March 19

Common Skin Ailments for Senior Pets
Posted on March 19th, 2010 at 12:57 AM by banarm

The most common skin disorder of older dogs is sebaceous gland (oil glands) tumors. These are very common, but 99.99% are benign and appear as oily warts. They can be a nuisance when in large numbers on small dogs, but are not life threatening. Surgical removal is usually recommended when they occur on the parts of the body where they interfere with function or might be traumatized enough to bleed as the lips, ears, around the eyes, between the toes, or any that the pet begin to lick or scratch excessively.

“Black Skin” Diseases is mentioned repeatedly on the Internet and in lay articles. Actually there is no such singular thing as “Black Skin” Disease. The black skin is a sign frequently seen in many skin disorders that result in hyperpigmentation (blackening) of the skin. The black pigment is melanin which is produced more rapidly and deposited in the skin in almost all of the hormonal disorders in dogs and in many other skin disorders that cause hair loss. As everyone knows, excess exposure to sunlight can cause one to tan. This is due to increased melanin being stimulated to protect the skin.

Cushing’s Disease (CD) is commonly seen in older dogs and rarely in cats. CD is a result of over production of cortisone by the adrenal gland(s) of the body. A certain amount of cortisone is necessary for life but excess levels are deleterious. Cortisone production actually regulates our daily cycle. In most people and animals, cortisone production by the adrenal glands which are situated immediately above the kidneys, begins each morning a couple of hours before we normally awaken and serves as our trigger that it is time to get up. Cortisone production continues until it peaks between 10:00 AM and noon, then declines all day until it reach’s a level whereby we become sleepy and go to bed. This cycle starts back the next morning.

Outdoor cats usually have a reversal of this cycle which makes them more nocturnal. CD causes the skin to become very thin and friable, especially in the cat. There is hair loss mostly over the truncal areas with the head and neck hair being spared. The hair that is lost is primarily the guard hairs and not all of the undercoat leaving a wooly texture. Untreated the undercoat is then lost and the skin hyperpigmentates excessively leaving a blackened skin.

Additionally, the excess cortisone causes marked muscle atrophy and increased fat deposition. This leaves the dogs looking very weak and pot-bellied. Left untreated they will later become diabetics. Although a serious disease, it can be diagnosed by multiple measurements of cortisone levels after giving a drug that blocks cortisone and then later a drug that stimulates cortisone production and can be treated successfully by your veterinarian. CD diagnosis and treatment is difficult and some veterinarians refer these cases to a specialist. Once treatment is instituted, the hair regrows and the black pigment resolves. Treatment is necessary for the rest of the dog’s life.

Hypothyroidism (low thyroid production) is more common than CD in dogs. It results mostly from the immune system of the dog building up antibodies against the thyroid tissue and rejecting it. Since the thyroid hormone is the hormone that regulates all the metabolism of the body, hypothyroidism can cause any sign or symptom in the book! Probably 50% will affect the skin and causes truncal hair loss and hyperpigmentation. Once diagnosed it is easily treated by daily replacement of thyroid hormone. Upon treatment the hair will re grow and the black pigment will resolve. Again, treatment is a lifetime commitment for dog and owner.

Hyperestrogenism (excess female hormone production) is less common now due to the increased importance put on spaying and neutering dogs. In female dogs it is caused by cystic ovarian follicles with a concurrent increase in estrogen production. In male dogs it is seen in testicular tumors of the (Sertoli Cells), estrogen production cells of the testicles. In both male and female dogs, the result in a bilaterally symmetrical hair loss with hyperpigmentation of the skin. Treatment is by spaying or neutering. Hair regrown and depigmentation follow.

Allergic skin disorders also cause a symmetrical hair loss and hyperpigmentation. The most common and severe allergic skin disease is Atopic Dermatitis. Atopic Dermatitis results from the genetic predisposition of dogs to develop allergies to all kinds of pollens, grasses, trees, household dust, dust mites etc and then their subsequent exposure. These are called allergens as they have the specific ability to stimulate allergy cells to secrete products that cause intense itching, chewing, gnawing, licking, etc., in animals that are genetically prone to allergies. In many cases this can also include certain foods and very often the saliva of flea bites.

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March 10

Taking Care of Senior Pets
Posted on March 10th, 2010 at 6:31 PM by banarm
Category: General






Pets are living longer and healthier lives. As your pet ages, you will need to watch for changes that may indicate disease or require adjustments to your pet’s care.

Change It Up

You may need to make some accommodations in your pet’s routine, such as keeping your dog indoors and providing a safe, warm bed. An older cat may need access to several litterboxes. If you have other pets, make sure they do not prevent your older pet from getting food or water.

Watch What They Eat

As your pet’s activity level declines, you may need to change the diet and feeding routine to avoid unhealthy weight gain. Diets with less protein and fewer calories are usually recommended for older dogs and cats. Your veterinarian can advise you on a good diet for your senior pet.

Keep ‘Em Clean

Frequent grooming can help prevent certain skin conditions and also allows you to inspect your pet.  Keeping nails short allows your pet to walk more comfortably, especially if any arthritis is present.

Take Note of Behavioural Changes

It is important to keep a close watch on your pet’s general attitude, appetite, thirst, and elimination habits, and report any changes to your vet. Your vet should be contacted immediately of any signs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, etc, that cause your pet distress, especially if they appear suddenly.

Monitor Their Water Intake

Chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney and liver disease are common in older pets and can affect the amount of water your pet drinks. Plenty of fresh water should be available at all times. Again, monitor your pet’s intake, and notify your veterinarian of any changes.

Don’t Forget the Check Up

Many vets recommend checkups for senior pets every 6 months. Senior care programs are designed to detect common diseases of older pets as soon as possible. Starting a treatment and management program for a chronic disease is much more effective while the disease is in the early stages and can add years to your pet’s life.

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