Chronic Diseases in Pets

Written By Tracy Wong

Starting from age 8, it's important to watch for chronic illnesses in pets (such as arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes).

With proactive management, we can still help them lead fulfilling lives!

Chronic Disease Management:

Regular Monitoring

• Blood tests every 3-6 months to track values
• Keep a home diary of "appetite/energy/urination/bowel movements."
• Monitor weight changes
• Track sleep-time breathing rate (for heart disease)

Treatment

Arthritis:

  • Weight control + joint supplements (e.g., glucosamine, chondroitin) + oral pain relief

Heart Disease:

  • Oral heart medication + prescription heart diet (low-sodium) + heart supplement

Kidney Disease:

  • Oral kidney medication + prescription kidney diet (low-protein, low-phosphorus) + subcutaneous fluid therapy + kidney supplements

Diabetes:

  • Insulin + prescription diabetic diet (low-carbohydrate)

Lifestyle Optimization to improve arthritis

• Weight management
• Small, frequent meals
• Non-slip mats

Tracy Wong
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Mitral Valve Disease