Three Common Senior Health Problems

     As nutrition and veterinarian care have improved, cats are thankfully living longer and healthier lives.  Since they are now living longer they can develop several geriatric problems that if caught early can be effectively managed and treated.  Three of the more common problems that they face are renal insufficiency, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes.  These diseases can have similar manifestations, but can easily be distinguished by a physical exam and laboratory workup by your veterinarian.

     As cats age, their kidneys will not function as well as they did when they were younger.  Contrary to what a person might suspect, they actually urinate more - not less, as their kidneys do not function at their optimum capacity.  To compensate for this loss of function, they drink more and urinate more.  This is their bodies’ way to flush out toxins that the kidneys no longer can.  Kidney lab values are elevated on blood work and their urine is very dilute.  They will also lose some protein through the kidneys and therefore tend to will lose weight.  There are diets that aid in retaining protein and that can help cats feel better and retain their weight.  Owners can learn to give fluids under the skin at home to also help flush out toxins.  There are several medications and hormones that can slow the effects of kidney dysfunction.   

     About 25% of cats over 7 years of age will develop hyperthyroidism.  When this occurs, the thyroid level in their system will increase and their metabolism operates at a higher level.  They may be hyperactive especially for an older cat.  They are ravenously hungry but they will still lose weight.  This condition is caused by a benign tumor which does not usually ever spread beyond the thyroid gland.  There are several options on treatment which include radiation therapy, surgery or medications which decreases the hormone.  Not one option is necessarily better than the other.  An owner just needs to look at what is better for his/her cat.  Cats usually respond well to treatment and can live long, happy lives.

    Diabetes mellitus is another condition that is often confused with the other two problems.  The classic signs include excessive water drinking, hunger, and urination.  These cats will often flood the litter box with urine.  In the early stages, they are often obese, but as the disease progresses they will lose weight.  Untreated diabetes can be life threatening.   Just like in people it can be managed with insulin injections once to twice a day.  Occasionally, a cat can get by with oral medication, but most will need insulin at some point.  Initially, most people are very concerned about giving the injections, but the needles are very small and most cats adjust well to the injections.  Adequately monitored and treated, these cats will live long healthy lives.  Since obesity is a contributing factor for a cat to develop diabetes, an owner can lessen the chances of his/her feline developing this problem by trying to maintain good body condition when the cat is younger.         

 Christine Kunzweiler, DVM

Veterinary Associates, Tulsa, OK