K-State veterinarian says owners need to monitor health of older pets

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Source: Dr. William Fortney, 785-532-4605, wfortney@k-state.edu
http://www.mediarelations.k-state.edu/WEB/News/MediaGuide/fortneybio.html
News release prepared by: Jennifer Newberry, 785-532-6415

Tuesday, August 2, 2005

K-STATE VET SAYS OWNERS NEED TO MONITOR HEALTH OF OLDER PETS CLOSELY

MANHATTAN -- When beloved pets reach older ages, their owners need to become a bit more active as health care providers than when the pets were younger. That's the word from Kansas State University veterinarian Dr. William Fortney, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine/pathobiology.

"You have to be more observant and pay more attention to a dog's behavior, attitude, appetite and bowel movements than when the dog was younger," Fortney said. "As pets get older, the more likely there are to be serious diseases."

Fortney said the earlier detection occurs, the better chance the owner and veterinarian have in managing and controlling a disease, as well as postponing the inevitable -- death. For example, the sooner a cat is diagnosed as diabetic, the sooner the cat can be put on proper food and insulin.

"There's a point in time we can do nothing," he said. "But if the owner is making good observations and sees something out of the ordinary, they should report it to their vet."

Besides being closely observed, elderly pets should visit their veterinarian at least once a year to have a thorough physical exam and lab tests.

"Unfortunately, you can't always look at the outside of a dog or cat and tell what's going on inside," Fortney said. "The earlier we detect a problem, the better chance we have of getting it under control."

Those messages, and more, are in "The Veterinary Clinics of North America's Geriatrics Edition." Fortney edited the scientific book and also contributed a chapter. The book, published May 2005, is a compilation of articles by a number of experts in one place.

Older dogs and cats have a variety of illnesses, just like older people, Fortney said. The book covers a variety of common behavioral problems and treatment options, as well as new treatment drugs for diseases.

Fortney joined the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1977. His expertise includes pet allergies, seasonal pet care tips, pet training, senior pet health, hip dysplasia and dog back problems.