Learn to Spot the Subtle Signs of Illness
Published on July 13, 2012
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This is not so for metabolic disease. While the skin is one organ you can see functioning (at least the top layer, anyway), inside of your pet (and all of us as well) is an astonishingly beautiful, intricate and complicated system that works together to bring in fuel, turn it into usable forms and eliminate what can’t be used, over and over with every breath and every heartbeat. Awake or asleep, at rest or on the run, the body is always working. And when things start to malfunction, it’s not always obvious.
The Sometimes-Subtle Signs of Disease
While the symptoms of metabolic disease may be subtle, they’re there if you keep your eyes open for changes. While a definitive diagnosis (not to mention a treatment plan) for these health issues will require a visit to your veterinarian, the first line of defense is always you. Many metabolic diseases can be treated, or at least managed, and the sooner they’re caught the better it will be for your pet — and sometimes your bank balance.Check in with your veterinarian when you observe any of the following symptoms. And listen to your gut when it comes to the “Ain’t Doing Right” pet as well. Many times that vague sense that something is wrong will be absolutely right.
Weight changes: While a pound up or down may not seem like much to us, to a 9-pound cat, it’s a lot. Same for a small dog. Take your pet’s weight every month or so; stand on the scale to get your weight, then stand on the scale with your pet and record the difference. For large dogs, I assure you that most veterinarians would be delighted to have you drop by and use their scale — many practices have them right by the reception desk. Any weight loss or gain that you can’t account for should be checked out. All dramatic weight shifts must be.
Changes in activity levels: When an older cat suddenly starts being more active — sometimes dramatically so — owners are often delighted. Veterinarians know better: When an older cat starts zooming, it could be time to test the thyroid. That’s one example, but there are others: When a pet’s activity level changes — up or down — your veterinarian needs to know about it.
Changes in appetite, drinking and elimination: Leaving out an always-open buffet for pets isn’t a good idea for keeping weight at a normal level, but it’s also not recommended for another reason: You can’t tell when pets are eating more — or less. And while your pet should always have access to unlimited amounts of cool, fresh water, be aware of how often you’re filling the bowl, and get a feel for what’s normal so you know what’s not. And keep an eye on the other end as well. Be aware of your pet’s waste products, specifically volume of urine as well as consistency, color and even smell of stools.
Thermo-regulation: Dogs and cats are generally able to make themselves comfortable within a fairly wide range of temperatures. But when you see that your pet doesn’t seem able to do that — always cold or always hot — that’s a matter of concern.
Skin and coat condition: And here we are, back to skin problems. Some of those skin problems could be a result of metabolic issues. Patterned hair loss, changes to the texture of the skin and other issues need to be discussed with your veterinarian.
Be Observant
Get into the habit of really looking at your pet and knowing what’s normal. It does take a little learning because many changes are hard to notice when you see a pet (or a person) every day. But train your powers of observation and use them. For some people, it helps to keep a journal, jotting down some basic observations (weight, etc.) to spot changes that are slow in developing.As always, talk about your observations and concerns with your veterinarian. Better to have something checked out and addressed than to let it go on and put your pet’s long-term health at risk.
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