What Is It: As kidneys become damaged, they lose their ability to filter toxins, and waste products accumulate in the blood, causing intoxication. All senior pets have some degree of kidney insufficiency. In serious conditions, such as Chronic Renal Failure (CRF), the kidneys lose over 90 percent of their filtering abilities. CRF is a terminal illness affecting almost 25 percent of older pets. If discovered in the early stages, it can be managed with somehow satisfactory results.
Symptoms: Increase in drinking and urination, weight loss, lethargy, vomiting
Treatment: Subcutaneous fluids (IV in acute cases) are a common therapy to keep the animals hydrated and help their bodies flush accumulated toxins. Antibiotics are used regularly, as infections and bacteria of the urinary track are common in pets with kidney disease. Iron supplements are used in cases of accompanying anemia. Kidney disease causes the body to work harder, raising blood pressure. Many cats require ACE inhibitors to help lower their blood pressure.
Skin
What Is It: Sores are common in pets that have lost some mobility and may be a sign of arthritis, where the pet refuses to move due to pain. Skin tumors such as malignant melanoma are rare in dogs but they do occur; they are more frequent in cats. Tumors more frequently show up as lumps that are not noticeable until they're large enough to be visible. Lipomas are a common type of non-invasive tumor among overweight pets.
Symptoms: Sores, unkempt coat, lumps or abnormalities in the skin.
Treatment: Padded mats or orthopedic beds are recommended for older pets to ease any pain and discomfort. In the case of a lump, a biopsy and fine-needle aspiration is always recommended to rule out mast cell tumors, the deadliest skin cancer in dogs. Surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor.