PHYSICAL CHANGES – CONTINUED
At the commencement of this series, we had mentioned that some of the signs of aging include:
* Decreased strength, flexibility and mobility.
* Reduced tolerance to heat – especially here in the tropics.
* Increased susceptibility to diseases.
* Gradual deterioration of organ functions.
Last week, our discussion centred on the muscles, limbs and joints. Today we shall discuss some of the other physical changes that take place as the dog gets older.
SKIN/COAT
The hair of an older dog mats easily – especially the coat of long-haired breeds. The skin becomes dry and scaly, due to the reduced function of the oil-producing glands. Often, the veterinarian is confronted with small skin tumours. Paw pads become thick, callused and cracked. The skin around the elderly animal’s anal and genital areas becomes pasty and foul smelling, since the stiff old dog may not have the dexterity or energy to cleanse those areas with his/her tongue.
The following suggestions should be acted upon:
* Grooming – more often than usual. Ask the groomer to cut the hair closer to the skin.
* You may wish to bathe the animal at least 2-3 times per month. Use a gentle shampoo. I advise including some Aloe Vera in the final rinse. This helps to soften the skin and keep it in a better condition.
* Claws (toenails) need to be trimmed more often (as is necessary) – bearing in mind that there is no wearing of the claws, since the dog would not be going on long walks.
* A properly-balanced diet of fats (including omega-3 fatty acids), digestible proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals plays an essential role in maintaining skin and coat health. Always discuss your aging animal’s diet with your veterinarian.
HEARING LOSS (DEAFNESS)
Here is some more bad news. Gradual loss of hearing commonly takes place as male and female dogs (and cats) get older, and there is no genuinely successful treatment for senile deafness. Of course, if there is a blockage in the ear canal, causing a partial deficiency of hearing ability, your vet may be able to remove the blockage (causative factor) with medication or surgery. Quickly, in passing, I must mention that certain breeds of dogs, for example the Doberman and the Rhodesian Ridgeback, seem predisposed to deafness during and later in life. Cats with white haircoats and blue irises are commonly affected with deafness – according to the available literature.
Old age is the greatest causative factor leading to deafness in dogs and cats. But there are other risk factors, including:
* Repeated exposure to loud noises.
* Repeated exposure to systemic and topical drugs (chemicals) administered as prophylactic and therapeutic interventions by those who might themselves be under-exposed to the science of healing.
* The genetic predisposition of both dogs and cats, not lastly those whose history shows them to be especially susceptible to external and middle ear infections.
* Dogs and cats born with nerve damage, which only gets worse as the animal ages.
So, what does one do?
Clearly, beating or berating the elderly (or any) animal for not following vocal instructions is not the answer to treating the deaf dog. Of course, if the deafness is caused by an obstruction (eg hardened wax in the ear canal), then the caregiver’s veterinarian would have to be consulted, and he/she will advise on the consequential treatment.
But, again, the bad news:
1) There is no practical treatment for congenital, inherited and nerve-damaged deafness.
2) I have been informed that custom-fit hearing aids are offered overseas by some specialty clinics, but their record of functionality is not very impressive. Also, both dogs and cats would consider these hearing aids as foreign objects, and continuously try to dislodge them.
3) One (the caregiver) must be especially careful when using medication not prescribed by a veterinarian.
4) When taking your dog for a walk, keep it on a short leash, especially when near traffic.
5) Before acquiring/adopting a dog/cat, try as best as possible to obtain the animal from breeding establishments which have records to show that their animals have no history of deafness.
6) Simple and specialized tests can be carried out to ascertain the magnitude of the hearing loss. The veterinarian should be consulted.
7) I would advise that one approaches a proven deaf dog calmly, and with caution. This advice is especially valid if it has been established that the animal also has a vision impairment.
8) Prevent children from startling the animal, so as to minimize the risk of bite injury.
9) Lastly, keep a lookout for obvious (even not so obvious) behavioural/physical changes. Report these to your veterinarian.
