notice the gradual changes that affect their health on a daily basis unless the changes are dramatic. Pets are living longer and healthier lives thanks to conscientious pet owners.

Staying ahead of the problems by scheduling annual checkups with benefit both pets and their owners.

Dr. Joanna Bronson of Bronson Veterinary Services, located at 452 W. Central Road, Coldwater. Contact her at (517) 369-2161 or visit www.bronsonvetservices.vetstreet.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: Opinion