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Cardiopulmonary disease in the geriatric dog and cat
M S Miller1, L P Tilley, F W Smith
1Cardiopet Inc., Roslyn, New York.
Insights
Cardiopulmonary disease is common in aging dogs and cats, affecting their hearts and lungs. Treating these conditions is challenging due to age-related changes in how pets process medications.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Geriatric Animal Health
- Cardiopulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Cardiopulmonary disease incidence rises with age in companion animals.
- Geriatric dogs commonly present with degenerative valvular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and arrhythmias.
- Geriatric cats frequently develop chronic bronchial disease, pulmonary neoplasia, and arrhythmias.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the prevalence of cardiopulmonary diseases in aging dogs and cats.
- To underscore the systemic nature of diseases manifesting in cardiopulmonary systems.
- To identify challenges in medical management of geriatric animals with cardiopulmonary conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of common geriatric cardiopulmonary diseases in dogs and cats.
- Analysis of systemic disease manifestations.
- Consideration of pharmacokinetic alterations in aged animals.
Main Results:
- Specific common conditions identified for geriatric dogs (valvular disease, COPD, arrhythmias) and cats (bronchial disease, neoplasia, arrhythmias).
- Systemic diseases frequently impact cardiopulmonary function in both species.
- Altered drug absorption, metabolism, and elimination complicate treatment in older animals.
Conclusions:
- Cardiopulmonary diseases are a significant concern in aging dogs and cats.
- Effective medical management requires addressing age-related physiological changes and drug pharmacokinetics.
- Further research into geriatric pharmacotherapy is warranted.
Abstract:
The incidence of cardiopulmonary disease increases with age. Degenerative valvular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and arrhythmias are common in the geriatric dog. Chronic bronchial disease, pulmonary neoplasia, and arrhythmias occur in the geriatric cat. Systemic diseases in both species often show cardiopulmonary manifestations. Medical management to treat the underlying disease and to control clinical signs is complicated by altered absorption, metabolism, and elimination of drugs.