The evolution of medicine, technology, and the pet–parent relationship has created an abundance of geriatric pets. As a profession, veterinarians have many opportunities to give our canine companions the medicinal support needed as they navigate the unstable waters of getting old, says Dr Tushar Gupta
The word Geriatrics (Greek greas – old, iatrike – surgery/medicine) refers to the branch of medicine dealing with old age-related problems. Pets are currently surviving longer than they have ever lived before, thanks to increased veterinarian care and dietary habits. As a result, dogs, as well as their pet parents and veterinarians, are confronted with a whole new set of agerelated illnesses. Just like humans, senior dogs also face issues of limited mobility, sleep pattern changes, decreased vision and hearing, and rely on family support to help manage care, safety, health, and mental stimulation. What qualifies a pet for the geriatric, or senior pet, title? Based on the American Veterinary Medical Association, small dogs and cats are generally considered old at the age of seven years. Larger breed dogs have shorter life spans and are classified as geriatric when they reach the age of six years. The majority of pet owners prefer to think of their pet’s age in human terms.
Benefits of Geriatric care in pets
- Relief of symptoms and suffering of pets and relieved pain and agony
- Prevent deterioration of existing age-related conditions
- Improve the quality of life by preventing and treating disease and disability related with aging
- Pet parent’s comfort to see their pet continues to live a healthy life as long as possible.
There are multiple changes observed in various body systems in pets due to aging. As a pet parent, you might observe varied signs and symptoms depending on the sickness or problem that your pet is experiencing, and some signs can be seen with many issues. A holistic approach is required to manage the geriatric diseases in pets, including early detection of signs and symptoms, dietary and regular graded exercises coupled with the homeopathic line of treatment.
Geriatric diseases: Homeopathic medicines provide symptom-based holistic coverage for the majority of geriatric diseases diagnosed in pets e.g., diseases affecting the respiratory system, nervous system, musculoskeletal system, endocrine system, urinary system, cardiovascular system, alimentary system, and behavioral disorders.
Arthritis is one of the most frequent diseases occurring in aged dogs.
Homeopathy has some very effective remedies for arthritis, lameness, joint pains etc., where the inflammation, pain, and swelling are reduced significantly, improving the quality of life of the pet. These medicines are gentle on the system of the aging animal and are free of the usual side-effects of strong allopathic medicines. Homeopathic medicines also help in checking the progress of the degenerative disease.
Rocky, eight-year-old Labrador, was examined for symptoms of stiffness, limping and difficulty getting up for a few months. The previously active dog gradually became lethargic and unwilling to move, run or play with its pet parent. As a result, the dog gained weight which further exacerbated the problem. Increased irritability was also being observed by the owner indicating the ill-health of the dog.
The dog was diagnosed as suffering from Osteoarthritis, as confirmed by the veterinarian, based on physical examination and radiology reports. A detailed case history including history, signs, and symptoms was taken from the pet parent to formulate the holistic homeopathic line of treatment.
The case was analysed utilising the latest homeopathic software and the line of treatment was formulated to cover January-March, 2022 BUDDY LIFE 55 a two-pronged approach. One was to provide symptom-based relief to ease the pain and suffering and a long-term plan was prepared to include medicines known to reduce inflammation and delay the progression of further degenerative disease.
Medicines used in this case: Bryonia alba, Rhus Tox, Mag-Phos, Ledum pal, and Medorrhinum (medicines were used based on symptom totality as and when needed, in regular/infrequent doses)
Symptomatic relief was observed in the first few weeks of treatment with reduced limping and the dog showing reduced irritability and more interest in playing as before. The medicines were continued as a long-term therapy over many months, coupled with a good diet and regular graded exercises with other supportive measures to manage the disease and improve the overall quality of life. We still see Rocky off and on for multiple age-related symptoms.
The pet parent is happy and relieved to support Rocky through its journey of life utilising the holistic benefits of homeopathy.
Make life a little easier for the pet in case of degenerative joint disease:
- Even with treatment, arthritis makes pets less able to deal with the physical challenges of their world, whether it be slick floors, steep steps, or cold drafts. A few changes around the house can make it easier and more confident for your arthritic pet to move around.
- Keep litter boxes and food and water dishes at a comfortable height, easily accessible, and on a non-slip surface.
- Supply a padded surface to cushion your pet’s joints while they sit and sleep.
- Some pets that are too stiff to use the stairs will try to use them regardless, possibly falling and hurting themselves in the process. Supervise your pet when it is using the stairs.
- A little warmth can help a sore animal get through a long night. Consider wrapping a hot water bottle in towels or tucking a microwaveable heating pad into your pet’s bed.
- Modify the lifestyle as well. A little exercise can go a long way towards making your pet more comfortable. Light activity helps strengthen muscles, keeps ligaments and tendons flexible, prevents obesity, and helps blood circulate to stiff joints.
- Integrate Homeopathic treatment with supportive care for holistic disease management.
- As always, let us build a symbiotic relationship as a pet parent and caretaker to collaboratively spread the goodness and benefits of Homeopathy amongst our pets. Stay healthy and stay safe.
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