CATARACT IN DOGS AND CATS

it is defined as opacity of the lens or its capsule. It results as a change in the lens protein composition or lens fibre arrangement. It can be seen in both dogs and cats but is more common in dogs. In maximum cases cataracts are inherited in nature and causes loss of vision. Dog breeds with highest prevalence of cataract include Boston terrier, Poodles, American cocker spaniels, Smooth fox terrier and Miniature schnauzer. In cat breeds Persian, Himalayan, and Domestic short hair are reported to have congenital feline cataracts. Causes for cataracts formation are generally congenital defects, nutritional deficiency, radiation, diabetes, toxins and hypocalcaemia. History will reveal vision disturbance, cloudy, white pupil. Cataract can be classified as immature, mature and hyper mature. Dogs usually have difficulty to see objects in dim light. Usually owners are not able to detect this problem until cataract occupies 60 percent of lens. Risk factors involved are congenital defects, metabolic diseases, lens luxation, retinal detachment and retinal degeneration. Diagnosis can be done by complete ophthalmic examination including Menace test, intraocular pressure, fundic examination, blood chemistry to rule out any systemic disease if present. Other tests include ophthalmic ultrasonography and electroretinogram (ERG). Acute general treatment will include use of topical mydriatics and anti-inflammatory. Treatment in chronic cases is surgical intervention.

MOST COMMON DISEASES AFFECTING OLD DOGS

Rheumatism/ Arthritis

Arthritis usually shows up when the dog reaches 10 years of age. Most common symptoms are stiff joints, difficult movement and irritability. You should help the old dog by giving him a warm and dry place to live and sleep.

Blindness

Cataracts are the main cause of blindness and are common in the very old dog. Cataracts may be seen in the form of cloudy spots, and are visible through the pupil. Cataracts can be removed by surgery and a major portion of sight restored.

A blind dog can move about well in familiar surroundings. He can move without bumping into chairs or tables because he relies on his scent. Outdoors, the blind dog may get into trouble. Do not let him out of the yard alone.




Otitis

Old dogs frequently may suffer from otitis or inflammation of the ear. The condition can be very painful and he may refuse to eat. Otitis is more often seen in those dogs with long or pendulous ears, such as the Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel and Irish setter. Take your dog to vet for proper treatment rather doing it at your own.

Deafness

Otitis may lead to deafness. But deafness can be caused by other factors, such as disease and injury. When you know the old dog is deaf, you'll have to make some adjustments in the daily routine. Move quietly and try not to startle him as he may snap or bite when startled.

Nephritis

Chronic nephritis or inflammation of the kidney is present in most old dogs. These cases require veterinary attention as it is a life threatening disease. The dog with chronic nephritis will probably have to be on a special diet for the rest of his life.

Cancer

It is a tragic disease and symptoms may include abnormal growths under the skin, as well as swellings that don't go away. Cancer may also manifest itself through bleeding or bloody discharge from the eyes, mouth, ears, or any other opening.



Other ailments

Prostatitis, pyometra and ascites—ailments of the old dog — while these conditions are usually found in old dogs, they may be present as symptoms of disease in younger dogs.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR AGING COMPANION

• Buy a raised dog feeder and water bowl. Adjust to your dog’s height and prevent them from having to lean down to eat and drink, reducing strain on their neck and back.

• Your dog deserves a good night’s sleep. An orthopaedic dog bed supports your dog’s spine to keep them comfortable. Sleeping on hard surfaces can lead to the formation of large callused areas on your dog’s elbows; a soft bed will prevent this.

• Buy ramps or steps to allow your dog to reach higher places such as your bed or the seat of your car. Lifting your dog can hurt them and you.

• Pay attention to eating habits. Speak to your vet about switching to a soft food, or try soaking their food in a little water o soften it.

• Exercise keeps your dog fit. Although you may need to slow the pace or shorten the distance for walks, it is important to keep exercising your dog unless your vet tells you otherwise.

CATARACT - DOG EYE

Eye diseases in dogs

Eyes are one of the sensitive parts of a dog. Most eye ailments in a dog appear on their eyelids. Dogs have three eyelids for each eye - the upper, lower and the third eyelid. These diseases may or may not cause pain and discomfort to your pet, however, if left untreated, can lead to severe conditions where the canine can even lose its vision. Hence, it is important to consult a veterinarian when you observe changes in your dog's eye.

Glaucoma - This is one of the most serious eye ailments found in the dogs. It is caused when fluids in the eye are not let out and cause increased pressure over the eye. When a dog is suffering from glaucoma, its eye may appear cloudy, red or swollen. There are two types of glaucoma - primary and secondary. It may cause pain to a dog, leading to depression and loss of appetite. If glaucoma is diagnosed at the initial stages, it can be treated.
Cataract - The normal transparent lens of the eye is filled with white opacities, blurring the vision of the dog. This disease is common in Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. The cause that develop cataract, is usually heredity. However, it can appear with other eye diseases or diabetes. Cataract in dogs can be corrected surgically but complete vision may not come.
Conjunctivitis - It is caused due to the inflammation of conjunctiva, which is a tissue that lines the eyelids and attaches the eyeball to the cornea. If one eye gets affected, the other eye is also prone to it. It is commonly observed in puppies rather than the adult dogs. The eye may appear reddish and thick mucus may be discharged which is green or yellowish in color. Eyes are likely to stick together when closed and would be difficult to open.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca - Also known as the dry eye condition. This condition is developed when the eye dries due to less production of tears.
Cherry Eye or Prolapsed Third Eyelid Gland - The tear gland, located in the corner of the eye bulges out and appears reddish. This condition of the eye is called cherry eye or the prolapsed third eye gland. This condition is not as critical as it appears and can be treated through surgery, where the popped gland is pushed back into its place. This eye disease is common in Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Napolean Mastiff etc.
Entropion - The eye lid tends to curl inward. This causes hair above the eye to fall on the eyeball thus causing corneal ulcer. Common symptoms are red or squinted eyes. The dog may sense pain and constantly scratch the eye which may cause more damage to the eye which may further lead to loss of eyesight. The treatment is surgery, which is known as blepharoplasty in which the eyelids are tightened. This condition affects almost all the dog breeds, however, there are some in which it is very common like the Saint Bernard, Great Danes, Rottweiler, poodles, Shar-Peis and Spaniels.
It is important to take your dog to a vet even if you find a slightest change in the appearance of their eye.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS FOR YOUR PET

Fats are an important source of energy for dogs and cats. Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are vital to the normal development and growth of both humans and animals. The term EFA means that the body is unable to produce these fats and they must be obtained in food. They are found in all cell membranes, tissues, and organs of the body. Even before birth, EFA’s are key to normal development of the brain, eyes, and bones. These are the nutrients that have protective properties essential to good health. In animals, there is clear evidence that deficiency of the EFA’s causes disease. Dogs and cats often do not get the daily supply of EFA’s they need. As a result of which the normal growth and development of the brain, eyes, skin, and hair suffers. Researches have proved that supplementing the diets of dogs and cats with EFA’s is an effective way to provide these vital nutrients.The most important of the EFA’s are the long-chained omega-3s, and two of the omega-6s - Gama-linolenic acid and linoleic acid are the important omega-6s. These omega-6 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammory agents in the body and also required to have healthy skin and coats. They are subject to much faster degenerative processes. They are also important to maintaining healthy bones. The long chained omega-3s are found almost exclusively in fish oil. A refined fish oil can provide DHA and EPA more safely than by eating the fish itself. It is too risky to rely on diet alone. Daily small amount of these fats is simple and effective. It eliminates the possibility that EFA deficiency can harm your pet. These are available in the market in liquid form as well. Different companies like Ayurvet, Venky etc are marketing it by the trade name of vitacharm and glossycoat. In my practice i have seen that administartion of these EFA's are very helpful in controlling the skin diseases and other related disorders. So, i always recommend that these EFA's should be added to the diet on daily basis. So that you can your promise to give healthy life to your dog.

CARE OF YOUR CAT'S TEETH

Cats can get a lot of teeth and gums problems. These diseases are not harmless but eventually can lead to serious problems for your cat.
There are two main methods to help your cats’ teeth and gums to stay healthy. Firstly, cats must have a regular dental cleaning, every six months. Most important thing is home care which lead to less frequent veterinary cleanings.
Veterinary dental care includes annual examining of the cats’ teeth and gums. Cat may have bad breath, reddened gums, yellowish-brown tartar on teeth, which indicate gingivitis. When severe, cats may refuse eating. Pay attention to signs like excessive salivation, bleeding from the mouth and reluctance to chew food.

You should train your cat to accept daily brushing or wiping of the teeth. The easiest way to do that is by starting the training while the cat is very small. With the help of a special toothbrush, apply the bristles to the teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gums, reaching both the tooth surface and the area just beneath the gum margin. The toothpaste meant for human is not good for cats, as it can be harmful if swallowed. There are special types of toothpaste for cat, as they are flavored appropriately and are harmless if swallowed. These toothpastes contain enzymes and do not require rinsing.

Try making it pleasant to your cat, and will start enjoying teeth brushing. It is the only way of having a healthy cat without teeth problem.

Deworming of your cat

Periodical deworming of your cat is necessary along with vaccinations and regular treatments for fleas. It's a major part of their health maintenance and is very important for you also.

Usually all kittens are born infected with some form of a worm. These worms can be transmitted via the mother's milk or through placenta. The same goes for an aged cat as well. It takes a lot of effort to keep cats worm-free. For this the veterinarians will suggest deworming of your cat, as needed.

As roundworms are very common in kittens, it is important to worm them very frequently when they are young. The recommendations are to treat them every two weeks from about six weeks of age to 16 weeks of age.
Tapeworms are only usually a problem in older cats, so adult cats need to be treated with a drug active against both roundworms and tapeworms. The frequency of treatment will vary slightly depending on whether the cat hunts or not and whether it is treated regularly for fleas. Treatment is recommended every 2-6 months in adult cats, with a drug active against roundworms and tapeworms.

hairball in cats

Most people believe that a cat with a hairball will vomit hair, but it is really not the case. Some hairballs of course, do get vomited. But, more often, the hairball is leisurely parked at the exit to the stomach when the cat decides to eat a meal. The act of eating stimulates the stomach to contract and push Kitty's big meal out into the intestines to be digested. The forceful waves of stomach contractions send the food toward the pyloris with the intent of emptying the stomach, but the pyloris is blocked by the hairball napping in the road.The food is generally undigested, and since the cat experiences no real nausea or cramping, the cat usually goes back to her dish to begin satisfying that mystifying, returning hunger. Meanwhile, the hairball is being tossed and churned by a stomach that has begun the mixing stage of the digestion process, and is either dislodged from the pyloris to float freely in the stomach, or is forced into the intestines to be digested and passed. So you see, hairballs can cause vomiting of hair, food, or even water soon after drinking. A normal cat can vomit in this matter an average of one time per week. Most cats with a hairball will vomit once or even twice in one week, then be fine for 2-3 weeks before another episode.
For a hairball remedy to work, they need to be used as a preventative measure, not as a treatment after vomiting is a problem. These products physically coat the hair ingested during routine grooming to prevent it from entangling and joining other hair already in the stomach, thus preventing the dreaded hairball. If the hairball is already present, a petroleum product will not be able to penetrate the densely packed hair in a hairball.
If your cat vomits more than an average of once weekly, see your veterinarian! Vomiting can be caused by a huge list of cats problems, some of the most common being the ingestion of a foreign body, infiltrative or inflammatory bowel disease, stomach tumors, kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid disease.