FRANKLINVets Common Conditions Seen in Older Cats Dr Georgia Paterson BVSC Hyperthyroidism: Need a Ageing This condition is caused by increased thyroid hormone levels due to dysfunction of the thyroid gland. This developing has effects on the heart and kidneys and may present as weight loss despite having an increased appetite, conditions vomiting, diarrhoea, drinking and/or urinating more, anxious or excitable behaviour and a poorly kept coat. Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed via blood testing and there are several treatment options which can be discussed with your veterinarian at Commercial farm cats are vet? prone to Equine Lifestyle farm several medical Pets which can in many cases be managed and/or treated effectively if diagnosed early. Outlined below are two of the more common Welcome to the team conditions seen in geriatric cats and Waihi Vets! the signs to look out for which would the time of diagnosis. warrant further investigation by your Other common conditions seen in veterinarian. older cats include arthritis, diabetes, dental disease and various cancers Chronic Kidney Disease: which your veterinarian will be able to diagnose via physical examination and This condition arises due to gradual destruction of the kidneys resulting in further diagnostics which may include a slow loss of kidney function. Signs you may observe at home include drinking and/or urinating more, losing An important take home message for weight, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy. going off their food, and having bad smelling breath. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose and determine the stage of kidney disease if present through blood testing and urine analysis. This is a chronic condition that will gradually worsen but depending on the stage of the disease your veterinarian will be able to at the time of diagnosis, various management plans will be able to be instigated to slow its progression. blood testing, urine testing and x-rays. all conditions outlined above is that the earlier treatment/management starts, the better the outcome for your cat, and the longer a high quality of life can be preserved. For this reason, it is recommended that cats over the age of 7 visit the clinic for annual check-ups, at which time Our team of locally based vets are here to help 24/7. KOPU 99 KOPU ROAD. 07 868 5007 MON-FRI 8AM-5PM PAEROA 3 PUKE ROAD. 07 862 7295 MON-FRI 8AM-5PM WAIHI 40 KENNY STREET. 07 863 8684 MON-FRI 830AM-5PM WAITAKARURU 563 STATE HWAY 25.07 868 9030 MON-FRI 8AM-5PM discuss whether any further testing or management changes would be beneficial. EMERGENCY AFTER HOURS VET SERVICES www.FRANKLINVETS.CO.NZ FRANKLINVets Common Conditions Seen in Older Cats Dr Georgia Paterson BVSC Hyperthyroidism: Need a Ageing This condition is caused by increased thyroid hormone levels due to dysfunction of the thyroid gland. This developing has effects on the heart and kidneys and may present as weight loss despite having an increased appetite, conditions vomiting, diarrhoea, drinking and/or urinating more, anxious or excitable behaviour and a poorly kept coat. Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed via blood testing and there are several treatment options which can be discussed with your veterinarian at Commercial farm cats are vet? prone to Equine Lifestyle farm several medical Pets which can in many cases be managed and/or treated effectively if diagnosed early. Outlined below are two of the more common Welcome to the team conditions seen in geriatric cats and Waihi Vets! the signs to look out for which would the time of diagnosis. warrant further investigation by your Other common conditions seen in veterinarian. older cats include arthritis, diabetes, dental disease and various cancers Chronic Kidney Disease: which your veterinarian will be able to diagnose via physical examination and This condition arises due to gradual destruction of the kidneys resulting in further diagnostics which may include a slow loss of kidney function. Signs you may observe at home include drinking and/or urinating more, losing An important take home message for weight, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy. going off their food, and having bad smelling breath. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose and determine the stage of kidney disease if present through blood testing and urine analysis. This is a chronic condition that will gradually worsen but depending on the stage of the disease your veterinarian will be able to at the time of diagnosis, various management plans will be able to be instigated to slow its progression. blood testing, urine testing and x-rays. all conditions outlined above is that the earlier treatment/management starts, the better the outcome for your cat, and the longer a high quality of life can be preserved. For this reason, it is recommended that cats over the age of 7 visit the clinic for annual check-ups, at which time Our team of locally based vets are here to help 24/7. KOPU 99 KOPU ROAD. 07 868 5007 MON-FRI 8AM-5PM PAEROA 3 PUKE ROAD. 07 862 7295 MON-FRI 8AM-5PM WAIHI 40 KENNY STREET. 07 863 8684 MON-FRI 830AM-5PM WAITAKARURU 563 STATE HWAY 25.07 868 9030 MON-FRI 8AM-5PM discuss whether any further testing or management changes would be beneficial. EMERGENCY AFTER HOURS VET SERVICES www.FRANKLINVETS.CO.NZ